Which Is Better Fiberglass Or Rubber Roof?

When it comes to replacing your roof, you have two options: Fiberglass or rubber. Both come with their benefits and drawbacks, so it can be difficult to know which one is the best choice. The good news is that both types of roofs are affordable, making either an excellent choice. If you want to make the right decision, consider the benefits of fiberglass over rubber…

Fiberglass and Rubber are two great options for roof replacement. Fiberglass roofs are durable, but they cost more upfront than rubber because they need an underlayment before installation. Rubber roofs are lightweight, easy to install, and low maintenance. 

There are many things to consider when deciding on the best type of material. This post will help you decide the best roofing material for your home. It covers the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. Read on to find out.

Benefits Of Using Fiberglass Roof Replacement

Let us take a detailed look into the positive aspects of fibreglass.

1. High Strength

Fiberglass roofs are robust than rubber roofs, making them durable. They don’t absorb water or expand and contract.

It has a higher rating than rubber when it comes to impact resistance. Rubber can get punctured easily by sharp objects, while fiberglass will resist impacts better than any other roofing material. The roofs are also fireproof, which can be an essential factor for some homeowners.

2. Energy Efficient

Fiberglass is an energy-efficient roofing option because it blocks harmful UV rays from the sun. That reduces the amount of air conditioning you need, saving you money on cooling bills. Another bonus is that the roofs are easy to clean because dried leaves or other debris can block shingles and cause water damage.

3. Less Maintenance Required

Fiberglass doesn’t require much maintenance, but owners can still clear away debris with a broom or leaf blower instead of scraping it off like they would with a rubber roof. Checking the roof regularly for damage, leaks, dangerous cracks, and moss or fungus growing on shingles is another easy way of maintaining it.

4. Long-Lasting

Fiberglass roofs should last at least 25 years before maintenance or replacement and much longer. That makes the initial installation expensive but saves you money in the long run because you won’t need to replace the roof frequently.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Fiberglass roofs consist of materials that are not harmful to the environment, making them better for the planet than rubber roofs. However, you should be cautious when choosing where to place fiberglass shingles because they emit small amounts of formaldehyde gas.

Cons Of Using Fiberglass for Roof Replacement

There are also a number of challenges when using fibreglass. Here are some things to consider.

1. Issues With Installations

Fiberglass roofs can be difficult to install, so some roofers won’t take on the project unless it’s for a customer who cares about quality and has experience in roofing. You need at least two people during installation because fiberglass isn’t lightweight like rubber. 

2. Breakable

If you walk on a fiberglass roof, it will crack under your weight. That means you also need to use special equipment during installation because hammering nails can damage the shingles near the edges of the panels. Working with fragile materials is an added complication that some roofers don’t want to deal with.

3. Short Warranties

Warranties for fiberglass roofs are shorter than rubber roofs because they can break or develop problems. Broken shingles can also damage the roof underneath, which may void your warranty entirely. These short warranties may not be enough protection if you want to make a claim.

Key Pros Of Using Rubber Roofing

Some positive aspects of using rubber are discussed below.

1. Lightweight

Rubber roofs are lightweight, easy to install and cost less than most other types of roofing material. One person can install them instead of a team. It is perfect for home renovations when you want to replace your roof quickly and efficiently because it doesn’t require a scaffold or other equipment.

2. Flexibility

Rubber roofs are bendable, making them easy to install on curved surfaces like domes, skylights, chimneys, valleys, and slopes. Rubber roofs are also waterproof, which means they will protect your home better than any other type of roofing material if you live in an area where it rains often.

3. Easy To Clean

Rubber roofs don’t need cleaning like other types of roofing material because they don’t absorb water or expand and contract.

4. Fire Resistant

Rubber roofs are fireproof, which can be an essential factor in some neighborhoods. It doesn’t contain any combustible materials so there is nothing for flames to catch on.

5. Resistant To Damage

Rubber roofs are less likely to crack or warp than other types of roofing materials, and they will resist ice and snow better. Hailstones like a metal shingle roof won’t damage your rubber roof shingle roof would be during a storm. Also, wind or debris from trees and other sources cannot damage them easily.

6. Limited Warranty

Rubber roofs have a shorter life expectancy than fiberglass or metal roofs, but they come with warranties of up to 10 years, so you’ll have some protection against defects in workmanship or materials. They also won’t expand and contract or pull away from nails like many types of roofing.

7. Noise Insulation

Rubber roofs provide a small amount of noise insulation because they’re more durable than other types of roofing material. You can drive or walk on them with less chance of damaging them. Fiberglass and metal roofs tend to be hollow so they’re louder than rubber roofs.

8. Availability

Rubber roofs are available in several different colors, so you can choose one that perfectly complements the style of your home and furniture inside. They’re also available with undercoating or white granules so they look more like fiberglass than traditional roofing materials.

Cons Of Using Rubber Roofing

Here are some negative aspects relating to rubber roofing.

1. Not Environmentally Friendly

Rubber roofs don’t offer the same environmental benefits as fiberglass because they involve petrochemicals, which are not sustainable resources. You can find recycled rubber shingles if you want to reduce your environmental impact when choosing a type of roofing material for your home.

2. Limited Range

Rubber roofs are only available in black or tan, which means you won’t choose a color that matches your home exterior perfectly. They also don’t come in different styles as metal roofing options do, but they can be made to look more like fiberglass with undercoating or white granules.

3. Requires Extra Work

Technicians must glue or nail rubber roofs because they don’t expand and contract like other types of roofing material. You’ll also need a scaffold or plywood and shims if you’re installing your rubber roof on a slope, dome, skylight, chimney, or valley.

4. Higher Installation Costs

Rubber roofs cost more to install than other types of roofing material because they’re not as widely available and require extra equipment like scaffolds. They also require different adhesives and fasteners that aren’t as easy to find as nails or staples.

5. You Must Order In Advance

Rubber roofs must be custom-ordered when you want to install them on your home, which means they take longer to arrive than other types of roofing materials that are in stock at most supply stores. You’ll also need to pay extra for shipping and handling, which can add to the overall cost of your job.

Conclusion

Your choice of roofing material should depend on fit, function, and budget.

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, choose rubber because it requires fewer resources than fiberglass. Rubber roofs don’t cost as much as other types of materials either. If noise insulation is important to you, consider rubber roofing.