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Fiberglass | Aluminum | Wood | |
---|---|---|---|
Corrosion Resistance | Superior weatherability and resistance to a broad range of chemicals. | Can cause galvanic corrosion. | Can warp, rot and decay from exposure to moisture, water and chemicals. Coatings or preservatives required to increase corrosion or rot resistance can create hazardous waste and/or high maintenance. |
Weight | Very lightweight - about 70% the weight of aluminum on a density basis. Specific gravity = 1.7 Pultruded fiberglass has significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to both wood and aluminum | Lightweight - about 1/3 that of copper or steel. | Specific gravity = .51 (oven dried). |
Electric Conductivity | Non-conductive - high dielectric capability. | Conducts electricity - grounding potential. | Can be conductive when it is wet. |
Thermal Conductivity | Insulates - low thermal conductivity. 0.17 BTU/h-ft-F 5.0 x 10-6 in/in/°F 100 in. sample at a temperature change of 100°F = 0.05 | Heat conductor - high thermal conductivity. Pure Aluminum – 136.9 BTU/h-ft-F Alloyed Aluminum – 92.4 BTU/h-ft-F Thermal coefficient of expansion 11-13 (IN/IN/Fo)106. | Insulates - low thermal conductivity. Pine/Spruce/Fir/Larch/Mahogany (softwoods) – 0.08 BTU/h-ft-F Oak/Maple (hardwoods) – 0.09 BTU/h-ft-F Low thermal coefficient of expansion 2.5 (IN/IN/Fo)106. |
Strength | Ultimate flexural strength (Fu) LW = 30 ksi CW = 10 ksi. Compression strength is 30,000 psi. Tensile Strength (KSI) 60.0 Modulus of Elasticity (PSI x 106) 3.0 Pultruded fiberglass has 86% of the yield strength of aluminum and, pound-for-pound's, stronger than aluminum in the lengthwise direction. Stiffness: Pultruded fiberglass is approximately 1-1/2 times as rigid as wood. Modulus of elasticity LW = 2.5 x 106 psi, CW = .8 x 106 psi. | Flexural strength (Fu) 35 ksi. | Extreme fiber bending = up to 2800 psi.* Compression parallel to grain = up to 1800 psi.* Stiffness: Modulus of elasticity = up to 1.8 x 106 psi.* Deteriorates with age |
Finishing | Special colors available. Composite design can be customized for required finishes. | Silver color. Other colors require pre-finishes, anodic coatings and paints. | Must be primed and painted for colors. To maintain color, repainting and refinishing may be required. |
Impact Resistance | Glass mat in pultruded fiberglass distributes impact load to prevent surface damage even in sub-zero temperatures. Will not permanently deform under impact. | Easily deforms under impact. | Permanently deforms or breaks under impact |
Life expectancy | 80+ years without any maintenance. | 30 to 40 years less if exposed to a corrosive environment such as coastal environments and acidic rain. | 15 to 20 years if properly maintained, sanded, sealed and refinished every year. Less if not properly maintained |