Fiberglass vs Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are some of the most popular types of shingles on the market today. They are popular because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors and styles. It can be overwhelming with all the diverse types of roofing materials, but we found that asphalt shingles are the best choice for homeowners living in mild environments.  

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Fiberglass shingles and organic asphalt shingles are both considered asphalt shingles, but they offer quite diverse types of protection. They both come in either 3-tab or architectural roofing styles. Both types of shingles have pros and cons. We will dive into the differences and similarities between these two types of asphalt shingles to give you a better idea of which type of asphalt shingle is best for your home. 

What are Organic Asphalt shingles?

 

Organic asphalt shingles or traditional asphalt shingles are made from paper material and then layered with asphalt and ceramic granules. This type of asphalt shingle can last on a home from anywhere from 25 years depending on the quality of installation, maintenance, and climate. This type of shingle is exceptionally durable, inexpensive, and can be offered in a wide variety of colors and styles. 

What are Fiberglass Shingles?

 

Fiberglass shingles look almost identical to traditional asphalt shingles but have small differentiations that make them a whole different shingle. Fiberglass shingles are made of fiberglass which is essentially a sandwich of fiberglass matting with asphalt granules. They are made with less asphalt granules than a traditional shingle which makes these types of shingles much lighter. GAF shingles are warrantied for a lifetime and offer the highest level of protection. Fiberglass shingles offer more protection against hail and wind damage. 

Now that you know the basics of these two types of asphalt shingles, we will break down the pros and cons of each below. 

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Shingles

 

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are known for their great fire resistance strength and value. See some of the benefits and disadvantages of choosing fiberglass shingles for your next roof replacement project.  

Advantages of Fiberglass Shingles

 

Very Durable

GAF asphalt fiberglass shingles are exceptionally durable and can last up to 50 years. This is a major selling point for many homeowners, as these shingles will offer long-lasting protection without having to replace them repeatedly. In addition to their durability, GAF asphalt shingles are also Class A fire rated for superior protection for your home. They are much thicker than fiberglass shingles and can also withstand harsh weather conditions including extreme wind, rain, and hail better than other types of roofing materials.

Lasting Color

GAF&#;s proven Color Lock technology ensures that the fiberglass asphalt shingles will not lose its color in UV rays. With fiberglass shingles, the coloring often fades and can look dull and fade very quickly. GAF allows a homeowner to have attractive, vibrant colors that will last for decades. In addition, GAF also offers a range of designer accents that can help create a unique and beautiful curb appeal for your home.  

Algae Resistant

GAF&#;s Stainguard Plus technology helps keep algae and fungus from growing on your roof, further protecting its coloring, and elongating its lifespan. This advanced protection is a great benefit for any homeowner and can help keep their roof looking new for longer. On the other hand, fiberglass shingles are not as resistant to algae or fungus growth which can cause discoloring and reduce the aesthetics of your roof. GAF&#;s Stainguard plus technology is an excellent way to ensure that your roof will stay looking its best for years to come.

Fire Resistant

GAF has tested their materials extensively and even tested against worst case scenario situations including extreme wind and fire. Their materials have been proven to resist fire and protect your home better than any other material on the market. As a result, GAF is one of the most trusted brands available when it comes to protecting your home from fire and other disasters. 

Environmentally Friendly

Asphalt shingles made from fiberglass are environmentally friendly and are made from recycled materials that can be reused again. This helps reduce waste and energy consumption and helps keep the air cleaner from reduced manufacturing. Additionally, GAF&#;s asphalt shingles are made with up to 90% recycled content. This commitment to recycling and sustainability is a major plus for any homeowner looking for roofing material that is both reliable and eco-friendly. 

Solar Reflecting

 GAF asphalt shingles are made to be solar reflective and can help keep your home cooler during the scorching summer months. This helps reduce your electricity bills and helps to keep your home comfortable all year round. GAF asphalt shingles also come in a variety of colors to match any home&#;s exterior. From classic black shingles to bright, bold hues, GAF has something for everyone. 

Disadvantages of Fiberglass Shingles

 

Wind Resistance

These shingles do not offer the same level of wind resistance that heavier organic asphalt shingles provide. Fiberglass shingles are very lightweight which makes them susceptible to tearing off in areas with high wind conditions. Although GAF has gone through and passed on some of the most extensive testing for wind including ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D Class F which is a test done under 110 mph winds and ASTM D Class H done on 150 mph winds.   

Cold Climates

When choosing between fiberglass and organic asphalt shingles, it is important to consider the climate in which your home resides. In colder climates, it is best to use organic asphalt shingles which are thicker and heavier and better able to handle freezing temperatures. Fiberglass shingles can become brittle in cold climates and are more prone to cracking and splintering. However, in climates with higher temperatures, fiberglass shingles are the better choice as they are lighter and more durable in extreme weather. 

Pros and Cons of Organic Asphalt Shingles

As with any roofing product their are some advantages but there are also some disadvantages of this type of shingle. Read below to find out how organic shingles compare to fiberglass shingles.

Benefits of Organic Asphalt Shingles

 

Best for Cold Climates

If a homeowner is located in a cold climate, organic asphalt shingles are still the best choice. As previously noted, the fiberglass shingles become brittle in cold climates making them susceptible to cracking, splintering, and other damage. On the other hand, GAF fiberglass asphalt shingles can handle freezing temperatures much better and have a higher wind resistance making them the go to choice.  

Composition and weight

One of the key differentiators between organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles is their composition and weight. Organic shingles are heavier and thicker which makes them more durable in extreme weather conditions. This also provides a higher level of wind resistance. Fiberglass shingles are much lighter and thinner, which makes them less durable in extreme weather conditions. 

Disadvantage of Organic Asphalt Shingles

 

Water absorption

Organic asphalt shingles are more susceptible to soaking up water which can lead to numerous problems including mold growth on your roof. Therefore, it is important to have your roof inspected regularly to check for any signs of water damage. GAF Fiberglass shingles are more water-resistant and can help prevent water from penetrating your roof and causing damage. Additionally, GAF&#;s Stainguard plus technology helps protect your roof from water damage in the long run.

Warping

Warping is another major problem with organic asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles can become warped in extreme temperatures as well as from prolonged exposure to moisture. Warping can lead to cracking, which can reduce the life of your roof and make it more vulnerable to water damage. On the other hand, GAF fiberglass asphalt shingles are less prone to warping and can better withstand extreme temperatures and moisture. 

Lifespan

The lifespan of organic asphalt shingles is typically 20 years. Compared to fiberglass asphalt shingles and other materials, it falls far below the average lifespan. 

Asphalt shingles vs Fiberglass Shingles: The Verdict

Are you interested in learning more about how to tell the difference between asphalt and fiberglass shingles? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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Making the decision between organic asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles can be difficult. Fiberglass shingles are a more modern option with more advantages in terms of weight and longevity, but organic asphalt shingles can provide a higher level of wind resistance. Although GAF fiberglass shingles can withstand any temperatures without damage, it is best to be careful not to step on your shingles in temperatures under 40 degrees.  

Contact DaBella Today to Learn More About GAF Fiberglass Shingles!

 

With GAF fiberglass shingles, you can enjoy the benefits of a lightweight roofing option that is both durable, effective and energy efficient. The shingles are designed to resist cracking and warping, ensuring that your roof will last for many years to come. GAF also offers Stainguard Plus technology, which provides additional protection against water damage and mold growth and Color Lock technology that helps keep its original color for years. At DaBella, we specialize in installing GAF Fiberglass Shingles and would be happy to discuss the features and benefits of this roofing material with you for your next roof replacement. Contact DaBella today at 844-DaBella to learn more about our fiberglass asphalt shingles.

The gentle pitter-patter of raindrops on a roof is one of the most relaxing sounds in nature unless you have a compromised roof. Once the sound turns to a constant drip from your ceiling to your floor, rain becomes the hazard that keeps homeowners up at night.

Any new roof will increase the value and thus the resale value of your home. With the right roof, you can hope to recover up to nearly 63 percent of the installation cost when your home value increases.

But how does a person know what type of shingles to get? Roofing varies. Keep reading to learn about asphalt shingles and the difference between organic asphalt singles and fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Organic Asphalt Shingles

Whenever we hear the word &#;organic,&#; we think of environmentally friendly materials or some sort of natural material. In the world of shingles, &#;organic&#; means non-synthetic shingles.

An organic asphalt shingle roof is a common roofing style. Organic asphalt shingles distinguish themselves they consist of paper or felt that designers soak in asphalt. Then manufacturers coat the shingle with an additional layer of asphalt and then ceramic granules.

This process creates a waterproof shingle that can withstand the intensity of Midwestern weather. For example, a special coating protects the shingle and your roof from UV rays during the direct sunlight in summer. Additionally, engineers add reachable paint to create algae-resistant shingles which are perfect for the high humidity experienced in Nebraska.

This coating makes the shingles resistant to algae and discoloration.  

What Makes Organic Asphalt Shingles Better?

Organic asphalt shingles have proven themselves to be a durable shingle, with some brands lasting up to 20 years. They&#;re weather, algae, and discoloration resistant.

Also, organic asphalt shingles perform well in cold weather. Other, thinner shingles are not as substantial and tend to become brittle and break while under the duress of extremely cold temperatures.

Organic asphalt shingles perform well and guard against the extreme swings of the Nebraska climate.

How Much Do They Cost?

Organic asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roof solutions.  Asphalt shingles cost less in general than other types of shingles, but organic shingles in particular can cost half the cost of other roofing alternatives.

Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

Fiberglass asphalt shingles differ from organic asphalt shingles in that they do not have the paper or felt base. They have a fiberglass base.

Fiberglass asphalt shingles begin with a mat of wet fiberglass held together with urea-formaldehyde resin. Manufacturers then soak the mat asphalt that has mineral fillers in it. This process creates a waterproof shingle.

At first glance, fiberglass shingles look the same as organic shingles. You can even install them the same way, so you do not need a roofer with specialized experience or training. Both organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles are made from asphalt and granules; their difference lies in their base.  

What Makes Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles Better?

Because of their fiberglass base, fiberglass asphalt shingles are more fire-resistant than organic asphalt shingles. They do not have the flammable paper or felt base, making them a better shingle for hot climates. They&#;re both fire retardant and heat resistant.

On the downside, fiberglass shingles do not tolerate cold temperatures as well as organic asphalt shingles. Low temperatures cause fiberglass to become brittle, making them prone to breaking.

Solutions to Algae Problems

Also, fiberglass shingles without any treatment are rich in alkaline, attract algae, and end up looking dirty. When the algae build-up, the shingles do not protect your home as well against the intense heat of the sun. Thus fiberglass shingles lead to a warmer house and higher energy costs.

Engineers have found a solution for the algae problem with fiberglass shingles. They coat the shingles with copper which prevents discoloration and long-term damage from algae and moss. The coating makes shingles more costly, adding 10 to 15 percent in installation costs.  

Ultimately, a layer of glass fiber makes the fiberglass shingle absorb less moisture, resist more heat, and last longer in warm climates.

Environmentally Friendly

Plus, fiberglass shingles are lighter than organic asphalt shingles. This means a truck is able to haul more, creating a more environmentally friendly delivery process. These shingles are also nonporous, and thus they do not change shape or dry out.

Time Saver

Fiberglass shingles install easily. If you have a single layer of shingles, you can install the fiberglass asphalt shingles directly over the old layer. You save time and money removing and hauling away an old roof. If you have two or more shingle layers on your roof, you need to remove the old layer first.

Fiberglass shingles are durable. The shingles last 25 to 50 years, whereas traditional asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years.

Various Styles

You have a choice of two different styles when you select fiberglass asphalt shingles.

The 3 tab shingle is the most affordable and simple.

The architectural shingle is the more expensive shingle, often used on high-end homes. Engineers have designed the architectural shingle to look like tile roofing or wood roofing.

Money Saver

Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a lower environmental impact. They&#;re easier to transport, thus lowering your carbon footprint.

Plus , manufacturers have adopted energy-saving, cool-roof technology to prevent a roof from absorbing great amounts of heat. As you shop around, look for shingles with Energy Star rated shingles. Energy Star certified roofing can reduce the AC needed by reducing peak cooling demand by up to 10 to 15 percent.

How Much Do Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles Cost?

Asphalt shingles as a whole are among the most affordable roofing options. With that said, fiberglass does cost more than organic shingles. You can plan on spending anywhere from $8,500 to $16,500 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof.

You also need to consider the cost when you look at the shingles&#; durability. Fiberglass asphalt shingles last up to twice as long as organic asphalt shingles.

Cover Up and Rest Easy

You can rest easy when the rain falls if you know you have a good roof over your head. Take some time to check out our work. Whether you&#;re looking for asphalt shingles or something else, we have all the roofing solutions you need. As always, we&#;ll be upfront and honest. We&#;ll help you pick the right product for your budget and home situation.

Give us a call at 402-616- for a free estimate. We&#;d love to help you out.

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