Fiberglass Shingles Or Asphalt Shingles

For most homeowners, fiberglass shingles are a perfect fit. However, the lower weight and relative brittleness of fiberglass shingles make them less suited for frosty and other harsh conditions. If you live in an area with glacial winters and recurring natural disasters like Calgary, then asphalt shingles, known for their hardiness, can be a smart alternative. 

Fiberglass Or Asphalt: Know The Difference

So you’ve chosen to go with shingles for your home’s next roof? Excellent choice! 

Shingles offer decades-long durability at a lower price point than other roofing materials like wood, slate, metal, and clay tiles. Easy to install and widely available to boot, shingles are the perfect roofing option for homeowners who want the best bang for their buck. 

But shingles come in 2 types: fiberglass and organic mat asphalt (asphalt). Which type of shingles should you choose?

While you can’t really go wrong with either type, one may be slightly better adapted to your home’s needs. Either way, we at Asonic Roofing are excited to apply our 10 years of experience to your home’s roof installation. Call us at 403-462-2808 or fill out the online contact form to see what the highest standards in the roofing industry look like!

Fiberglass And Asphalt: A Comparison 

Shingles come in 2 flavours: fiberglass and organic mat asphalt. While both are considered asphalt shingles, the former employs a fiberglass mat while the latter is formed from recycled layers of felt paper.

The choice between fiberglass shingles and organic mat asphalt shingles (or simply asphalt shingles) depends on a number of factors, including price, sustainability, durability, and climate. 

Why Should I Get Fiberglass Shingles?

Picture fiberglass shingles as asphalt shingles reinforced with a plastic composite. Fiberglass shingles possess multiple advantages over their traditional organic mat counterparts:

• More water and fire-resistant: Thanks to their composition, fiberglass shingles are excellent water insulators and perform well in extreme heat. 
   
• Longer lifespan: Fiberglass shingles can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years. Conversely, conventional asphalt shingles need to be replaced after 15 years. Because of their longer life expectancy, fiberglass shingles usually command longer warranties. 
   
• More sustainable: The technology behind the manufacturing of fiberglass shingles is relatively environmentally friendly. The lower weight of these shingles also makes them easier to transport, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 
   
• More affordable: Given their lower weight, fiberglass shingles are cheaper than asphalt shingles. 

In light of these comparative advantages, you’d be better served with fiberglass shingles if you live in a particularly hot area, prefer less roof maintenance, wish to reduce your environmental footprint, or want the more economic choice. 

Why Should I Get Organic Mat Asphalt Shingles?

While fiberglass shingles are sometimes considered as a direct upgrade to traditional asphalt shingles, reasons for opting for the latter exist:

• Better suited for colder climates: Unlike fiberglass shingles, asphalt shingles aren’t susceptible to cracks and fissures during winter. 
   
• More rugged: While fiberglass shingles last longer, they aren’t as strong or durable as asphalt shingles. Their heavier weight and thickness make them ideal for weathering severe storms and other hazards. 
   
• Better appearance over time: Brand new fiberglass and asphalt shingles should look equally good, but the former will start losing its gloss over time. The alkaline materials that make up the fiberglass shingles attract algae, which gives them a sullied appearance. 

Asphalt shingles can be the superior choice if you live in unforgiving conditions. 

Asphalt Shingles For Cold Weather; Fiberglass Shingles For Everything Else  

Generally, most homeowners will be more satisfied with fiberglass shingles. The combined materials make for a longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly roof. Fiberglass shingles also provided added resistance to fire and water while sitting at a lower price point. In terms of value, fiberglass shingles are difficult to beat. 

However, those living in areas with long winters may gravitate towards asphalt shingles. Rugged and tough, asphalt shingles can easily withstand harsh conditions without breaking or flying off from your roof. Their higher cost and shorter lifespan are regrettable, but these shortcomings are offset by their dependability in inclement weather.  

Still not sure about which type of shingles to get? Call Asonic Roofing at 403-462-2808 or fill out the online contact form to keep the conversation going!

FAQs

Q: How long do roofs last?

A: Depending on the material, roofs last from 20 years to 100 years or more. Asphalt roofs are the least durable and tiled and slate roofs are the longest lasting. Metal roofs are somewhere in between. 

Q: Is my roof insured?

A: Your insurance policy should cover your roof. Moreover, most reputable roofing companies provide a labour warranty of 10 years. 

Q: How often should I have my gutters cleaned?

A: You should clean them twice to four times a year.