How to tell the difference between asphalt and fiberglass shingles

By far, shingles are the most common roof type in residential houses - shingles are affordable, have different colors and styles, protect your home, and can be used for over 20 years. All these reasons make them a good roof material, and most homeowners facing roof repair or replacement choose asphalts. Once you decide to use asphalts to improve the containment of your home and keep it safe, you need to decide what type of asphalts to install.

Fibreglass shingles vs. asphalt shingles

Fibreglass shingles are a newer product that offers homeowners another option for shingles. Technically, fiberglass shingles are a type of asphalt shingles, so traditional asphalt shingles are commonly referred to as organic asphalt shingles to help distinguish the two. Both types of shingle are made of a combination of asphalt and other granules.

Organic asphalt shingles are made from a paper material soaked in asphalt and coated by layers of asphalt and ceramic granules. Organic asphalt shingles are commonly seen in many Southeast Asia homes, as they can last up to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance. The ‘organic’ in the name can cause confusion among consumers, who may believe the ‘organic’ means they are sustainable, made of natural materials. This is not the case, the ‘organic’ is just referring to the non-synthetic material they are made of, to distinguish them from fibreglass shingles.

Fiberglass shingles look identical to organic asphalt shingles, but instead of a paper-based mat on the shingle, it is made of a fiberglass base. They are lighter than organic asphalt. Installation and appearance are the same for this shingle type, making it easy to change types of shingle depending on your home’s need without altering the appearance of your home.

Pros and Cons of Fibreglass Shingles

There are many advantages to fibreglass shingles, but it may not be right for your home depending on your budget and the climate you live in.

Advantages:

l Increased insulation: The layer of fiberglass increases the heat resistance of this shingles, giving it a better insulating factor for your roof.

l Moisture resistance: The layer of fiberglass provides additional protection, effectively sealing your home from moisture. This can be especially helpful in wet and damp climates to protect your home from rain, snow and ice.

l Fire resistance: The fiberglass in the shingle replaces the paper-based material in organic asphalt shingles, making these a better choice for fireproofing.

l Strength: Although fiberglass shingles are thinner and lighter than organic asphalt shingles, a high-quality product can last 20 years or more, as they won’t dry out or change their shape. Like IKO, BP, and Owens Corning fiberglass shingles, SANGOBUILD has the same quality and is also used by professionals.

l Value: Same quality, and similar cost. Fiberglass shingles last longer so have better value.

l Innovation: Using new technology with better quality seals on your shingles or other patented ideas such as SANGOBUILD. It not only counter possible disadvantages such as having lighter or thinner shingles and even to improve on things like wind resistance.

Disadvantages:

l Wind: Although being thinner and lighter can be an advantage, it also means that fiberglass shingles are more likely to blow off in severe wind or during a storm. So, you must fixed with nails for a secure and better installation.

l Cold: The increased amount of asphalt in organic shingles makes them more durable and cold resistance, while extreme low temperatures can make the fiberglass shingle brittle. This can make it difficult to install or repair roofs when the weather is cold.

l Appearance: The appearance of fiberglass shingles may diminish over time, as the alkaline materials in the shingle can attract algae, which may give the shingles a dirty appearance