Asphalt and fibreglass shingles are two of the most common types of roofing shingles you can choose for your home’s roof. But which one is better? The answer will depend on several factors, such as your needs, budget, roof pitch, and local climate conditions in your area. Check out this guide to weighing out the pros and cons of asphalt and fibreglass shingles, so you can decide which is best when reaching out for roof replacement in Calgary.
What’s the Best Material for Roof Replacement in Calgary?
Asphalt Shingles For Roof Replacement in Calgary
Pros
- Better Durability: Asphalt is rarely affected by the elements and can withstand some of mother nature’s harshest weather conditions. Replacing asphalt shingles is cheaper but can last up to three times longer than fibreglass shingles.
- Better Protection: Asphalt shingles are usually thicker than fibreglass roofs and are, therefore, more resistant to hail damage and ice penetration.
- Best for Colder Climates: Asphalt shingles resist heat better than fibreglass. These roofs are best for colder climates.
Cons
- Heavier: Fiberglass shingles are lighter than asphalt and more prone to wind damage.
- More Expensive Than Fiberglass: Asphalt shingles are much more expensive than fibreglass roofs. You can expect to pay up to $20 for each square foot of the roof, which is about twice the cost of a single-layer fibreglass roof.
- Less Fire Protection: Fiberglass shingles are flammable. They don’t offer the same fire-resistance ratings as asphalt or rubber products.
- More Scratching: Fiberglass shingles are slippery, so it’s easier to slip off them and fall off the roof. It can cause injury or damage to an expensive roof.
Fiberglass Shingles
Pros
- Lighter in Weight: Fiberglass shingles are lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport.
- More Fire Resistant: These shingles are not flammable, providing better fire resistance than fibreglass roofs.
- Lower Cost: Asphalt shingles are more expensive than fibreglass, especially considering lifetime costs. One square of fibreglass costs around $5, while asphalt shingles cost up to $20 per square foot.
- Easier to Install: Fiberglass shingles are lighter than asphalt, making them much easier to handle and install on a roof.
Cons
- Lower Durability: These roofs are not as durable as asphalt or rubber roofing. They can last up to three times as long, but they’re more prone to water damage (which means more frequent roof inspections).
- Not for Cold Climates: Fiberglass shingles are not recommended for cold climates because they tend to expand and contract too much. They are also more vulnerable to ice damage than asphalt shingles.
Although asphalt and fibreglass shingles each have pros and cons, it depends on your needs. Asphalt shingles are not as durable as fibreglass roofs, and they’re more prone to moisture damage but also cheaper. Fibreglass roofs can withstand the elements better than asphalt roofs, and they’re less likely to suffer from ice damage when installed in temperate climates. It’s also easier to install them in a home, but they cost more than asphalt, and they can be flammable, depending on the thickness of the shingles. But at the end of the day, your choice comes down to what works well for you.
Active Exteriors has one mission: to provide the highest quality roofing in Calgary at competitive prices while satisfying our customers’ needs. We have established ourselves as Calgary’s go-to roofing contractors through our industry-setting levels of professionalism, integrity, and fairness. Offering roof replacement and repairs, siding repairs, installation and exterior renovations in Calgary is not just a job for us; it’s a matter of pride. You’ll experience workmanship that is well worth the value and will transform your property. Contact your trusted roofing company in Calgary at 403-717-0515.
