Fiberglass storage .... Shelf life ?

[Wildey]

A local has several large rolls of fiberglass cloth for sale.
Only spoke on phone, haven't seen it yet.
Said he got it from a boat building/repair facility when it closed down several years ago.
Not sure yet what weight, or type it is but need to know if there are storage methods, or exposures that would degrade the fabric. And the "shelf life" of the glass under various storage conditions ..... if any.
All he said on the phone is that it is heavy cloth. And large rolls of it.
Will find out soon if its CSM, woven roving, cloth or ? ? ? ?.
Thanks,
W

 

[racerone]

Water in it would be the only issue.----Oil spilled would be a huge issue.------Make sure it was stored dry and use it.-----Age of the glass is not an issue.

 

[Wildey]

I'll check for those closely ... thanks !
Oil, I understand.
But if it is, and/or has been wet with water, would that ruin it permanently ? or could it possibly be dried and then used ?

 

[racerone]

has to be dried.

 

[gm280]

If it did get wet and mold was allowed to form, that would be the only issue I would think could make it useless. Otherwise, I don't see much of anything that could effect it other than oil or some type solvent soaking. Dry, buy!

 

[Lectro88]

I have a good friend close by that imports fiberglass.
Not sure exactly the total extent, but his family manufactures fiberglass products,. but no biaxel, only csm & cloth, woven roven.
He told me the same as the others are saying.
As long as its totally dried out after getting wet, you're good.


Buy it up,(it ain't gonna get any cheaper)for sure.
I have stumbled across a few such deals.(with no regrets)

 

[Tassie 1]

I used some 10-12 year old CSM a few weeks ago on a $10 canoe.
Hasn't sunk yet...or come apart.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the cloth itself will last a really long time if stored wrapped in paper and dry

CSM may have issues with the binder if exposed to UV

Now, Resin and Gel on the other hand, does have a short shelf life

 

[kcassells]

If it's messed up you will see right away. If its cheap grab it.

 

[Wildey]

Cool !
Looking at it soon.
Thanks all.