Is GRC Durable?

The durability of GRC is its key advantage that distinguishes it from many decorative materials, and it is an important indicator determining its whole life-cycle value. Under normal design, production, installation, and maintenance conditions, high-quality GRC products have a design service life of more than 50 years. Qinglong Group believes that the durability of GRC is a systemic property, depending on multiple aspects such as weather resistance, frost resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and long-term strength retention—all of which can be achieved through scientific material design and process control.

The outstanding durability of GRC is first attributed to its dense matrix and the stability of alkali-resistant glass fibres. Qinglong GRC adopts a low water-cement ratio formula and incorporates active admixtures such as silica fume, making the hardened cement structure extremely dense with low porosity, which effectively blocks the intrusion of harmful media such as moisture, carbon dioxide, and chloride ions. Meanwhile, we use high alkali-resistant glass fibres with a zirconia (ZrO₂) content of no less than 16.5%, which maintain their strength over the long term in the highly alkaline cement environment, fundamentally avoiding material degradation caused by fibre corrosion. In the coastal high-salt-spray environments where projects such as the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Centre are located, Qinglong GRC has withstood years of testing and demonstrated exceptional corrosion resistance.

Scientific surface protection treatment is an important barrier for enhancing durability. Based on the climate conditions of the project location, Qinglong applies targeted surface treatments to GRC components, such as penetrating water repellents and fluorocarbon coatings. These treatments effectively resist the erosion of ultraviolet rays, acid rain, and pollutants, keeping the appearance looking new for years. In addition, unlike metals such as steel and aluminium, GRC does not rust, and its coefficient of linear expansion is close to that of concrete substrates, effectively reducing internal stress caused by thermal deformation and lowering the risk of cracking. Many Qinglong projects completed more than ten years ago across the country, such as some early public buildings, remain in perfect condition today, which is powerful proof of its exceptional durability.