Roofers: They're Number One

When people use the term "shingles" they are often referring to asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are very popular and are used in a wide range of climates. However, not all shingles are made from asphalt. You can also find shingles that are made from other materials, such as fiberglass. Are fiberglass shingles right for your home? Consider the following pros and cons and decide for yourself.

Pros: They're very lightweight.

Fiberglass shingles are one of the lightest roof materials, if not the lightest roof material. If your roof has a weak roof deck or cannot support too much weight for some other reason, opting for fiberglass shingles may be a wise choice. Their light weight also makes them easier to haul up onto the roof, so they can often be installed faster and by a smaller roofing team.

Con: They are not as durable as other materials.

Because fiberglass shingles are thinner and less rugged, they don't always last as long as other roof materials. They may get caught by the wind and start to peel. Or, they may become damaged when a tree branch scrapes against the roof. Such issues can usually be repaired, but this is still something to be aware of.

Pro: Fiberglass shingles are inexpensive.

This is one of the least costly roofing materials you can choose. Fiberglass shingles cost way less than tile roofing or metal roofing. They usually cost more than asphalt shingles, too. Since they are so easy to install, roofers can typically charge you less for the labor involved with the installation, which helps bring the cost down even more. If you have any interest in fiberglass shingles, get a quote and compare it to quotes for other materials.

Con: They may crack when cold.

If you live in a climate where the winters are brutally cold, or where the temperature changes really quickly, you may want to avoid fiberglass shingles. They can crack when the temperature changes drastically. Once they crack, they start leaking. You can replace cracked fiberglass shingles, but that requires that you notice them, which homeowners don't always do.

Fiberglass shingles are not the most common roof option, but many roofers will install them. If you might be interested in using them on your home, talk to a few roofers in your area and see what they think. They can weigh in on the suitability of fiberglass shingles for your local climate. For more information, contact a company like Catawba Valley Roofing & Restoration LLC.