Fiberglass Shingles

What are Fiberglass Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are a staple in the roofing industry, celebrated for their affordability, durability, and ease of installation. However, like any roofing material, they are not without their challenges. In this blog, Goad Construction explores some common problems associated with asphalt shingles and we provide practical solutions to help you maintain a long-lasting roof.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to roofing materials. Wood, metal, green roofs, clay, and concrete tiles are just some of the options. Some have been around for centuries, but none are as common as asphalt shingles, with around 75 percent of North American homes having an asphalt shingle roof. This doesn’t mean that asphalt roofing is the best option on the market. It does have its advantages, which include its price, but it also has several notable drawbacks.

Here is what you need to know about fiberglass shingles, including their drawbacks—and a better alternative to consider.

Despite their prevalence, many homeowners may not be sure what a fiberglass shingle is, because they know it by a different name: asphalt shingles. They are one of two varieties of asphalt shingles, the other being organic mat asphalt shingles. Fiberglass shingles are made of several layers; the first is the base layer, a fiberglass mat made of tightly woven fiberglass strands. The mat is coated in asphalt, and while the asphalt is still wet, it is covered with small granules. Together, these three layers create a durable, water-resistant shingle that is lightweight and not prone to warping. The granules help provide UV protection, and the fiberglass adds fire resistance.

What are the Problems with Fiberglass Shingles?

1. Durability

One of the problems with fiberglass shingles is that they are thin. While it makes them easy to install, it also means that they aren’t very insulating.

Despite some of the benefits listed above, fiberglass roof shingles have problems that should be considered in order to make the most educated purchase possible, when looking at new roofing materials.

2. Eco-Friendliness

While fiberglass shingles offer durability, they aren’t the most durable product. Basic 3-tab shingles will last around 10 to 15 years, while the more durable architectural varieties can last 25 to 30 years. It may sound like a while, but fiberglass shingles have the shortest lifespan compared to other roofing materials.

This is primarily due to one of their biggest selling points: their lightweight, cost-effective construction. It leaves them more prone to weathering, impact damage, granule loss, cracking, and tearing. Living in an area with severe weather can shorten your roof’s lifespan even more because the weathering will be more severe. Ultimately, you’ll be spending much more on roofing than you would if you choose a more premium, high-quality option.

3. Not Ideal For Cold Climates

Another issue is their eco-friendliness or lack thereof. Compared to other roofing materials, fiberglass shingles aren’t an environmentally-conscious material, which is becoming a more important deciding factor for many. When it is time to replace your roof, you cannot recycle your old fiberglass shingles, which means they end up in a landfill.

There is also the fact that while some colors offer some energy efficiency, they are nothing compared to, for example, the insulating properties of synthetic shingles or the heat-reflecting properties offered by metal roofing. This means that your cooling system will have to work harder to keep your home comfortable, which strains the system, increases your carbon footprint, and increases your energy bill, especially if your home isn’t well insulated.

A roof is an investment that you want (and need) to last a long time. Knowing the issues with fiberglass roof shingles, it’s important to consider whether it is worth choosing. It is possible that you can get a little more out of fiberglass shingles if you live in an area with a relatively calm climate, but it will still not compare to other materials.

Investing in a a top synthetic roofing brand, is the better choice. While you’ll spend more than you would on fiberglass shingles, you’ll get better durability, longevity, and style options. Learn more here.

What’s a Better Alternative?

Without high-quality roofing insulation, you’ll experience significant heat loss that makes your heating system work harder to try and make up for the loss. That, in turn, creates higher energy bills. Even with proper insulation, it is best to avoid fiberglass shingles if you live in a cold climate.

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