SDS – GFRG – GFRG Specs – GFRG Product Data

GFRG – Architectural Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum from GC Products

Glass fiber reinforced gypsum, or GFRG, is one of the most popular architectural products for custom panels, columns, trims, ceilings, and other finished castings. It is lightweight, durable, eco-friendly, and easily customizable for beautiful designs that will last for decades.

GC Products, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of architectural GFRG. Our team will take architectural concepts from design to completion for all construction projects across North America. Based in Northern California, GC Products is your premier source for custom GFRG products, with friendly service and years of proven success that make us the ideal choice for any design you’re looking to create.

For more information, or to request a quote, please call us today at 916-645-3870, or fill out our form and we’ll respond right away.

What is GFRG?

GFRG, or Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum, is one of the most effective materials for interior architectural design. It has been used in Europe for many years (under the name “GRG”), as it has advantages compared to traditional plaster casting, as well as other materials used for similar designs.

GFRG is a combination of industrial grade alpha gypsum, additives and continuous strand fiberglass. This amalgam has created a material that offers:

• Durability
• Design Flexibility
• Easy Installation
• Value Engineering

Once mixed together, GFRG can be factory molded into essentially any shape and any size. It is paintable, durable and offers endless design flexibility. Compared to plaster, cement, and most other design materials, it is far more durable and can be engineered to meet any seismic requirements. Yet it is also lightweight, which means construction teams have little problem installing it into place.

Technical Specifications of GFRG:

• Shell Thickness: 3/16”
• Impact Resistance: not less than 3.0 ft./lb.
• Weight: 1.5-2lbs/ft²
• Density: 103 to 112 pcf
• Flexural Strength: not less than 2500 psi

For a complete list of our technical specs, please contact GC Products, Inc. and we will happily answer any questions that you may have about GFRG as well as our design solutions.

What GFRG Products Do You Create?

The material is popular in a number of different settings and can essentially be used for any item required for interior architectural design. Some of the most common requests that we receive include:

• GFRG Columns – GFRG column covers can provide an attractive exterior surface for structural columns and offers a variety of shapes and designs ranging from traditional Greek and Roman style columns to modern cylindrical or square columns.
• GFRG Medallions – Medallions are a traditional architectural element for adding decoration to a ceiling, especially around the connection point for a chandelier. With GFRG, you can customize a medallion with any size, shape, and ornamentation.
• GFRG Vaults – The ability of GFRG to mold into smooth curves makes it ideal for archways and vaulted ceilings that can create impressive visual spaces in your commercial property.
• GFRG Light Coves – A light cove creates a space for recessed lighting. We can build the light coves with the precise measurements necessary to provide the correct lighting angles, diffusion, and more.
• GFRG Moldings – Mouldings and trims made from GFRG are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. GFRG crown moulding is a great way to customize your property at a cost effective price.
• GFRG Panels – GFRG panels and cladding can decorate walls. Because they are lightweight, customizable, and affordable, it provides an easy way to customize the look of an interior space.
• GFRG Ceilings – GFRG ceilings are a popular GFRG element at GC Products. We design and fabricate ceilings, including drop ceilings and decorative solutions.
• GFRG Domes – Interior GFRG domes are decorative architectural elements. With lightweight GFRG, you can install a dome in almost any property and design domes in impressive sizes.

We can even create GFRG fireplace surrounds, custom ceiling systems, and anything else that you can imagine for your architectural needs.

GFRG is also useful as a value engineering alternative. The material makes it possible to minimize or eliminate the need for complex framing, drywall, and taping. GFRG is one of the most versatile materials available, and because it is both fireproof and durable, it is an ideal choice for most architectural projects.

Order Your Custom GFRG Designs from GC Products, Inc.

GC Products is proud to create some of the highest quality GFRG products found throughout some of the most iconic buildings in North America. Our GFRG designs come at an affordable cost – all with expert quality care and the supervision of our entire engineering team.

GC Products, Inc is here to assist you at every step of the way, giving you expert guidance and perfectly crafted designs based on your unique specifications.

If you are interested in getting started or have any questions, please call us today at 916-645-3870 or fill out the form below.

GFRG FAQ – Architectural GFRG Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can GFRG Be Used Outdoors?

A: GFRG is not to be used as an exterior material. Gypsum will not hold up in wet environments. If you are in need of an exterior cast product, GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement) is a lightweight, durable product that can give you the architectural elements you are looking for. For more information on GFRC, please visit www.gcproductsinc.com.

Q: How Are GFRG Products Fabricated?

A: GC Products is a custom GFRG and GFRC manufacturer. Each column, trim or custom design is made to order. We do carry a complete line of column molds, from 8” to 48” diameter.

Outside of standard columns, GC Products has its own in-house mold fabrication department. Once the shop drawings are approved, our experienced team creates a custom mold using CNC technology +/- 1/1000” tolerances.

When the mold is complete, it heads to the production floor for manufacturing. Each piece is cast by hand using industrial grade alpha gypsum, additives and woven fiberglass mat. Layers of fiberglass and gypsums are cast, by hand, until the shape gets built to the desired strength and thickness. After curing, it is removed from the mold and patched and prepped for shipping.

Q: Is GFRG Expensive?

A: GFRG is a cost-effective option when placed against competing methods. Construction methods like full weight plaster castings, run-in-place plaster moldings and framing, drywall and finishing can be expensive and labor intensive. Pre-manufactured GFRG can save time, labor, materials and framing that make it an excellent value engineering options for most architectural designs.

Q: Do Your GFRG Products Meet ISO Standards?

A: Yes, all of our products are ISO and ASTM tested and approved.

Q: What Color is GFRG?

A: GFRG is a white gypsum color. Typical GFRG finish is equivalent to a level 4 finish and is usually painted in the field. We can factory finish your products in-house when the project dictates a prefinished product.

Q: Is GFRG Pre-Made?

A: Yes. While plaster products are almost always created at the job site, GFRG products are pre-manufactured at the factory and are usually shipped directly to the jobsite and arrive ready for installation.

Q: Does GFRG Require a Lot of Maintenance?

A: Not at all. In fact, GFRG is considered one of the lowest maintenance materials available due to its density and strength.

Q: Does GFRG Require Significant Structural Support?

A: As a lightweight material, glassfiber reinforced gypsum requires minimal structural support. Each GFRG piece is engineered to be self-supporting. Our shop drawings, custom generated for each project, will show pieces, joint details, attachment details, and all information need to ensure the installation goes smoothly and is as easy as possible for the contractor.

Q: Can GFRG Be Used for Historical Restoration?

A: GFRG is an excellent product for historical restoration. Many historical preservation committees in cities across North America recognize GFRG as an acceptable substitute for traditional plaster architectural elements. It can be used to replace/repair historical run-in-place plaster moldings seamlessly. It can also be used to replace plaster domes, groin vaults, barreled ceilings, plaster castings or architectural ceiling systems. With GFRG, the architectural possibilities are almost endless.

Q: Is GFRG Durable?

A: Although GFRG is lightweight and relatively thin, it is an extremely hard and durable material. When the project demands, it can be cast up to 7000 psi. It provides affordable strength and durability without sacrificing architectural designs.