Fiberglass Shingles

What You Should Know About Fiberglass Shingles

Fiberglass roof shingles are the most common roofing application in the United States. Overall, Fiberglass shingles are on about 85% of homes throughout the US. Fiberglass shingles are an upgraded version of the old, organic shingle type. While both of these shingles have an asphalt exterior, their bases are significantly different.

Fiberglass shingles are composed of ceramic granules that act as a shielding barrier for the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Difference between Organic and Fiberglass shingles

Organic shingles are the first type of asphalt shingle made. They were manufactured starting in 1901 and lasted until roughly 2008. Organic shingles are composed of waste paper, wood fiber, cellulose, and other materials.

• Safety note:  Organic shingles could contain asbestos if they were manufactured before 1980. Asbestos is highly toxic when inhaled, so be sure to hire a professional when removing old organic shingles.
• Weight: Organic shingles are also a lot heavier than their fiberglass counterpart. This increases transport costs and makes it more challenging to install these shingles.
• Cost: As noted above, the increased cost for organic shingle transport makes fiberglass shingles more affordable.
• Fire Rating: Fiberglass shingles are more highly rated in fire protection than their organic-mat-based shingle counterpart.
• Climate impacts: Fiberglass shingles do not perform well in cold climates. Fiberglass architectural shingles are a little more susceptible to retaining water due to their design. Combine this with cold weather from a harsh winter, and the expansion of that water when it freezes can cause cracks leading to a leaky roof.

Areas where summers produce high heat temperatures, may cause your fiberglass roof to wear a little faster than climates of a cooler nature.

Types of fiberglass shingles

Fiberglass shingles come in 2 main types, three-tab and architectural. There are a few others, but the following two are more common.

Three-tab:

These roofing shingles have been the standard style of tab shingles for the majority of the asphalt shingle era. They come in a uniformed style, with three individual tabs cut out onto one tile. A cheaper option compared to the architectural styled shingle, this three-tab shingle is typically installed on lower-valued homes or rental properties.

The average lifespan of a three-tab shingle roof is 15-18 years.

Architectural:

This style of shingles is the newer version of asphalt shingles. This style of tile is much thicker than the three tabbed types and is also a lot stronger. Architectural shingles cost a little bit more than three-tab shingles, but the added strength and other benefits are worth the added expense.

Architectural shingles also provide a three-dimensional look that is far more appealing than the flatter, three-tab version. There are also more color variations in the architectural style shingles.

Benefits of fiberglass tiles

There are quite a few benefits to consider when selecting fiberglass tiles. One of the more significant ones is its repairability. 

Repair Cost:

Fiberglass tiles can be repaired by an avid DIYer or at a relatively cheap cost. Most damages received to the roof would be minor, and any section can be repaired without replacing the entire roof itself.

Options:

Fiberglass shingles come in various colors and styles, which offer the consumers endless possibilities when selecting the right roof for their home. Greens, reds, grays, and browns are just a few of the options when choosing a fiberglass shingle roof.

Energy Savings:

Fiberglass roofs have not been known to be great for the environment. Manufacturers are well aware of this fact and have been making strides in improving the overall impact fiberglass shingles have on the environment. To be more energy-efficient, manufactures have developed cool-roof technology to help reduce heat absorption from the sun. Be sure to check out the Energy Star rating for any fiberglass shingles you purchase in the future.

Takeaway on Fiberglass 

Being one of the most popular roofing options and one of the more affordable options available makes fiberglass shingles an excellent option for a new roof. There are many color options, and a variety of styles to choose from that should suit all of your roofing needs.