Glass mat: what is it?

The glass mat is a composite material serving as reinforcement fibrous. It is made of glass filaments non-woven, discontinuously arranged. The glass fibers are the same length and form a kind of mat on which a powder or binder emulsion (polyvinyl acetates) is screened. After drying, it becomes a ready-to-use roll presented in different shapes and weights (from 100 g / m2 to 450 g / m2).

There are two forms of glass mat: the surface mat (100 to 200 gr / m2), the reinforcement mat (300 gr to 900 gr / m2).

The glass mat is in the form of a roll, which is cut to make strips. The strips will then be superimposed on top of each other, on several layers, until the desired thickness is obtained.

What is the glass mat used for?

This fiberglass material serves as a support for the polyester laminate. But it can be in the form of a light veil, thin like a mosquito net. For its waterproofing and resistance to corrosion, it is used in shipbuilding for boat hulls (sailboat, kayak). It can also be used for a garden pond, the recommended minimum weight is then 300 g / m2. This surface will be covered with resin a posteriori.

Finally, the glass mat is used mainly in the swimming pool construction. It gives mechanical resistance to the polyester coating of swimming pool boxes, and contributes to its waterproofing. Glass mat is used for swimming pools because it has the advantage of being resistant and at the same time it presents a certain elasticity. Thus, in the event of impact on the shell of the pool, there will be no risk of cracks in the coating.