Glass reinforced plastic GRP
Glass reinforced plastic (GRP), is sometimes referred to as; glass reinforced polyester, fibreglass, glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP), fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) or fibre reinforced polymer (FRP).
It is a composite, laminate material that was first developed in the 1930s and consists of glass fibres used to reinforce a plastic, typically a polyester resin. The glass fibres can be used as ‘random’ short-chopped strands formed into a mat, or they can be gathered together into ‘rovings’ (bundled rope), or woven into a fabric.
GRP can be mass produced or built-up by hand, and after curing, forms a complex matrix of plastic and glass fibre. The composite properties of high-strength glass fibre and highly-resilient plastic, make GRP strong, lightweight and weather- and corrosion-resistant. It can also be manufactured to be fire retardant. As a result, it is suitable for a very wide range of applications such as boat building, car bodies, cabinets and helmets.
In construction, these characteristics, mean that it is easy to install, requires little supporting structure, is durable and is low maintenance. As a result, it is used to manufacture components such as:
- Architectural mouldings.
- Fascia panels.
- Tanks, planters and linings.
- Storage containers.
- Doors and door surrounds.
- Window surrounds and sills.
- Piping.
- Cladding panels.
- Roofing.
- Walkways and railings.
- Dome structures such as radomes.
- Kiosks.
- Covers.
- Signs.
It can also be used for temporary applications such as formwork.
GRP can be given a range of colours and textures, as a result of which it is commonly used to re-create the appearance of other materials (such as brickwork) but with a fraction of the weight.
GRP is a fairly brittle material, but is relatively easy to repair when damaged.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Acrylic.
- Carbon fibre.
- Cladding.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Glass fibre.
- Formwork.
- Geodesic dome.
- Glass.
- Glass reinforced concrete.
- Joined-up thinking is key to building safely.
- Laminate.
- Modular buildings.
- Off site materials.
- Plastic.
- Plastic cladding.
- Polycarbonate plastic.
- Resin.
- The development of structural membranes.
Featured articles and news
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.