Manhole covers are an integral part of sewer systems, water mains, and power lines. Traditionally, manhole covers are made of cast iron, but composite or fiberglass manhole covers work even better as protective coverings for our crucial underground infrastructure.
Fiberglass is a composite material made of glass-reinforced plastic, a heavy-duty and low-maintenance material for utility hole covers. With an O-ring seal to prevent water infiltration, their unique design keeps debris away from pipes, maintenance holes, and other critical facilities below ground.
Virtual Polymer Compounds (VPC) is a premier provider of composite manhole covers that meet different needs and applications. Our fiberglass products are explicitly built with the highest quality materials that guarantee the best protection for your pipes and other critical infrastructure.
Choosing Fiberglass Over Cast Iron Manhole Covers
When compared with conventional iron manhole covers, fiberglass covers offer several advantages. Their superior mechanical strength makes them an ideal material for utility hole covers, which need to perform consistently for many years. Here are the main benefits of choosing fiberglass over cast iron covers:
Durability: Unlike iron, fiberglass doesn’t degrade, corrode, or rust when exposed to harsh weather elements. Plus, dimensional stability results from the fact that fiberglass does not expand or contract in response to extreme heat or cold. It also does not require the additional coatings that metal materials need to be effective.
Customization: Fiberglass is lightweight and molds easily into any desired shape, making it highly customizable. These attributes remove the need for secondary processing or finishing typical with cast iron manhole covers. Composite manhole covers can be manufactured to fit any size, shape, or specification, and they can easily be made to fit existing manholes.
High safety: Compared to cast iron, fiberglass is a safer material because it does not conduct heat or electricity—important attributes for manhole covers in high traffic areas. Composite covers also resist pests and microbes. In addition, their lightweight and ergonomic properties translate to less risk of injury for employees installing the maintenance hole covers.
Cost-effectiveness: Fiberglass manhole covers are less expensive upfront than cast iron ones and pay for themselves over time. Cast iron utility hole covers have a high scrap value, making them a popular target for theft and resale. Fiberglass has no scrap value because the composite material cannot be regenerated. Therefore, you will not need to replace composite manhole covers every few years due to theft.
Common Applications for Fiberglass
Fiberglass can be molded into various complex shapes, making it a popular material for several industries and applications, including:
- Petrochemical
- Water and wastewater
- Gas
- Electric
- Communications
- Municipal use
Premium Fiberglass Manhole Covers from VPC
Virtual Polymer Compounds (VPC) is the nation’s leading provider of high-quality fiberglass manhole covers and adaptors. Whether you need traffic-rated, pedestrian-rated, or custom fiberglass solutions, VPC can meet your needs. Our lightweight manhole covers offer an ideal alternative to heavy cast iron manholes at affordable rates. Their nonconductive, noncorrosive premium features make them ideal products for rugged environments and high-traffic areas.
Our highly experienced technicians can add a UV stable finish to guarantee prolonged strength and durability. Additionally, fiberglass manhole covers from VPC feature an ergonomic design that increases safety and security for business and municipality workers during the installation processes.
Our Solutions
VPC provides a range of utility hole covers made with your specific needs in mind. Some of the top-notch solutions in our product line include:
Contact Our Experts for Custom Fiberglass Solutions Today
At VPC, we understand sewer systems are intricate and dangerous. Our manhole covers optimize and improve sewer system processes while increasing the safety of the general public. We combine cutting-edge technologies, vast experience, and specialized skills to provide custom fiberglass manhole covers that suit your specific needs.
Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the entire process, from design to fabrication to installation. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote.