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The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

Why Choose Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles Over Organic Shingles?

Lori Silva

If you've decided to install an asphalt shingle roof, then you have to choose whether to use fiberglass or organic products. Both of these shingles share some manufacturing characteristics. For instance, they have an asphalt coating on top of a base layer.

However, their base layers are different. Fiberglass shingles have a glass fiber base while organic shingles use wood pulp or waste paper. In many cases, fiberglass shingles are a better choice. Read on to learn why.

Fiberglass Shingles Are Stronger

Both organic and fiberglass shingles are strong and waterproof. However, fiberglass shingles usually have better long-term strength than organic products.

The base materials in organic shingles can be affected by moisture and temperature fluctuations over time. Wood pulp and paper waste might then change shape. It might expand or warp. When this happens, shingles can buckle, crack, and move out of position.

Shingles with a fiberglass base aren't typically affected by moisture or temperature changes in the same way. Fiberglass holds its structure more effectively. So, your shingles will stay in good shape for longer.

Fiberglass Shingles Are Lighter

The base materials in organic shingles add to their overall weight. Wood and paper products can be surprisingly heavy.

Heavier shingles are harder to work with and install. They might need extra support on their roofs. This increases your roof replacement schedule and costs.

Fiberglass shingles are lighter than organic alternatives. They are easier to work with and faster to install. They don't usually need any additional support work.

Fiberglass Shingles Have More Fire Resistance

Fire-resistant roofing materials are a sensible choice for your home. They can slow the spread of a fire and reduce the damage it causes to your property.

Organic shingles don't give you as much protection against fire as fiberglass products. Their base materials are combustible; however, fiberglass is less likely to ignite.

Fiberglass Shingles Lower Your Costs

Organic shingles have higher manufacturing costs than fiberglass products, which makes them more expensive to buy.

You'll also pay more for your roof if you need to add extra support to cope with the heavier weight of organic products. These shingles are more likely to buckle and crack, so you might have replacement costs in the future.

Fiberglass shingles are cheaper to buy. They don't usually come with extra support costs. Their longer lifespan also reduces your replacement costs.

To find out more about using fiberglass shingles, talk to your roofing contractor.


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