Introduction

In the construction of food plants, supermarkets, cold stores, and other hygienic environments, selecting the right wall material is crucial. The ideal solution must be cost-effective, durable, hygienic, and easy to install. While stainless steel has traditionally been favored in such spaces, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites is quickly emerging as a superior choice. This article will compare these two materials, demonstrating how Glasbord® with Surfaseal® not only meets but exceeds the demands of industries where hygiene and durability are critical.

Cost-Effectiveness: Glasbord® with Surfaseal® Outshines Stainless Steel

When it comes to construction, cost is often a deciding factor. Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites offers significant savings over stainless steel, both in terms of upfront expenses and long-term investment.

The initial material cost of stainless steel is notably higher than that of Glasbord® with Surfaseal®. For large-scale projects like food plants or cold stores, this cost difference can be substantial. Stainless steel is not only expensive per square foot, but it also requires a more labor-intensive installation process, which further drives up costs. The weight of stainless steel necessitates additional manpower and specialized tools, translating into longer installation times and higher labor fees.

In contrast, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® offers a cost-effective alternative. The panels are lightweight and easier to handle, requiring fewer labor hours for installation. Additionally, the innovative Hygibreak® peel-and-stick system drastically reduces installation time. Contractors can quickly apply the panels to walls without the need for complex mounting hardware or additional support, leading to substantial labor cost savings.

Beyond the savings in installation, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® also offers long-term cost benefits. Its durability and resistance to corrosion ensure that it lasts for decades with minimal maintenance, unlike stainless steel, which may require costly repairs or replacements in harsh environments.

Easy Installation and Flexibility with Glasbord® with Surfaseal®

Another key advantage of Glasbord® with Surfaseal® is its ease of installation and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for contractors working in hygienic environments like food plants and supermarkets.

Thanks to the Hygibreak® peel-and-stick system, installation is incredibly straightforward. This innovative solution allows contractors to apply Glasbord® with Surfaseal® panels quickly, without the need for screws, adhesives, or specialized tools. This not only speeds up the installation process but also significantly reduces labor costs. Contractors can complete projects faster and with less hassle, giving them a competitive edge.

Additionally, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® panels can be produced in custom lengths to cover entire walls without the need for horizontal joints. This eliminates potential problem areas where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic environment. The seamless surface also simplifies maintenance and cleaning, making it ideal for spaces that require strict food hygiene standards.

On the other hand, stainless steel presents numerous challenges during installation. Its heavier weight requires additional manpower and equipment, slowing down the process. Moreover, stainless steel sheets often come in smaller sizes, necessitating more horizontal joints. These joints not only complicate installation but also increase the risk of contamination, making stainless steel a less practical choice for environments that prioritize cleanliness.

Durability and Long-Term Performance

When it comes to long-term performance in environments like food plants, supermarkets, and cold stores, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites sets itself apart as a highly durable and resilient material. Designed to withstand the rigorous demands of these high-traffic and moisture-prone environments, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® offers unmatched longevity compared to stainless steel.

One of the standout features of Glasbord® with Surfaseal® is its non-corrosive surface. Even in environments where moisture, chemicals, and biological agents are present, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® remains unaffected. This corrosion resistance makes it an ideal material for cold storage areas, food plants, and other spaces where harsh cleaning agents and varying temperatures are the norm. Its Surfaseal® finish adds an extra layer of protection, making the surface scratch-resistant and highly resistant to staining.

Stainless steel, while known for its durability, is not entirely immune to corrosion—especially in environments where salts, chlorine, and other harsh chemicals are prevalent. Over time, exposure to these substances can lead to pitting, rust, or even structural degradation in stainless steel. This is particularly problematic in food processing plants where hygiene and structural integrity are paramount. Stainless steel may require regular maintenance and potential replacements, leading to increased costs over time.

In contrast, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® maintains its integrity for decades with minimal upkeep. Its chemical and biological resistance ensures that the material remains impervious to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making it a safer and more reliable option for hygienic environments. Additionally, Glasbord® panels are designed to withstand impacts, preventing damage in high-traffic areas where carts, machinery, and personnel are constantly in motion.

For contractors, interior designers, and food plant specialists, choosing Glasbord® with Surfaseal® means investing in a material that provides long-term peace of mind. With its superior durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to maintain a hygienic surface, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® offers an advantage that stainless steel simply cannot match.

Hygienic Benefits: Ideal for Food Hygiene

In industries where hygiene is non-negotiable, such as food plants, supermarkets, and cold storage facilities, the choice of wall material plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and safety. Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites is specifically engineered to meet and exceed the stringent hygiene requirements of these environments, making it a superior choice compared to stainless steel.

Glasbord® with Surfaseal® offers a non-porous surface that is exceptionally easy to clean and maintain. The Surfaseal® finish creates a barrier that prevents bacteria, mold, and mildew from taking hold, ensuring that the walls remain hygienic over time. This is particularly important in food processing areas, where contaminants can compromise both the product and the safety of the facility. Regular cleaning is effortless, as the smooth surface does not trap dirt, grime, or bacteria, unlike materials with rougher textures or multiple joints.

In comparison, stainless steel, while also hygienic, poses certain challenges in maintaining cleanliness. The small sheet sizes typical of stainless steel installations result in more horizontal joints, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. These joints require meticulous cleaning to prevent contamination, adding to the maintenance burden. Moreover, stainless steel is prone to scratching, which can create micro-abrasions that harbor bacteria, further complicating hygiene efforts.

Glasbord® with Surfaseal® eliminates these issues with its seamless application, especially when using the custom-length panels that eliminate horizontal joints entirely. This not only reduces the risk of contamination but also simplifies the cleaning process, making it easier to comply with strict hygiene standards. In environments like food plants, where even the smallest lapse in cleanliness can lead to serious consequences, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® provides an added layer of security.

For interior designers and contractors focused on creating spaces that prioritize hygiene, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® is the ideal solution. Its ability to maintain a clean, sanitary surface with minimal effort makes it the best choice for facilities where food hygiene is of utmost importance.

Customization and Versatility

One of the key advantages of Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites is its exceptional customization and versatility, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, particularly in environments where hygiene and efficiency are paramount.

Glasbord® with Surfaseal® can be manufactured to custom lengths, allowing it to cover entire walls seamlessly, without the need for horizontal joints. This capability is a game-changer in industries like food processing and cold storage, where the elimination of joints not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also significantly reduces the potential for contamination. By providing a smooth, uninterrupted surface, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® panels ensure that cleaning is easier and more effective, thus maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is typically limited to smaller sheet sizes, necessitating more joints and seams during installation. These joints not only complicate the installation process but also introduce weak points that can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other contaminants. The limited flexibility of stainless steel in terms of size and shape can make it challenging to achieve a truly seamless finish, particularly in large or uniquely shaped spaces.

In addition to its size flexibility, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® offers a range of colors and finishes that allow interior designers and contractors to tailor the material to the specific needs and aesthetics of each project. Whether you’re designing a sleek, modern supermarket or a functional, sanitary food processing plant, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® can be adapted to suit your vision without compromising on performance.

This versatility extends to its applications as well. Glasbord® with Surfaseal® is suitable for walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in a variety of environments, providing a consistent and high-quality finish throughout the entire facility. Its lightweight nature also makes it easier to transport and install, further enhancing its practicality for large-scale projects.

For contractors and designers who value both form and function, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites offers the perfect balance. Its ability to be customized to fit any space, combined with its superior hygienic properties, makes it the optimal choice over stainless steel in virtually every aspect.

Conclusion: Why Glasbord® with Surfaseal® is the Superior Choice

In conclusion, when comparing Glasbord® with Surfaseal® by Crane Composites with stainless steel, the advantages of Glasbord® are clear. From its cost-effectiveness and easy installation to its durability, hygienic benefits, and unparalleled customization options, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® stands out as the superior material for construction projects in food plants, supermarkets, cold stores, and other environments where hygiene and performance are crucial.

For contractors, interior designers, and food plant specialists looking to make the best choice for their next project, Glasbord® with Surfaseal® offers a solution that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Consider Glasbord® with Surfaseal® for your next build, and experience the benefits of a material designed with your needs in mind.