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In the magnificent setting of the West Indies, where the humid climate, intense sunshine and salty air put building materials to the test, Arnaud CARREL has devoted his career to building construction, first as a site manager, then as a foreman with several companies. Today, he runs INNOV'BAIE and shares his experience as a distributor and installer of Fiberdeck products in Guadeloupe, highlighting the importance of innovation and sustainability in this unique part of the world.
The environmental challenge in the West Indies
The West Indies, and Guadeloupe in particular, are blessed with a tropical climate, but they also face unique environmental challenges. High humidity, intense sunlight and the omnipresent salty air along the coast make traditional building materials an unsustainable option. Exterior coatings, especially paints, degrade rapidly, falling victim to humidity, discoloration and the rapid growth of fungi, moss and mildew.
A glaring example of this is class 4 autoclave-treated pine cladding, which was installed only a decade ago and is now in an advanced state of decay. The wooden slats are tarnished by the sun, showing cracks due to humidity and, above all, rot. Incessant maintenance is necessary, with frequent repainting to preserve their appearance.
The Magic Solution: WEO from Fiberdeck
Faced with these environmental challenges, in 2019 Arnaud Carrel discovered a product that has revolutionized construction in Guadeloupe: WEO from Fiberdeck. This innovative product has proved resistant to all the weather conditions to which building materials are exposed in the West Indies.
Customer feedback is unanimous: they're delighted with the product. In addition to its remarkable aesthetics, WEO retains its original color and does not fade, unlike paints and other traditional materials used on the island. Of course, the initial cost of WEO is higher than that of wood, but over a period of 25 to 30 years, it turns out to be three times less expensive, taking into account maintenance and replacement costs. In the end, the product remains as good as new, offering a clear economic advantage.
Maintenance, a Key Factor
Maintenance is the number one criterion in Guadeloupe. Unlike in mainland France, the island's extreme climate leads to rapid deterioration of buildings, requiring costly and frequent maintenance. Thanks to WEO's unrivalled durability, this major concern is solved, offering building owners and managers welcome relief.
INNOV'BAIE achievements with Fiberdeck
Over the years, Arnaud Carrel and his team have had the opportunity to implement the full range of Fiberdeck products:
The WEO 35 is particularly popular for multi-family housing and luxury villas, thanks to its contemporary aesthetic.
The WEO Classic finds its place in the renovation of more traditional "Creole house", with the "teak" wood shade being the most popular.
Finally, the sunshade range is used as under-ceiling cladding for homes and as façade cladding for offices and head offices of local companies.
Commitment to the environment
In addition to the obvious advantages in terms of durability and maintenance, Fiberdeck products are made from recycled plastics. This feature is particularly significant in the West Indies, where beaches are regularly invaded by tons of plastic waste. The longevity of Fiberdeck blades means they will store this waste for over 50 years, making a significant contribution to environmental protection.
In conclusion
The testimonial from Arnaud CARREL, distributor and installer of Fiberdeck products in Guadeloupe, highlights the importance of innovation and sustainability in unique environments such as the West Indies. Fiberdeck products, in particular WEO, have provided a "magical" solution to the environmental and maintenance challenges faced by the inhabitants of this beautiful region. By offering solutions that are aesthetically pleasing, durable and environmentally friendly, Fiberdeck has established itself as an essential choice for construction in Guadeloupe and beyond.
When you see the tons of plastic waste washing up on our beaches, it's revolting. We absolutely must recycle the plastic objects we consume, which have very short lifespans. Fiberdeck blades are very durable, and will store this waste for over 50 years, which is a remarkable point.