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 various factors like the needs of the 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 areas, where you need a translucent roof, which can allow the passage of light and at the same time prevent heat. Corrugated fiberglass roofing is commonly used for covering backyards, patios, carports and greenhouses. Some varieties of these translucent fiberglass roofing sheets have inbuilt filters to prevent ultraviolet rays from passing through.

What is Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing?

Fiberglass is a versatile material that has been used for various purposes, since the latter half of the twentieth century. As the name rightly suggests, fiberglass is nothing other than fine fibers of glass. Molten glass is extruded through fine holes to make thin glass fibers that are reinforced with different resins, so that the resultant product can be shaped as per requirement. Initially, this material was solely used for insulation purposes. But, now, it has a wide range of applications. It is being used in making water storage tanks to roofing, pipes, automobiles and boats. While fiberglass felts are used as a matting material for roof, sheets and panels made of this material are used as main roofing. In case of fiberglass roofing sheets, the high strength glass fibers are reinforced with plastic resins. So, this material is also known as glass reinforced plastic or GRP, which allows light to pass through.

Earlier these roofing sheets were available in white, green and clear types. Now, you may see them in almost all shades and designs. Most of you might have noticed the green-colored roofing in green houses, backyards and patios. While some of these are flat, others are wavy in nature. The wavy ones are called corrugated roofing. Fiberglass panels with the ridges and grooves pattern is called corrugated fiberglass roofing sheets. It is this pattern that is said to be responsible for the strength of this roofing material, though it is lightweight in nature. Corrugated fiberglass is mostly preferred for slanting roof, as there are chances of rainwater/snow accumulation in flat roof.

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 sheets became the most preferred roofing to cover barns and industrial buildings too. The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of corrugated fiberglass roofing.

Advantages of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

• One of the reasons behind the increasing popularity of fiberglass roofing material is that it is cheaper than most of the other roofing materials. However, prices may not be the same for different types that vary in strength, color, design, etc.
• Some varieties offer lifetime guarantee, which means no renovation and maintenance costs. Otherwise too, these corrugated roofing sheets are durable enough to last around 30 to 40 years with minimum maintenance.
• Being flexible, fiberglass roofing sheets can be easily installed. It can withstand cutting, drilling, punching, sawing and nailing. It can be easily bent, so as to fit the frames. It can also be installed over existing roofs.
• Some of the modern versions of these fiberglass roofing sheets have anti-algae properties too. Those without this feature can be cleaned with soap and water.
• Some people prefer these translucent fiberglass roofing sheets for being lightweight, compared to their heavy counterparts. Being translucent, this material allows natural light to pass through it, thereby benefiting you with lower power bills.
• Corrugated fiberglass roofing is also more fire resistant than materials like felt and wood. It is also resistant to corrosion and rot. If properly installed, this roofing material can also withstand rough weather.
• It is also resilient and can return to normal shape, even if they sustain deflections with normal load. This cannot be seen in certain other types of roofing sheets (like metal ones) that may not return to normal shape after deflections.

Disadvantages of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

• As they are lightweight and thin, corrugated fiberglass roofing can create a disturbing noise during 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 extreme heat and cold. You have to install a false roof beneath it for better insulation.
• Fluctuations in temperature can cause expansion and contraction of corrugated fiberglass roofing. You have to take care of this problem at the time of installation itself.
• Though they are shatter resistant to a great extent, corrugated fiberglass sheets may crack, if any heavy objects fall on them. This is another reason for people to avoid using this roofing material.

However, corrugated fiberglass roofing is used by people as a cheaper alternative than the other costlier and heavier varieties of roofing. It is also durable and is resistant to most of the natural elements. When compared to other types of fiberglass roofing sheets, corrugated ones offer more rigidity and have been successfully used for various structures. So, if you are interested in corrugated fiberglass sheets for roofing purposes, try to understand more about the pros and cons of the material. For this purpose, you can seek the help of its manufacturers as well as roofing contractors. You may also seek the opinion of those, who are using these fiberglass sheets as roofing. Once you are done with your study, check whether the material is suitable for your requirements. If you think that it is perfect for your roofing purposes, then go ahead. Hire a roofing contractor, who is experienced in fixing fiberglass roofing. This is very important, as in case of any other roofing material, proper installation is one of the factors that can affect the efficiency as well as durability of fiberglass roofing.