When you drive through any residential neighborhood in Atlanta, you’ll find fiberglass shingles on the roofs of many homes. As a popular roofing material choice in the United States, fiberglass shingles have earned their reputation for being durable, cost-effective, and versatile in style.
At RST Roofing and Renovations, LLC, we have been providing professional roofing services in Atlanta and the surrounding areas of Georgia for a long time. With that experience, we’ve created this guide to cover everything about fiberglass roofing shingles in order to help those in our community who are looking for some tips on their roofing project.
What Are Fiberglass Shingles?
Your roof deserves the best protection, and fiberglass shingles can provide that. They are made using a process different from traditional asphalt shingles, which gives them a more durable finish.
How Are Fiberglass Shingles Made?
The manufacturing process of fiberglass roof shingles combines precision and quality control for durability and enhanced performance. At their core, fiberglass shingles consist of a special mat made from tough fiberglass strands woven together. This mat is then coated with asphalt and topped with protective granules.
The fiberglass mat provides a strong base for the shingles, which is coated with layers of asphalt, making the shingles water-resistant. Some modern manufacturing techniques have even introduced fiberglass shingles with special chemical coatings to prevent algae and mold growth, a common problem in humid regions.
What Are The Pros Of Fiberglass Shingles?
There are many things that home and business owners love about fiberglass shingle roofs. For instance, roofers like working with them because the fiberglass in shingles are sturdy enough to walk on while making repairs or replacements, and are readily available if you need a replacement.
Fiberglass roof shingles also come in all sorts of designs and colors, allowing you to design your home the way you want. Plus, they’re built tough, easily handling different types of weather pretty well. Overall, with their addition to your home, you’re likely to find yourself increasing the value of your home, and therefore, its resale price.
What Are The Cons Of Fiberglass Shingles?
Now, while they offer many perks, there are some things to think about before choosing fiberglass in shingles.
While fiberglass shingles are generally a good, economical choice, they may pose challenges in extremely cold climates, becoming brittle. And if you prefer natural materials, it’s worth noting that fiberglass shingles are man-made, unlike options such as wood-shake shingles.
How Much Do Fiberglass Shingles Cost?
A basic fiberglass shingle roof installation (for 3-tab shingles) costs between $1 and $5 for each square foot. If you want a more durable version of fiberglass shingles, such as architectural shingles, you can expect to spend more, likely around $4.50 and $7 for each square foot.
When homeowners put a new roof on a house that’s around 1,700 square feet, they generally spend between $7,700 and $10,000 for fiberglass shingles. This price includes everything; the materials, the workers’ time, and getting the job done.
Several factors influence the final cost of your fiberglass shingle roof, including:
👉 The complexity of your roof’s design
👉 The need to remove existing roofing materials
👉 Additional materials like underlayment and flashing
👉 Local labor rates in the Atlanta area
Fiberglass vs. Traditional Asphalt Shingles: How Do You Make The Right Choice?
We would say that fiberglass shingles are the best option for your home, but under mild weather conditions and for buildings such as temporary rental homes, you can still consider traditional asphalt shingles.
While asphalt is still a primary option, a fiberglass shingle roof will be lighter, making it easier to install and reducing structural stress on your home. The fiberglass core also provides better fire resistance and weather protection compared to traditional asphalt shingles.
The choice between these options often depends on your specific needs as well. You’ll want to keep in mind how the chosen shingles will match your local weather patterns, your budget, and what design elements you’re looking for.
In Atlanta’s varying weather conditions, fiberglass shingles often prove to be the more practical choice due to their superior moisture resistance and durability.
Also Read – Fiberglass Vs. Asphalt Shingles: A Comparison Guide
How To Prevent Early Damage To Your Fiberglass Shingle Roof
In order to prevent your fiberglass shingle roof from becoming damaged prematurely, the first thing to do is prioritize a proper installation. Installation mistakes will cause the roof to age faster, so make sure that you choose reputable and experienced local roofers.
Another important way to protect your investment from damage is regular maintenance. While fiberglass shingles are known for their durability, regular care can help maintain their lifespan smoothly.
Part of this maintenance requires that you keep your gutters clean and free of debris to prevent water from overflowing the gutter channels. Regularly inspect your roofing system for any signs of damage, especially after severe weather events.
Professional inspections will help you catch potential issues early, preventing expensive repairs down the line. Consider protective coatings as well in order to improve resistance against algae growth and UV damage.
Do Fiberglass Shingles Need Professional Installation?
Roof replacements or installations are generally the things that you should leave to experienced candidates. Roof installation requires the right techniques, expertise, and experience, and it’s also a risky job!
Certified roofers provide the proper installation techniques, making your roof perform as intended. They understand the importance of proper ventilation, underlayment installation, and shingle alignment, and these things are important for your roof’s longevity.
While the initial cost of professional roof installation might be higher, proper installation by experienced professionals can save you money in the long run by preventing common installation errors that could lead to costly repairs.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection In Georgia Today!
At RST Roofing and Renovations, LLC, we are your local team of roofers committed to providing professional, top-quality roofing services in our state.
Our experts pay special attention to even the minor details of the roof installation process. You can schedule your free roof inspection with us today!
By trusting us for your roofing needs, you’ll be provided with valuable results and peace of mind. To schedule an appointment, or for a no-pressure general discussion about the condition of your roofs, feel free to call us today at (404) 548-8901.
