The Pros and Cons of Having Fiberglass Shingles | Big Easy Roofers
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The Pros and Cons of Having Fiberglass Shingles: Which is Better for Your Roof?

Roofs are a vital part of our homes—they protect us from the elements, are a visual representation of our style, and can even add to the resale value of our properties. But with so many roofing materials on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll weigh out the pros and cons of having fiberglass shingles on your roof. So grab your coffee and take a seat, it’s time to go over why fiberglass shingles might (or might not) be the perfect choice for your roof!

The Pros of Fiberglass Shingles

Shingles Roofing

When it comes to roofing, fiberglass shingles have a lot going for them. They’re lightweight, durable, and easy to install – making them a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.

But what are the other benefits of fiberglass shingles?

Let’s take a look:

Fiberglass shingles are fire-resistant. This is thanks to the glass fibers that make up the material, which won’t burn or support combustion.

That makes them ideal for areas that are prone to wildfires or where there is a risk of fires starting on your property (such as near BBQs or grills). They’re also wind-resistant.

The same properties that make fiberglass shingles fireproof also help protect against high winds and severe weather conditions. That means they can stand up to heavy rains, strong gusts of wind, and even hailstorms without sustaining damage.

Plus, they last longer than most other types of roofing materials – with an expected lifespan of 20-30 years (compared to 15-20 years for asphalt).

And because they don’t degrade in the sunlight as organic materials do, you won’t have to worry about fading or discoloration over time either. So if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting, and fire-resistant roofing material, fiberglass shingles are worth considering!

The Cons of Fiberglass Shingles

Fiberglass shingles are an increasingly popular roofing option due to their durability and affordability. While these shingles have many advantages, there are certain cons associated with them as well.

One of the major downsides to fiberglass shingles is that they often present challenges for contractors who are not familiar with this type of roofing material. Fiberglass shingles can be challenging to install correctly due to their lightweight nature and the need for special tools and techniques. In addition, improper installation can easily lead to leaks, which can be costly to repair.

Another potential downside of fiberglass shingles is that they do not offer much protection from fire or high winds. Although they typically come with a fire rating of Class A, non-combustible materials such as slate or clay tiles offer better protection in case of a fire. Similarly, fiberglass shingles do not hold up well in extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or tornado activity, so homeowners in areas prone to these types of events may want to opt for another type of roofing material instead.

Another disadvantage of fiberglass shingles is that over time they can become more susceptible to algae growth and UV rays, making it necessary for homeowners to conduct regular maintenance on their roofs to maintain their integrity and appearance. In addition, while fiberglass shingles generally have a longer lifespan than organic-based materials such as asphalt shingles, they tend to degrade faster when exposed to harsh weather conditions or airborne pollutants.

Ultimately, although there are some drawbacks associated with using fiberglass-based roof coverings, it is still a viable option for those looking for an affordable and long-lasting roof solution. However, before making any decisions regarding roof replacement or repairs individuals must consult with experienced contractors who understand the pros and cons of various types of roof coverings so that the best possible decision can be made for their home and budget.

How Long Do Fiberglass Shingles Last?

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But how long do they last? We did some digging and here’s what we found.

Fiberglass shingles can last anywhere from 15-30 years. However, this depends on several factors such as the quality of materials used, installation methods, ventilation, weather conditions, and maintenance. For example, if your fiberglass shingles are constantly exposed to strong sunlight or high temperatures, they will not last as long as those that aren’t subjected to these extreme conditions.

Another important factor is whether or not you have proper ventilation in your attic space. If you don’t have enough vents installed or if they are blocked by insulation, heat and moisture can build up under your roof which will cause the fiberglass shingles to deteriorate faster than usual. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes, then your fiberglass shingle roof might not last as long either since it could sustain damage from flying debris.

And finally, if you don’t regularly inspect and maintain your roof (by removing leaves and branches) then its lifespan will be reduced because dirt and grime can clog up the tiny spaces between each fiberglass shingle.

All things considered though – assuming none of these negative factors apply to you – a properly installed fiberglass roof should give most homeowners no problems for at least 2 decades!

Key Takeaway: Fiberglass shingles can last 15-30 years, but this depends on several factors like installation, weather, and maintenance.

FAQs about The Pros and Cons of Having Fiberglass Shingles

Are fiberglass shingles worth it?

Fiberglass shingles are a popular choice for roofs because they’re durable and fire-resistant. They also come in a variety of colors, so you can match them to the exterior of your home or business. Fiberglass shingles usually cost more than asphalt shingles, but they last longer – up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

One downside of fiberglass shingles is that they’re not as recyclable as asphalt shingles. This means that when it’s time to replace them, they’ll end up in a landfill. Fiberglass shingles also require more initial energy to produce than asphalt shingles. However, over their lifetime, fiberglass shingles have lower embodied energy because they last longer.

What are the 3 disadvantages of composite shingles?

Fiberglass Shingles Disadvantages There are a few disadvantages to fiberglass shingles. One is that they can be more brittle than other types of asphalt shingles, so they may not stand up as well to impacts or severe weather conditions. They also tend to absorb heat more readily, which can cause them to deteriorate faster over time.

Finally, because they are lighter in weight than other types of shingles, they may require additional reinforcement around the edges and at points where high winds could potentially lift them off the roof.

How long does fiberglass shingle last?

Fiberglass shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials on the market today. They offer many benefits, including a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider before installing fiberglass shingles on your home or business. One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass shingles is their longevity. When properly installed and maintained, these types of roofs can last for 20-30 years or more. This makes them an excellent investment for property owners who want to avoid frequent repairs and replacements.

Fiberglass shingles are also relatively easy to install, which can further reduce costs over time. Another benefit of fiberglass shingle roofs is that they require very little maintenance compared to other types of roofs. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is clear away debris periodically and inspect for damage after severe weather events. If any problems do arise, they can usually be quickly repaired without needing to replace the entire roof.

Are fiberglass shingles the same as asphalt shingles?

Fiberglass shingles are made of glass fibers and mats, with asphalt as a binding agent. Asphalt is also used in making conventional shingles; however, fiberglass adds strength to the material. Fiberglass-based products do not absorb water, which makes them ideal for roofing because they resist cracking, curling, and moss growth. Because of these properties, fiberglass shingles last longer than organic ones—20 years or more compared to 12–18 years for organic materials like wood or felt paper.

They are also less likely to catch fire since glass is a non-combustible material. One downside to fiberglass shingles is that they can be brittle and may break if stepped on too hard without flexing first.

Also, because they don’t contain any recycled content (unlike some asphalt products), their manufacture requires higher energy inputs than other types of roofs—though this difference has been decreasing as manufacturing processes have become more efficient over time.

Are fiberglass roofs good?

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Shingles There are pros and cons to having fiberglass shingles. One of the main advantages of fiberglass shingles is that they’re lightweight, making them easier to install than other types of roofing materials.

Fiberglass shingles also have a Class A fire rating, meaning they’re highly resistant to fire. Additionally, fiberglass roofs reflect heat well, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer months and reduce energy costs.

Conclusion

The debate between fiberglass and asphalt shingles will continue as long as both products are on the market. In the end, it’s up to each homeowner to decide which is best for their home.

Be sure to weigh all of the pros and cons before making your final decision!

If you need a roofing contractor that can service your roof repair, installation, and maintenance needs, look no further than Big Easy Roofers. We’re experts in the field and will be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!