Ever wonder how fiberglass panels stack up against traditional materials? What about protection against the sun? Which Tuff Span™ fiberglass panels are walkable? Below are some of the most frequent questions we receive about Enduro's Tuff Span™ fiberglass building products.
Q: Are Tuff Span™ building panels the strongest FRP material?
A: Yes, based on equal product weight comparisons.
- For higher strength and stiffness, Tuff Span™ FRP panels typically have 15-20% more reinforcing content than woven and 40% more than chopped strand materials.
- The straight, continuous, bi-directional alignment utilized in Tuff Span™ is the most efficient means for load transfer as compared to randomly dispersed chopped fibers or bent, woven fibers.
Q: Are Tuff Span™ FRP roofing panels safe for foot traffic?
A: Yes, depending on the Tuff Span™ panel selected and the span distance between supports.
- Heavier and stronger, Tuff Span™ panels such as Series 450 and 400 roofing and Tuff Span™ deck panels are safe for foot traffic.
- Enduro sales engineers should be consulted for foot traffic safety guidelines.
Q: Are Tuff Span™ translucent roof panels as strong as Tuff Span™ opaque materials?
A: Yes, for the same Tuff Span™ panel profile and series.
Q: What fire protection classifications apply to Tuff Span™?
A: Tuff Span™ panels have FM and UL Classifications for fire protection.
- FM Global Standard 4880: Tuff Span™ cladding panels have FM Class 1 rating for unlimited heights and without automatic sprinkler requirements.
- UL/ULC Flame Spread Rating: Class 1 flame spread and smoke development per ASTM E 84.
- ULC S134: Tuff Span™ FM panels have been tested and certified for this testing.
- Other fire protection testing and certifications for Tuff Span™ panels include ASTM E108, ASTM D-635, and others.
Q: Does Tuff Span™ offer better UV protection than alternative FRP materials?
A: Yes, Tuff Span™ has additional means of UV protection.
- Tuff Span™ includes an optimum amount of UV inhibitors and stabilizers within the material.
- For extended color retention, Tuff Span™ exterior cladding has a factory-applied acrylic polymer surface coating.
Q: What is the expected service life for Tuff Span™?
A: Tuff Span service life has exceeded 25 years in conditions that include hurricane winds and aggressive chemical exposure.
Q: What is the recommended deflection limit for an FRP panel?
A: Up to L/180 as the project budget allows.
- Tighter and more conservative deflection limits result in a more rigid and weather-tight structure.
- For cladding panels, L/60 is the maximum allowable deflection by the International Building Code.
Q: What does the Tuff Span™ family of FRP building products include?
A: Structural shapes, louvers, ridge vents, gutter, roof deck, fiberglass deck, form deck, flashings, and accessories, in addition to roofing and siding.
To learn more about our Tuff Span™ fiberglass building products, please download the Enduro Tuff Span Building Products Catalog or contact your rep.
