Pros and Cons – sides of a same coin
Disadvantages of HPL:
HPL (High-Pressure Laminates) is one of the leading and popular options in the laminate industry. Due to the numerous properties of HPL, consumers are considering it for their external elevations and interior design but as they say ‘every coin has two sides’ likewise, HPL comes with its disadvantages as well. If you are someone who is contemplating HPL, go through this write-up to make an informed decision.
HPL market is growing day by day and customers are getting more and more confident about the product and its usage. There is no doubt about the quality of HPL as this single product is replacing the wooden and plastic-based products from the market. Building a home or commercial property is always a long-term project and customers want to engage in a product that gives a good ROI (Return on Investment) and requires minimum upkeep.
HPL is a wonderful option to be considered for long-term construction but before finalizing any product, it’s advisable to ponder on pros and cons for a well-informed decision.
Before going further, let us first understand what HPL is and the reasons for its demand:
What is HPL?
A closer look!
HPL is a manufactured composite material widely used in both exterior and interior applications due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to various environmental factors. HPL sheets are available in different designs, sizes, and thicknesses and can be used in residential and commercial applications including walls and partitions, elevations, doors, ceilings, furniture, benchtops, countertops, and external fitting. Due to its low maintenance and easy-to-clean properties, it can be used in applications that require a high level of hygiene such as hospitals, OTs, kitchens, and laboratories.
The secret of HPL’s success lies in its composition and manufacturing process:
Composition of HPL:
HPL sheets are made up by combining 48 layers of virgin kraft papers with 2 layers of decorative papers on top and bottom. The kraft papers dipped in phenol resin served to regulate the product thickness while the decorative papers dipped in melamine add the visual appeal through design and color.
The typical composition of an HPL sheet includes:
- Overlay Paper: The topmost layer is usually a transparent protective layer, often referred to as overlay paper. This layer provides scratch resistance, and durability, and helps protect the decorative layer beneath it.
- Decorative Paper: Beneath the overlay is the decorative paper layer, which provides the color and pattern. This layer can mimic various materials like wood, stone, or metal, and comes in a wide range of designs and finishes.
- Kraft Paper Core: The core of an HPL sheet consists of multiple layers of kraft paper, which are impregnated with phenolic resin. This core gives the laminate its thickness, strength, and rigidity.
- Resins: The overlay and decorative papers are typically impregnated with melamine resin, while the kraft paper core is impregnated with phenolic resin. These resins are thermosetting, which means they harden and set permanently under heat and pressure, bonding the layers together into a solid, durable sheet.
Why HPL?
HPL – A wonderful fit for long lasting properties
- No aluminum components: A real HPL sheet is free from aluminum components. If anyone sells you an aluminum-based sheet with the name of HPL, consider it as a red flag and save yourself.
- No Plastic content: HPL is eco-friendly and does not have any plastic scrap in raw or any other form.
- Made from papers: HPL is made from virgin kraft and decorated papers.
- Recyclable product: We are a proud eco-friendly company as all our products are manufactured through paper and reusable scraps. Our products are plastic-free and after usage, one can recycle them for other purposes as well.
After discussing HPL and its properties, let us talk through the downside of HPL which requires one’s attention before making a final call:
Choose wisely:
What to consider before buying HPL -
Moisture and Heat Sensitive: One of the primary limitations of HPL is its sensitivity to heat and moisture. In some cases, extreme and prolonged heat and moisture can lead to swelling or warping of the product. Furthermore, HPL may be temperature-sensitive. The laminate may blister, discolor, or delaminate due to direct contact with hot items or extended exposure to heat sources, such as stovetops, causing irreversible damage.
Durability concerns: Even though HPL is renowned for its toughness, harm can nonetheless occur. Even though it’s strong, it can still have dents, scratches, and cracks, especially if it gets hit or shaken too hard. This physical damage vulnerability can be a major disadvantage in high-traffic regions or areas that are subject to harsh use, including public spaces or commercial settings. These deteriorations have the potential to erode HPL surfaces’ structural integrity and overall aesthetic over time.
Limited Applications: As one should avoid utilizing HPL countertops in extremely harsh settings, it also restricts the kinds of applications where high-pressure laminate countertops are advised.
Like, installation of HPL tops is not recommended, in labs that frequently use abrasive chemicals.
On the other hand, high-pressure laminate tops work best in conditions such as technology labs and product testing, as well as dry areas with general function and need for sturdy and functional work surfaces.
Limited Repair Options: It can be difficult to repair or refinish damaged HPL, in contrast to some other materials. It might be difficult to fix a surface that has been scratched, chipped, or cracked without leaving noticeable damage behind. Although restoration kits are available, a seamless finish frequently necessitates specialist knowledge and may not completely restore the original appearance.
Cost consideration: Even while HPL is less expensive than some high-end materials, its price may still be greater than that of other laminate choices. Furthermore, the installation procedure may need specialized manpower, raising the project’s overall cost. The pricing element could be a major drawback for projects with tight budgets when using HPL.
High-pressure laminates are a popular option in many applications because of their many advantages, such as their durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. It is imperative to take into account the constraints and drawbacks of HPL sheets before choosing them for particular applications. When determining whether HPL is appropriate for a certain application, it is important to carefully assess several variables, including sensitivity to physical damage, moisture, and heat; restricted repair alternatives; environmental concerns; design constraints; and cost considerations.
However, HPL’s disadvantages may not always outweigh its benefits.
