If you’re setting up a grow room, improving a commercial kitchen, or working in an agricultural space, you might be interested in installing TrussCore panels. But what exactly are these panels and why are they so advantageous?
The Basics of TrussCore Panels
TrussCore panels are panels designed for walls and ceilings, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They’ve been manufactured and distributed since 1872 and have gradually improved in design and performance over the years. Hygienic, durable, and easy to maintain, these panels are ideal for creating and maintaining pristine environments where they matter most.
The Advantages of TrussCore Panels
Let’s take a look at some of the best advantages of TrussCore panels:
- Size and flexibility. You can pick up TrussCore panels in a variety of standard sizes, including 16” widths and lengths of 10’, 16’, and 20’. But if your project doesn’t align with these measurements specifically, don’t worry; you can easily trim your TrussCore panels to size. PVC is an easy material to cut, so even an amateur DIYer should have no trouble getting their panels to the perfect size.
- Antimicrobial properties. PVC-based TrussCore panels also have some built-in antimicrobial properties. These panels are chemical resistant and are practically impermeable to dirt, moisture, animal waste, and most other materials. This makes it much harder for microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to propagate, ultimately leading to cleaner and more hygienic environments. Unlike plywood and other commonly used building materials, TrussCore panels aren’t susceptible to the growth of mold; this makes them ideal for facilities where cleanliness is a must (such as hospitals, laboratories, and food processing plants).
- Fire resistance. TrussCore panels are also engineered to be fire resistant. Wall and ceiling boards have earned a Class A fire rating under the ASTM E84-18 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Materials. The panels have a flame spread index of 15 (on a scale of 0 to 100) and a smoke developed index of 450. While these panels aren’t completely fireproof, they do meet high resistance standards and can help prevent the spread of fire in your facility (or at least mitigate the damage done by the fire).
- Sustainability. If you’re concerned about the environment, you should know that TrussCore panels are also sustainable materials. Like with most thermoplastic materials, TrussCore products can be easily recycled; after being broken down, the PVC sheets are shredded into tiny pieces. From there, recyclers filter out potential impurities until only pure PVC is left. After that, the microplastics can be melted down and recombined to make new PVC sheets, requiring little to no new material to be added. Since the lifespan of PVC is 140 years and this type of plastic can be recycled up to 7 times, this makes the product environmentally friendly.
- Color, image, and lighting. After installing your TrussCore panels, you’ll add a clean, bright, white aesthetic to the room. This is perfect for creating the image of a sterile environment, which is vital if you want to make a good impression on people entering your business; for example, restaurants and food processing plants can instantly look cleaner with bright white walls and ceilings. Additionally, TrussCore panels are guaranteed to never change color; they’re resistant to UV light and other forms of weathering, allowing them to preserve their image indefinitely.
- Hygiene. PVC panels are incredibly easy to clean due to the properties of this plastic. Panels can be cleaned with the aid of a power washer, with bleach, or with the classic combination of soap and water. Panels have a non-porous and smooth finish, making it capable of easily repelling and draining water – without holding onto any moisture. If you have a facility in need of frequent cleaning, these panels are ideal.
- Toxicity and safety. As long as you’re working in a facility that has adequate ventilation and normal working conditions, these panels are completely safe. Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) limits should never be exceeded.
- Cost. Finally, TrussCore panels are inexpensive compared to other solutions. The materials themselves are inexpensive, allowing you to buy more sheeting for less money, and because they’re so easy to work with, labor tends to be reasonable as well. On top of that, the long lifespan and reliable durability of TrussCore panels means you’re probably never going to need to replace, repaint, or refinish them. It’s a perfect long-term investment for your facility.
TrussCore panels aren’t right for every business or every building. But if you have a room that needs to remain as hygienic and easy to clean as possible, they’re some of the best materials you can buy. Since they’re inexpensive, easy to work with, and capable of lasting decades with minimal care, you’d be hard-pressed to find a superior material for these needs.