What is the difference between composite fiberglass shingles and asphalt roofing shingles?

Answered by Jeffrey ~ April 19th, 2010 | 3 Comments » | Respond to this question

We are looking to replace the roofs of our house and garage. Aside from the difference the two types, how much maintenance are involved for fiberglass or asphalt roofing?

Glorya B. ~ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Jeffrey Anderson

Hi Glorya, fiberglass composite shingles are actually a type of asphalt shingle.  A fiberglass shingle has an outer layer composed of an asphalt composition, and the underneath part of the shingle, which is against the roofing felt on the roof sheathing, is made of a fiberglass matting.  An asphalt shingle has the same outer layer, but the underneath matting is of an asphalt organic material.

There are a few differences between the shingles.  A bundle of fiberglass shingles is a little lighter than a bundle of asphalt shingles, which might not make a difference to you, but will to your roofing contractor, especially if he has to hand stock the roof.  Fiberglass shingles are also more fire retardant than asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingles have a heavier look to them, as the organic matting is a little thicker than the fiberglass.  Asphalt shingles are also more flexible, which is a consideration when a roofer is installing shingles in colder weather.  They can also be a little more water absorbent than fiberglass shingles.

Fiberglass shingles are used more in the southern part of the country, while asphalt shingles are used more in the north.  Fiberglass shingles might last a little longer than asphalt shingles.  Each is a good shingle, and if you prefer fiberglass there is no reason why you couldn’t use it in the north.  I grew up north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so I know how cold the winters can get.  If you are anticipating a fall or late fall shingle replacement, you might ask your roofing contractor if he prefers asphalt roofing or fiberglass roofing.

There should be no difference in maintenance between asphalt roofing and fiberglass roofing.  Just watch for cracked or broken shingles, and get them replaced as soon as possible.  After a windstorm look to see if you have lost any shingles, especially right after the roof has been installed, and the shingles haven’t had a chance to seat themselves.  Other than that there isn’t much maintenance involved.  Fiberglass and asphalt shingles are available in warranties up to 50 years, but 25, 30, and 40 are more standard.  While they might not last quite that long, you still shouldn’t have to worry about your roofs for a long time with either product.

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3 Responses to “What is the difference between composite fiberglass shingles and asphalt roofing shingles?”

  1. Thomas Kral - Reliable American Roofing Thomas Kral - Reliable American Roofing says:
    April 28, 2010 at 7:06 am

    An asphalt shingle is any shingle that contains asphalt as the primary water protecting. Putting those shingles into two categories, there are “organic” asphalt shingles and “fiberglass” reinforced asphalt shingles.

    Organic asphalt shingles are the early roofing shingle. I think it was Owens corning that released the first fiberglass reinforced roofing shingle back in the 70’s, but don’t quote me on that. Now-a-days a fiberglass roofing shingle is the primary steep slope roof covering in the USA.

    A fiberglass shingle is better in my opinion for many reasons. Fiberglass shingles are less prine to cupping and curling as a result of over heating. This is not an excuse to underventilate however. Fiberglass shingles are also stiffer than organic shingles giving them a higher wind resistance.

    Organic shingles are more common in cold enviroments, where they are easiler to install in the winter time. In the Chicago area, organic asphalt shingles are actually more expensive than fiberglass, almost all shingles around here are fiberglass.

    So what’s the difference? Well an asphalt shingle is comprised of asphalt, obviously, but that asphalt has to be applied to a substrate or to a “matt”. The matt is what actually determines if the shingle is fiberglass or asphalt. An organic matt is nothing more than a very thick felt paper. A fiberglass matt is a piece of fiberglass. Both shingles would then be saturated with Asphalt and covered in granuals. There’s more to the construction of a shingle than that, but that’s the summarized recipe and ingredients list.

    For what it’s worth I have a fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingle on my roof in Niles IL and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I fix ALOT of failed organic roofs.

    Thomas Kral
    Reliable American Roofing, Chicago IL
    http://www.ReliableAmerican.us
    847-729-3496

    Reply
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