Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

Roofing materials are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, textures, materials and colors. The selection of a particular roofing material depends on the needs of area to be covered, durability, price and looks. If you want a roofing material which is durable, can keep off rains, allows drainage, and does not block the passage of light, then corrugated fiberglass roofing is a very good option. This roofing material is commonly used to cover backyards, patios, carports, greenhouses, etc, where you need a translucent roof, which can allow the passage of light, and at the same time prevent heat. Some varieties of these translucent fiberglass roofing panels also have filters to prevent ultraviolet rays from passing through.

What is Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing?

Most of you may have noticed the green panels covering green houses, backyards and patios. These green panels are known as corrugated fiberglass panels. Nowadays, they are available in a wide range of colors, designs and grades. You can even go for some designer corrugated fiberglass roofing. This type of fiberglass roofing is made of high strength glass fibers secured by an organic resin, through which light can pass easily. These translucent fiberglass roofing panels are usually formed in a wavy pattern with alternate ridges and grooves.

Pros and Cons of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

Fiberglass roofing material, which was introduced in the late 1930s, gained popularity due to its low cost, anti-rust properties, easy installation, translucency, etc. People began accepting it as the perfect material to cover outdoor structures like yards, porches, greenhouses and carports. Corrugated fiberglass panels became the most preferred roofing to cover barns and industrial buildings. The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of corrugated fiberglass roofing.

Advantages of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

• The most popular advantage of fiberglass roofing material is that it is cheaper than other roofing materials.
• Being flexible, fiberglass roofing panels can be easily installed. It can withstand cutting, drilling, punching, sawing and nailing. It can be easily bent, so as to fit the frames.
• Some varieties offer lifetime guarantee, which means no renovation and maintenance costs.
• Some of the modern versions of these fiberglass roofing panels have anti-algae properties. Those panels without this feature can be cleaned with soap and water.
• Fiberglass roofing material is also used for insulating buildings with large generators and electrical equipment.
• Some people prefer these translucent fiberglass roofing panels for being lightweight, compared to their heavy counterparts.
• Corrugated fiberglass roofing is also more fire resistant than materials like felt and wood.

Disadvantages of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

• As these panels are lightweight and thin, they can create a disturbing noise during the rains.
• Fiberglass roofing material is not recommended in areas prone to high winds. If used in such areas, extra care needs to be taken to fix them firmly to the structure.
• Another problem with corrugated fiberglass roofing is that they offer little insulation from heat and cold. You have to install a false roof beneath it for better insulation.
• Fluctuations in temperatures can cause the expansion and contraction of the panels. You have to take care of this problem at the time of installation itself.
• Corrugated fiberglass panels are prone to cracking if any heavy objects fall on them. This is another reason for people avoiding the usage of such roofing material.

However, corrugated fiberglass roofing is used by people as a cheaper alternative than the other costlier and heavier varieties of roofing. When compared to other flat fiberglass panels corrugated panels offer more rigidity and have been successfully used as roofing material for various structures.