General Fibreglass FAQ's
Q: Is the CYB Roofing system BBA accredited?
A: At this stage our roofing system is not BBA accredited. The cost to have such accreditation is huge and owing to the current financial climate we are trying to keep our raw material cost down so that our end user can benefit. We have had a number of meetings with the BBA and will certainly look at the accreditation in the future. CYB Ltd have been in the Glassfibre Industry for over 40 years, initially manufacturing 100s of small cruisers (Jaguar Yachts). This experience gives our company the added advantage of stored knowledge regarding the uses and advantages of using Glassfibre within the roofing industry.
Q: My architect has recommended that I use GRP for my flat roof but hasn't specified what materials to use. What do I do regarding building regs?
A: Many architects are recommending the use of Glass Fibre (aka GRP) on roofs of today to eliminate the use of heat applied products. We are happy to help with any planning applications to ensure that the correct materials are used as per the building regs (some areas insist that fire retardant resins are used but others don?t). All of our materials are of the highest, Lloyds approved standard. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices to discuss your project.
Q: What is the life expectancy of a GRP roof?
A: The life expectancy of a GRP roof (if applied properly) is over 25 years. We still have yachts in the water that we built over 30 years ago, you can visit the website http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/westgatefamily/default.htm The Current Director of CYB LTD (Eric Birch) built every size Jaguar on this site except the Jaguar 27. They have been manufactured by another builder since 1996. Our suggested application of materials for your GRP is based around the manufacture of these boats.
Q: If I put the mat onto sheet mild steel and coat it with resin etc. would it adhere strong enough to be thrown around violently and subjected to impact blows i.e. sledge hammer/pick axe strength without coming loose?
A: The only way to get any reasonable adhesion to a metal product is to sandblast the surface first. This does not guarantee a 100% adhesion with either polyester or epoxy resins when put under extreme pressure.
Q: I am a sculptor and am in the process of building a statue. I want to finish the structure with a coloured cement and wonder if I can use and can you supply? short cut, maybe 10mm glass fibres to give the cement a greater resilience and ease of application. I have seen short fibres used in screed floors to creat effect.
A: Many thanks for your enquiry, yes we do have fibres ready available. The fibres we recommend for your project are 6mm, see our price list for details.
Q: I've just purchased a Renault Espace which the rear door has pulled away from it's fixing. Is there a glue to repair this? and if so what?s its name?
A: I would suggest that you telephone a company called Marine and Industrial Sealants - they will most definitely advise you on an adhesive, their telephone number is: 01692 538263
Q: I'm trying to make my own GRP glider and I've had difficulties finding info on the subject. I've read "The Glass Fibre Handbook" but this has very little on the topic and if you know of any or anything similar could you tell me.
A: Sorry but all of our information leaflets and books only cover GRP in general, not specifically glider information. It would be worth you considering our GRP Training Workshops which is a totally hands-on experience, giving you the knowledge and confidence to work with Glass Fibre, Resins etc. for any project.
Q: I want to produce various cowlings for model aircraft. Is it possible to use plaster of paris to make a mould to be used with fibre glass? Would mould release agent work with plaster of paris?
A: Plaster of Paris, or standard fine plaster is fine to use for a mould: Firstly, cast and prepare the plaster to a good finish and then coat over with P.V.A. blue release agent (available from ourselves). Allow to dry. Spread silicone free polish over the P.V.A. but do not polish off. Gel coat over, then lay up in normal manner. Release from plaster and start again. If you need any further advice do not hesitate to give us a call.
Q: what is fibre glass and how is it made?
A: Fibre glass is glass in the form of straws, sprayed onto a mesh with a binder to hold it into a matting form. All fibre glass is manufactured in roughly the same way, with the exception of multi axle, or woven cloth - these are spun and stitched, or woven into a matting form.
Q: What do glass fibres used in concrete do, the benefits and disadvantages?
A: Chopped Glass Fibre Strands are sometimes used in concrete mixes to reinforce the composition.
Q: Is osmosis a problem with fibre glass?
A: Yes, osmosis is a fibre glass problem: A bad lay up results in the fibre glass strands performing a capillary action, seeping water through the laminate, the glass fibre gets wet and ends up delaminating. The only way to tackle this problem is to sand blast the area, pressure wash, then coat with 5 coats of epoxy resin.
Q: What is the best way to bond fibreglass onto steel?
A: Sand blast the steel first, then use glass fibre combined with an epoxy resin.
Q: I am looking to replicate a circular ball finial using the painted wood version from my conservatory as a pattern. As I need seven for a project in my garden I thought it may be easier to reproduce them using GRP. The finial is appoximately eight inches high and the ball is approximately three inches in diameter. I wanted to finish the finials white. Can you tell me if this is a suitable project for fibre glass/GRP and if so what materials will I need?
A: Yes, it is possible to make a GRP mould from the existing ball. It would be much easier for me to explain how to undertake this project over the telephone, please call me anytime during the day to discuss. Materials that you will need are: Silicone free wax, PVA Release agent, white gel coat, resin, 450gm glass fibre matting, buckets, brushes and acetone.
Q: I am trying to make some 3' ballustade molds but I can't get a smooth enough finish could you take me through the process of making this fibreglass mold?. PS your sight is as knowledgeable as some videos i've seen.
A: Many thanks for your enquiry, I am glad you have found the site useful. In answer to your question; Shape your M.D.F, Plaster or Polyurethane foam to the required shape. Fill all imperfections and spray with polyester primer, a few coats will be necessary. Rub back and burnish. The mould must be made in 2 halves. This is not normally a job for anyone that is inexperienced, as you will have to create a flange on the plug, from top to bottom, then mould one half, remove the flange, polish the flange that is left then mould the other half. Both plug and mould must be polished and coated with release agent before moulding. You may benefit from attending one of our GRP workshops.
Q: I am a student in Australia and for my final years major work I would like to make a carbonfibre/fibreglass/kevlar trike. I was wondering the steps that you would go through to make the body of the trike out of a composite material? The trike will have two front wheels with independent wish-bone suspension and the rear will have a single swing-arm suspension. This means that the body of the trike will need to be strong enough to hold the pivot points for the suspension plus a bottom bracket for the drive train.
A: My apologies Brett, but this is really an engineering question, sorry I can't help.
Q: What is the best adhesive to use to join fibreglass to steel?
A: The product to use would be West System Epoxy (ensure to abrade the steel first). This product is available from our factory shop.
Q: I have a racing motorcycle fairing, which I would like to replicate for use as a spare, please could you guide me through the steps of taking a mould from the original, through to laying up the duplicate. As well as letting me know what materials I would need and if you supply them.
A: Taking a mould from this sort of product is a very in depth process that could not be explained fully on paper. I would strongly suggest that you attend one of our GRP Workshops to gain hands on experience first.
Q: Can glass fibre be used as a noise proofing?
A: The glass fibre that we use for laminating cannot be used as a noise proof but you can glass fibre roof insulation material that we deaden noise to some extent. This would be available from a builders merchants.
Q: Can I use glass fibre on wood and if so how many layers would I need to put on it to give a strong finish as this will be the base for the seat on a motor cycle I am customising. Any hints would be very helpful, thankyou.
A: Yes you can use fibre glass on wood. 2 layers of 450g would be okay. The wood will offer a certain amount of strength in the first place.
Q: My glass fibre glider, painted in two-pack, had developed a rash of small blisters in the recent damp weather....how can I get rid of them??
A: Two pack paint blisters are due to the paint being applied over a damp area. Usually blisters appear when the area is in the direct sunlight. You can only sand them back and re-paint the area. If the glider is made of Epoxy resin it must be abraded with wire wool and detergent before painting.
Q: is there any way the smell can be minimised?
A: Environmental Resins are available, which contain an additive to lock in the Styrene which in turn, lowers the odour. These products are usually prefixed with an "X".
Q: What does GRP stand for?
A: GRP is an abbreviation for Glass Reinforced Plastic.
Q: I have been given an old hot tub which was very badly cracked. I have applied fiberglass to the underside of the cracks and used a grinder to backgouge the cracks in the gelcoat to the fiberglass base. I then used fiberglass resin with a composite to make a putty, and filled the ground out areas, I then sanded the areas down and applied a finishing coat of fiberglass resin and sanded that down smooth. My question deals with how to refinish the entire interior of the hottub, as the entire interior had cracks throughout. I would like to use gelcoat, and I have plenty of time to hand work the finish, however I have been told that gelcoat will not dry if exposed to air. Is there a product available for refinshing large areas of gelcoat that I can apply myself?
A: The product that you need to use is "Flow Coat", which is a gel coat with an additive that allows it to dry completely.
Q: What are the major uses of Glass Fibre in industry?
A: Glass Fibre is used in many industries, such as: Boats, Cars, Signs, Architectural replicas, Aeroplane parts, Bus Parts, Fire surrounds, Engine Covers, Water tanks, the list is endless.
Q: Hello, I'm going to make a GRP tube with a inner diameter of 60mm and a length of 7,7m. I?m thinking of vacuum bagging this over a heated (50-70 Celsius) aluminium tube and cool it afterwards. Is this the way to do it? If not please advise a better way
A: This type of question needs to be talked about in more depth, please contact us by telephone for information.
Q: Could I use fibre glass to make a fuel tank (for gasoline)?
A: There would be no problem using Fibre Glass for a gasoline tank but the gel coat and resin must be of the highest standard and the moulder who carries out the work must be experienced.
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