by Paradoxx

Created on: September 26, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2008

First introduced in 1938, fiberglass has gained wide popularity in the manufacturing and building materials industry. It was found that fiberglass, being made by pulling very fine glass fibers with a resin like coating called protrusion, could be easily shaped into almost any form. Corrugated fiberglass roofing and later fiberglass shingles were introduced into roofing industry because of its ability to stand up to the elements and more resistant to fire than other roofing material used.

Corrugated sheet roofing can be made from various types of materials such as fiberglass or plastic. Corrugated fiberglass roofing comes in lightweight wavelike sheets. These sheets are laid side by side and use the interlocking wave of one sheet over another. Fiberglass roofing of this type is highly resistant to rotting and corrosion, and can be installed over an existing roof saving on costly tear offs. It is preferred by many homeowners and weekend warriors, because it is attractive, easy to install and affordable.

Until fairly recently asphalt shingles that are reinforced with organic felt material dominated the roofing industry. Easily damaged in the hot sun while installing, and very heavy to carry up ladders on steep rooftops, a new type of shingle was introduced. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are much lighter and hold up better to temperature extremes. Fiberglass shingles, also known as composition shingles, have much higher resistance to fire spread than any other roofing material. The fiberglass shingle is rated Class A in fire resistance, which is the highest rating, while organic felt shingles carry a Class C fire rating. One of the disadvantages of this type of shingle is algae growth. Algae is a plant that will grow on asphalt shingles turning it black. It then has to be professionally cleaned to restore the roof to its former beauty. If algae is a concern in your area, ask your roofing contactor to order zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules applied to the shingles to resist an algae
attack.

Fiberglass roofing tissue is used as base for waterproof roofing materials. It's characteristics of high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, easy absorption of roofing compounds, make highly regarded in the industry. By incorporating reinforcements across the width of the installation, its strength and resistance to tears can be improved. Other advantages of fiberglass roofing tissue are resistant to rot or corrosion, excellent consistency, ability to expand and retract in extreme temperatures and resistance to leaking.

Corrugated fiberglass, fiberglass asphalt shingles and fiberglass roofing tissue are becoming the dominant industry standard and preferred by professionals in the trade. Lightweight, affordable, strong, resistance to both elements and fire, make fiberglass a smart investment for homeowner and business.

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