Water and wastewater facilities play a critical role in protecting public health and the environment. These plants, found in nearly every city and town across North America, play a vital role in water purification. Their work ensures water remains safe for both human consumption and the environment.
With growing concerns over “forever chemicals” and microplastics, facility demands continue to rise. Now more than ever, they must operate at peak efficiency to ensure water safety and quality. But efficiency isn’t just about advanced filtration, it’s also about infrastructure.
Corrosive Environments; Tough Solutions
From holding tanks to pipelines—and even facility doors—every component must endure demanding conditions.
“Nearly every city or municipality relies on water treatment systems,” says Mike Ferrell, Vice President of Sales for Jamison Door Company’s Jamotuf®. “These facilities pull water from wells, lakes, and other sources. They then use chemicals like sulfuric acid, lime, and chlorine to ensure purification and water quality.”
That refining process creates an environment where constant moisture and chemical exposure take a toll on the building. This challenges facility managers to fight against corrosion to keep processes moving.
“High humidity and constant moisture expose every part of the plant to decay—including doors,” notes Ferrell.
Why Swing Fiberglass Doors Are the Standard
Ferrell has spent more than 30 years working with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) doors. Over the years, he has watched wastewater treatment facilities use different door materials.
“Traditional wood or metal swing doors just don’t last in water or wastewater treatment plants,” Ferrell explains. “They quickly corrode, warp, or breakdown when exposed to harsh chemicals and moisture. Molded fiberglass doors are the only corrosion resistant option I’ve consistently seen withstand the challenge.”
When facility managers evaluate the wide range of available options, four key factors make fiberglass doors the smart choice.
Corrosion Resistance
Water and wastewater plants are harsh environments. Chemicals, humidity, and constant exposure to water accelerate corrosion in traditional doors, leading to structural failure and contamination risks.
Fiberglass reinforced plastic doors, however, are impervious to moisture—especially when sealed correctly.
Ferrell emphasizes a key distinction: “Fiberglass may be the standard, but manufacturers don’t build all swing fiberglass doors the same.”
Molded, void-free doors last significantly longer than other swing fiberglass doors. They eliminate weak points where water can seep in and cause internal damage.”
Long-Term Return on Investment
“When a city builds a water or wastewater treatment center, they expect the facility to last decades,” shares Ferrell. “The same should apply for each component in the facility.”
“A lot of purchasing decisions focus on initial cost,” Ferrell notes. “But cheaper fiberglass doors often come with hidden long-term costs.”
Many lower-end FRP doors rely on paint coatings, which chip overtime to expose the underlying material.
Once corrosion sets in, the costs quickly add up. Repainting, repairs, and full replacements can become ongoing expenses. Beyond the price tag, maintenance downtime disrupts operations and efficiency.
Safety
Beyond durability, water treatment plants have to prioritize safety. Sensitive equipment, electrical control rooms, and hazardous areas all require doors that effectively separate different environments.
Fiberglass doors create an effective moisture and chemical barrier. Keeping environments controlled from one room to another is critical to water treatment operations.
It’s also important to consider the strength of fiberglass frames and how they seal. Fiberglass doesn’t conduct electricity, which minimizes the risk of electric shock within the high-moisture environments.
Unlike some materials that expand in extreme heat, fiberglass doors also maintain their shape despite temperature changes. This ensures that primary exits remain accessible in an emergency.
Aesthetics
Many municipal water and wastewater plants are decades old, requiring modern upgrades that blend function with high performance.
Fiberglass doors and frames combine form and function and retain a clean, professional appearance over time. High-quality swing fiberglass doors also come in various colors and finishes. This allows facilities to maintain a polished look without sacrificing performance.
Not All Swing Fiberglass Doors Are Equal
While fiberglass doors are known for their durability, not all FRP doors deliver the same level of protection. Many doors on the market fall short when it comes to long-term performance. This leaves facilities vulnerable to moisture infiltration, bacteria growth, and premature wear.
Jamotuf® JAMOCOR swing fiberglass doors eliminate these common pitfalls with superior design features built for the toughest environments:
Monolithic, Molded Construction
JAMOCOR swing fiberglass doors use a press-molded process. This fuses fiberglass, reinforcements, and a seamless 25 mil molded gloss gelcoat surface into a single, solid panel. This impenetrable design creates a monolithic structure with no weak points.
Non-Corrosive Swing Fiberglass Doors
JAMOCOR’s fully molded design comes with a lifetime “no corrosion” warranty.
Fun fact: No one has ever filed a claim against this warranty! No corrosion means no repainting or repairs—leading to a truly low-maintenance, high-durability door.
High Return on Investment
JAMOCOR doors withstand tough conditions with little-to-no maintenance. This eliminates the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Cody Williams is a Sales Representative with the Smith-Midland Corporation, a leading pre-cast concrete building manufacturer. Their business began implementing Jamotuf doors into water and wastewater facilities a few years ago. “The results have been outstanding, and the doors have been great, durable, and provide a professional look that go great with our buildings. Our customers have been very pleased with the performance of these doors and so have we,” he says.
“Just as important as the quality of the product, we continually receive great customer service and fast lead times that helps us meet quick turnaround demands for our projects,” Williams continues. “We would highly recommend them to anyone doing work in the Water and Wastewater industry looking for a reliable and efficient commercial fiberglass door solution. We will continue to use them for years to come.”
Looking for a Corrosion-Resistant Solution?
Water and wastewater treatment systems demand the toughest doors on the market. Jamotuf® designs JAMOCOR swing fiberglass doors to withstand the harshest environments while ensuring long-term reliability.
Learn more about JAMOCOR and request a door quote for your perfect, corrosion-free solution.
