Fireplace Mantels

GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)

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What is GFRC? GFRC was first developed in Russia in the 1940's. By the mid 1960's, the product was being studied extensively throughout Europe and by 1974, GFRC was being used regularly inside the US. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete combines the use of cement, thin strands of fiber glass, color pigments, and aggregate (texture) to make up this product. It can be applied to a pre-made mold by pouring, spraying, or hand-applying the mixture. It is an approved and highly recommended product for many purposes that is used not only for detailing and replication of smaller building components, but is also used by engineers and architects for its strength and durability on building exterior finishes.

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Andvantages: GFRC products weight much less than concrete, cutting down about 80-90% of the weight of concrete or stone. The product can be produced in much thinner sections, but still have the strength that a steel reinforced concrete piece may have. The fiberglass in the mixture gives products the flexibility tensile strength that is lacking in general concrete or the stone casting. GFRC is essentially unlimited in what shapes and forms it will take, as well as in the textures and colors it can have. The same qualities that architectural concrete, sandstone, limestone, terra-cotta, etc. have, can very easily be achieved by using GFRC. This method provides for a much more simplified and quicker transportation and installation process. Many GFRC casts can be easily manipulated and adjusted on site to assure a perfect fit, depending on the design and finish type on the piece.

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Applications: GFRC can be used for many different reasons. It may be chosen for a building exterior finish because of its impact-resistant and fire-proofing qualities. The workability of GFRC allows it to be used as a replication material where the texture and color can be matched to an existing condition and replace any missing or damaged portions whether it be stone, terra-cotta, concrete, and many more finishes. GFRC, by its nature is a casting material and can be applied to any existing mold, or to create a completely new design. Window trim, interior ceiling trim and baseboards, fireplace mantels, columns, pilasters, balustrades, are just some of the detailing  that can be done for a home or building that is completely made of this product. GFRC can be used for simple designs, such as a flat panel applied to a wall, or as intricate as applying a highly detailed landscape pattern to a fireplace mantel. The possibilities with GFRC are endless.