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Fiberglass Shingles: The Pros and Cons

fiberglass shingles the pros and cons

Fiberglass shingles are a great option for those looking to replace their old, worn-out roof. They’re durable and come in an array of colors that will work with any home style.

However, before you decide on fiberglass shingles as the best choice for your home, it is important to look at all the pros and cons they have to offer.

We’ve compiled them here so that you can make an informed decision about what type of roof will be perfect for your needs!

What are Fiberglass Shingles?

Fiberglass shingles are a material commonly seen on roofs that is composed of fiber-reinforced plastic.

They’re durable and can come in an array of colors, which makes them popular with many homeowners who want to upgrade their home without having to completely redo the roof.

Fiberglass shingles are very similar to asphalt shingles in appearance and installation, making them a perfect choice for those who are looking to replace their roof without having to hire contractors or pay more than is necessary.

What Are The Benefits of Fiberglass Shingles?

Fiberglass shingles offer many benefits that draw homeowners in when they’re considering options for their roofing needs.

They’re Durable – Since fiberglass shingles are made of a plastic material, they are very durable and can withstand high winds without flapping or coming loose from the roof.

This makes them especially great for coastal areas that are at risk of hurricanes or other severe weather events that may damage roofs in their vicinity.

They’re Low Maintenance – Fiberglass shingles can last upwards of 20 years with very little maintenance work, making them an excellent option for those homeowners who don’t want to constantly be doing upkeep on their roof in order to keep it looking nice and new.

This low-maintenance aspect is one reason why these shingles are so popular.

They Come In a Variety of Colors – Fiberglass shingles come in many different colors, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add personality and flair to the roof without having to completely redo it.

This makes them a great way to give your home a fresh new look that will stand out from the rest!

What Are The Drawbacks of Fiberglass Shingles?

While fiberglass shingles may seem like a great choice for many homeowners, they don’t work well in all situations. Here are some things to consider before you decide that these shingles are right for your home:

They Require Specialized Tools – Fiberglass shingles require specialized tools to install, which can make the process much more difficult for homeowners who are not experienced with roof installation.

Depending on your budget and how extensive you want your replacement project to be, this may or may not be a problem.

They’re Heavy – These shingles are very heavy, which may be a problem for some homeowners who are working on their own roof.

If you don’t have the proper equipment to hold these shingles in place, installation can become dangerous very quickly.

They Have An Expensive Cost – Fiberglass shingles cost more than other types of roofing materials such as asphalt or metal, making them an expensive choice for many homeowners.

If you’re on a budget, these shingles may not be the best option unless you are willing to spend more money than is necessary in order to get your roof replaced.

What Should I Consider Before Choosing Fiberglass Shingles?

As with any product or service, it is important to look at both the pros and cons before making a final decision.

Fiberglass shingles are an excellent choice for many homeowners, but they may not be right for everyone. Make sure you take all of these factors into consideration when choosing your roof replacement material!

Fiberglass shingles are more reliable in areas with higher humidity and rainfall. Fiberglass shingles are more durable and better at resisting moisture than asphalt shingles.

Why Hire a Professional to Install Fiberglass Shingles?

If you are considering installing fiberglass shingles yourself, make sure to consider the following factors:

Fiberglass shingles require specialized tools and skills for installation. Fiberglass shingles can be heavy – hire a professional if you do not have access to proper equipment or cannot lift them by yourself

Note that many manufacturers recommend hiring an experienced roofing contractor.

It is important to consider the age of your home before making a final decision on which type of shingle you should install.

Fiberglass shingles are not recommended for homes that are more than 30 years old, as there may be rotting wood beneath the existing asphalt shingles and this can cause problems with installation.

Proper preparation is required to install fiberglass shingles. Make sure you repair any cracks or damage in your roof before starting the installation process, as this could cause problems with the final result.

What Is The Difference Between Fiberglass And Asphalt Shingles?

When comparing fiberglass shingles to asphalt shingles, you’ll find that there is more advantage in using the former than the latter. Here are some points:

  • Asphalt shingles are much less expensive than fiberglass shingles. Asphalt shingles are heavier than fiberglass shingles, which makes the installation process more difficult.
  • Asphalt is easier to install – many homeowners choose asphalt because they can complete it in a relatively short period of time with little or no trouble.
  • Note that some types of asphalt shingle also include special chemical coatings to prevent algae growth.
  • Asphalt shingles are less durable than fiberglass shingles. Asphalt is more likely to crack or curl in high humidity areas, whereas fiberglass will stay flat and resistant for many years under similar conditions.
  • Asphalt shingles can be easily damaged by falling tree branches – if you live near trees with heavy foliage, consider fiberglass shingles as they are much more durable.
  • Fiberglass roofs may be the best choice for some homeowners – if you have a high-pitched roof or live in an area with heavy rainfall, choose fiberglass instead of asphalt to avoid future problems!
  • Note that proper preparation is required before installing any type of roof. Make sure you repair any cracks or damage in your roof before starting the installation process, as this could cause problems with the final result.

Note that some manufacturers recommend hiring an experienced roofing contractor to complete the project correctly, as we also mentioned above.

Styles and Price of Fiberglass Shingles

Fiberglass shingles come in many different styles and colors. There are many styles to choose from that you can easily find. Using chemical coatings to control algae growth on fiberglass shingles is a feature that comes standard.

Prices vary depending on different factors. Depending on the type and thickness, roof shingles cost $60-$120 per square foot. Price factors include: type of roof (low slope, high slope), materials used to make shingles and other specifications.

What Is Our Recommendation if Fiberglass Shingles Is Not For You?

Fiberglass shingles are a great choice for many homeowners who want to upgrade the look of their roof without having to completely redo it.

However, there are certain instances where these shingles may not be an ideal option.

  • If you’re on a budget and don’t have the money to spend on fiberglass shingles, asphalt may be a better choice.
    • If you want your roof upgraded quickly and don’t have the time or patience for complicated installation procedures, metal or tile may be right for you.
  • Asphalt shingles might be a better choice for homeowners who live in an area with heavy tree foliage or high winds.
    • This is because asphalt shingles are more likely to crack and curl, which can leave your home exposed to the elements over time.
  • Fiberglass roofs may not be the best option if you have a low-pitched roof, are on a low budget or don’t have the time to prepare your roof properly.

Despite all these differences between asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles, they both serve their purpose well. Depending on your situation and what you’re looking for in a roof replacement or upgrade, either option may be the right one for you!

However, we would advise you consider using fiberglass shingles especially if you have a high-pitched roof because of the extra durability they offer.

Pros & Cons of using Fiberglass Shingles