Customers entering pet care facilities, such as dog daycare, dog grooming, and Veterinary hospitals, usually notice the bright colours of painted walls, wagging tails, and friendly staff. Many customers may not notice what is happening behind the scenes of these facilities, specifically the physical condition of the walls, and that is the place where most of these spaces struggle.
Pet Facilities, including those listed above, have many challenges throughout the day. Due to high volumes of moisture from cleaning, human and animal accidents, and general wear-and-tear, it is not uncommon for many physical aspects (i.e., paint, tiles, wood, etc.) to deteriorate due to daily usage.
Due to the deterioration of walls, many modern Facilities have begun using Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Panels. The benefits of using FRP panels are evident when comparing them with the commonly used walls of facilities.
1. Walls Never Completely Dry Out From Moisture
Pet facilities typically experience regular cleaning (mopping, brushing, disinfecting, etc.) so the surfaces of the facility remain wet for extended periods compared to other commercial facilities. Over time, moisture will accumulate in porous materials. Peeling paint, softening drywall, loose tiles, stained grout. Moisture is often an expensive problem that develops silently.
Panels made of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) have a surface which is completely waterproof and non-porous; therefore, they will not absorb any moisture, and hence they will not swell or retain moisture after cleaning. This ensures that the walls remain stable and clean without any smells, no matter how many times they're washed or cleaned.
2. Restricts Odour
Pet odours are a persistent problem because damp surfaces absorb moisture and harbour bacteria and odour molecules. Grout lines, dry wall and textured paint create very small "traps" for odours and bacteria, making it difficult to keep an area fresh or clean.
The surfaces of FRP panels don’t absorb odours or bacteria, which means a quick wipe down with a disinfectant will suffice to restore the area to a neutral condition.
3. Prevents Wall Damage
In some ways, such as scratching, playing or leaning on walls, are what dogs do daily; sometimes this is out of excitement, sometimes for anxiety or out of habit. Regardless of the reason, many people may have to deal with damage caused by dogs (scratched, scuffed, dented, or cracked) walls and flooring.
In contrast, FRP panels are manufactured for toughness, so that they will not look worn over time. The fibre glass reinforced plastic panels will maintain both the strength and the appearance of a professional environment.
4. Sanitation Requirements Continue to Increase
Pet care facilities have increased expectations after the increasing number of canine respiratory illnesses related to cleaning and sanitising. The expectation is to clean often and very well, and many cleaning products used to sanitise require strong chemical disinfectants.
These chemicals will deteriorate a majority of the wall surfaces over time.
FRP Panels are made to perform and can sustain:
• Bleach
• Enzyme Cleaners
• Disinfectant Sprays
• Steam Cleaning
• Pressure Washing
The surface of FRP will not deteriorate or lose its appearance even after being cleaned daily for years.
5. Hidden Costs of Frequent Repairs
Most owners begin their facility construction with traditional materials due to the perceived lower cost; however, after many repeated paint jobs, tile repairs, and moisture-related damage, the cost to maintain will exceed owner expectations. But FRP panels remove these costs entirely.
Once FRP has been placed, the walls and ceilings of a pet care facility will provide consistent performance with very little upkeep for many years, making FRP a wise long-term investment for a pet care facility.
Final Thoughts
You can see how friendly pet care spaces are from the front. But there are more severe challenges within these facilities than any commercial internal area. Key aspects of the atmosphere, like water, smell, impact, cleaning, and daily usage, place undue stress on walls not designed to withstand these pressures.
FRP (fibreglass reinforced panels) provide an innovative solution to address these hidden issues. FRP panels also stay clean, durable, and odourless throughout continual use, thus instilling confidence in the employees as well as protecting the animals through a sanitised environment. The longevity of the FRP panels also guarantees a secure investment.
For those in the grooming industry, dog daycare centres, veterinary practices, or boarding facilities looking to remodel, FRP panels will not only meet the needs of their production environment but also ultimately provide longevity of use and protection against rot and mildew.
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