Composite Plastic Lumber

Each potential project has several prerequisites including selecting the best construction material for the job. All factors must be weighed appropriately including lifecycle considerations, maintenance costs and susceptibility of the installation to environmental damage. This section of the website discusses why ACT composite timbers should be one of the construction materials considered during the specification phase of a project.

The key element to ACT Composite Plastic Lumber is its composite construction. In simplistic terms, a composite is defined as the combining of two distinct materials in such a way that neither material completely merges with the other and the combination creates a system that provides benefits like improved strength, dimensional stability, and superior durability. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are defined as the incorporation of a reinforcement (such as fiberglass) into a polymer (plastic) matrix such that the reinforcement offers a discernible reinforcing function in one or more directions. ACT Composite Plastic Lumber is manufactured using FRP composite technology that combine all of the inherent benefits of plastic for long-term durability with reinforcements that provide strength characteristics common to wood. "Composite" building construction is not a new concept. For thousands of years, civilizations throughout the world have used basic elements of their surrounding environment in the fabrication of dwellings. For instance, "bricks" were made from mud and straw with the mud acting much like the resin in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite construction and the straw acting as reinforcement to hold the brick together during the drying (and shrinkage) process of the brick. What FRP composites can "bring to the table" is a versatile material system that can be formulated to be nearly impervious to all environmental factors while also being environmentally-friendly. Advantages of using ACT Composite Plastic Lumber for your installation include:

Ultimately, the decision to specify FRP composites often comes down to cost. The fact is that FRP composites generally have a higher product cost than other alternative construction materials (although the marginal difference may surprise you). There is however, more to capturing a successful picture of a composite product cost than on a first-cost basis. The real cost of an installation is defined as the total cost of everything associated with its erection such as the initial cost of the construction material, installation costs, maintenance of the structure and the timing for its eventual replacement. In general, FRP composite products are superior in a life-cycle comparison to traditional materials for most applications. We'll be happy to assist you in providing a life-cycle analysis of your proposed installation. Click here to start the process.

In order to appreciate the overall concept of FRP composites, one must understand the relationship between its constituent materials, how it is manufactured, and the operating parameters of the final composite product. The three subsections to this page offer more than just an introduction to what makes ACT Composite Plastic Lumber so versatile:

What is a Composite?

Timber Construction

Superior Durability



	Composite Plastic Lumber Weighing the Alternatives Each potential project has several prerequisites including selecting the best construction material for the job. All factors must be weighed appropriately including lifecycle considerations, maintenance costs and susceptibility of the installation to environmental damage. This section of the website discusses why ACT composite timbers should be one of the construction materials considered during the specification phase of a project. The key element to ACT Composite Plastic Lumber is its composite construction. In simplistic terms, a composite is defined as the combining of two distinct materials in such a way that neither material completely merges with the other and the combination creates a system that provides benefits like improved strength, dimensional stability, and superior durability. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are defined as the incorporation of a reinforcement (such as fiberglass) into a polymer (plastic) matrix such that the reinforcement offers a discernible reinforcing function in one or more directions. ACT Composite Plastic Lumber is manufactured using FRP composite technology that combine all of the inherent benefits of plastic for long-term durability with reinforcements that provide strength characteristics common to wood. "Composite" building construction is not a new concept. For thousands of years, civilizations throughout the world have used basic elements of their surrounding environment in the fabrication of dwellings. For instance, "bricks" were made from mud and straw with the mud acting much like the resin in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite construction and the straw acting as reinforcement to hold the brick together during the drying (and shrinkage) process of the brick. What FRP composites can "bring to the table" is a versatile material system that can be formulated to be nearly impervious to all environmental factors while also being environmentally-friendly. Advantages of using ACT Composite Plastic Lumber for your installation include: The erection of a superior structure that has higher tensile strength and impact resistance over unreinforced plastic, it is as easy to install as other materials, and has superior durability over treated wood Increased service-life of structure over treated wood installations Reduced maintenance costs due to its inherent resistance to: Environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays and salt/fresh water exposure Corrosive agents such as de-icing salts and petroleum Wood-boring insects such as marine borers and termites Moisture - ACT Composite Plastic Lumber is virtually moisture resistant so they do not rot, splinter or decompose, will never need waterproofing and can actually float if needed. Reduced maintenance costs as the structure retains its colorfast appearance and never needs sealing or painting ACT offers the design professional and project owner the assurance that they made the right choice for the environment. Unlike treated lumber, ACT will never leach any toxic substances into the surrounding ground or water. In addition, ACT makes good use of post consumer waste, requires no special disposal and is fully recyclable. Weighing the Alternatives - The Real Cost of a Project Ultimately, the decision to specify FRP composites often comes down to cost. The fact is that FRP composites generally have a higher product cost than other alternative construction materials (although the marginal difference may surprise you). There is however, more to capturing a successful picture of a composite product cost than on a first-cost basis. The real cost of an installation is defined as the total cost of everything associated with its erection such as the initial cost of the construction material, installation costs, maintenance of the structure and the timing for its eventual replacement. In general, FRP composite products are superior in a life-cycle comparison to traditional materials for most applications. We'll be happy to assist you in providing a life-cycle analysis of your proposed installation. Click here to start the process. Want to know more? In order to appreciate the overall concept of FRP composites, one must understand the relationship between its constituent materials, how it is manufactured, and the operating parameters of the final composite product. The three subsections to this page offer more than just an introduction to what makes ACT Composite Plastic Lumber so versatile: What is a Composite? is a primer for those who may be unfamiliar with FRP composites, its unique terminology and how it is ideal for construction applications. Timber Construction details how an ACT Composite Timber is manufactured and how that construction positively affects its overall performance. Superior Durability will highlight the long-term performance aspect of composites using a 10-year old installation of composite lumber installation in a Texas saltwater wetland.
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