When it comes to material selection for architectural and design projects, the choice of material can significantly impact the outcome in terms of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability – with cost typically being a key factor as to the material utilised to fulfil the architectural vision. Jesmonite®, Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC), and plaster are three of the most popular options, each with their own set of characteristics.
Here we will explore why specifying a material from the Jesmonite® range can be advantageous when compared with two of the most popular conventional products.
Versatility and Customisation
Jesmonite® materials are renowned for their versatility. All materials from our range combine a reactive mineral base, be that of gypsum or cementitious properties, with a predominantly water-based acrylic resin. This composition allows Jesmonite® materials to be cast into a wide variety of shapes and textures, making it highly suitable for both intricate designs, complex castings, and large-scale projects. Additionally, Jesmonite® materials can all be easily pigmented, offering a broad palette of colours to match any design requirement – including exact matches to RAL and Pantone references. The acrylic dispersion within our formulas significantly assists with colour retention and saturation when compared to pigmenting plaster and GRC too.
GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) is also extremely versatile and can be moulded into various shapes. However, its natural finish is typically limited to concrete aesthetics, and colouring GRC can be considerably less reliable and consistent compared to Jesmonite. Typically, a designer or specifier is held to a slimmer range of colours and less intense saturations due to it not showing pigmentation as well.
Plaster traditionally is used for interior applications due to its smooth finish and ease of use in detailed work. However, plaster is less versatile in terms of outdoor applications due to its higher porosity and durability when compared to Jesmonite and even GRC.
Durability and Weather Resistance
All materials within the Jesmonite® range offer excellent durability and some of our cementitious materials offer great out of the box weather resistance, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Our cementitious materials (AC630, 730, 830, 930) offer strong resistance against UV light, meaning they do not yellow or degrade when exposed to sunlight. This same suite of materials is also extremely water-resistant, with very low porosities and can withstand varying weather conditions without deteriorating, making them a reliable choice for exterior facades, decorative mouldings and any outdoor installations.
GRC is highly durable and weather resistant as well. It is often used in exterior cladding and architectural elements due to its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, GRC can be prone to cracking if not properly handled or installed. GRC is widely documented as having failures, when manufactured poorly, causing unsightly cracking and crazing between the facing-coat and backing mix when using incompatible mix designs – this issue is eliminated with Jesmonite materials as our mix design doesn’t vary between layers.
Plaster, on the other hand, is generally not recommended for exterior use due to its susceptibility to moisture and weather damage, unless coated with a suitable sealer or paint system. It is typically and best suited for interior applications only, where it is not exposed to the elements.
Ease of Use and Installation
Jesmonite® is relatively easy to work with. It is lightweight even compared to GRC whilst still having the ability to achieve the same strength gradings, which makes handling and installation simpler and more cost-effective whilst also having the confidence in the products ability to perform from a strength perspective. Jesmonite® materials can be used to create thin sections without compromising on tensile strength, flexibility or impact resistance, allowing for more delicate and intricate designs.
GRC can sometimes be heavier and potentially require more effort in handling and installation. It can also necessitate additional support structures due to the overall panel weights. The installation process can be more labor-intensive.
Plaster is lightweight and easy to work with, but it lacks the structural integrity of Jesmonite® and GRC. Its installation is straightforward for interior applications but is not the most ideal product for environments where durability and weather resistance are of utmost importance.
Aesthetic Qualities
Jesmonite® offers a high-quality finish that can mimic various materials, including stone, metal, and wood. Its ability to be cast into fine details and its choice offering surface abilities make it an ideal choice for decorative elements and architectural features.
GRC has a more utilitarian aesthetic, often associated with modern and industrial designs. While it can be finished to a high standard, it does not offer the same range of aesthetic possibilities as Jesmonite®.
Plaster provides a smooth, classic finish that is ideal for detailed interior work. However, it can sometimes lack the versatility and durability for more demanding applications.
Finally
Specifying Jesmonite® over GRC or plaster can provide significant advantages in terms of versatility, durability, ease of use, environmental impact, and aesthetic qualities. Its ability to adapt to a wide range of design requirements while maintaining strength and providing a long-lasting permanent solution makes it a superior choice for many architectural and design projects. Whether for intricate decorative elements or robust exterior facades, Jesmonite® offers a reliable and innovative solution.
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