Your roof is one of the most important structural elements in your house. It protects your home and keeps those who live there safe and comfortable. Its effectiveness will depend on the material used to build it. Many homeowners choose asphalt roof shingles. Asphalt is a long-lasting, durable roofing material. It comes in many styles, textures and colors.
But choosing the right roofing material is not as easy as choosing asphalt roof shingles. Many homeowners are unaware that there are several subcategories within the large category of asphalt shingles for your roof. These include organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles.
What is the biggest difference between them? They have different backing materials. Let’s now take a closer look at fiberglass asphalt shingles and organic asphalt shingles to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your home.
What Are Organic Asphalt Roof Shingles?
Most people associate organic with an all-natural, environmentally friendly material. Although it’s not often associated with roofing, these two attributes are true.
Organic asphalt shingles can be made from non-synthetic materials such as asphalt or cellulose made from recycled paper.
Advantages Of Organic Asphalt Shingles
Organic asphalt shingles have a cellulose backing that allows them to absorb more asphalt during manufacturing, which increases asphalt’s regular benefits. They have the following advantages over fiberglass counterparts:
- Increased durability – Organic asphalt roof shingles can last up to 20 years.
- Better performance in cold environments – The added asphalt is particularly useful in cold areas, as it provides greater resistance to cracking and splitting.
Disadvantages Of Organic Asphalt Shingles
Organic asphalt shingles have their downsides.
- Added Weight – Organic asphalt shingles are generally heavier than fiberglass ones. This makes them more difficult and thus more expensive to install.
- More susceptible to warping – The cellulose backing material absorbs more water than fiberglass. This makes these shingles more likely to crack over time. Although this is not an immediate problem, shingles may need to be replaced every 20 years.
What Are Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles?
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are made with a backing material of fiberglass. This composite material can be used for roofing and many other household purposes.
Advantages Of Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are a simple material to work with. Fiberglass shingles offer the following benefits over their organic counterparts:
- Lightweight – Fiberglass asphalt shingles can be transported and installed more easily because they are lighter and thinner. Professional installation costs are a little lower because of this.
- Fire-resistant – Fiberglass shingles have a fire rating of almost two hours. This is considerably higher than the burn rate of organic asphalt shingles. This is a great way to protect yourself from a devastating loss if you live in a wildfire hazard zone.
Disadvantages Of Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
However, fiberglass asphalt shingles can be problematic, as you might have guessed. There are also some disadvantages to fiberglass asphalt shingles, such as:
- Less durability – Fiberglass shingles are less durable than organic shingles. They don’t last nearly as long because they’re not as sturdy and heavy as organic shingles. They will need to be replaced more often.
- Low performance in cold environments – Fiberglass shingles won’t last as well if you live in an area that is subject to severe winter weather. They are susceptible to cracking, chipping and splitting which can lead to expensive holes and roof leaks.
Get Help Choosing The Right Roofing Material For Your Home With Reggie Reed Roofing
Are you unsure what type of asphalt roof shingles would be best for your home? Reggie Reed Roofing has the right roofing solutions for you. We are happy to discuss your requirements, inspect your home and make recommendations for roofing materials based on what we have seen. Do you have questions about who to choose for the best roof services?
Reggie Reed Roofing is a family-owned roofing company that is one of the best roof repair companies in Pinellas County. There are many services available that can be tailored to your needs such as Roof Installation, Roof Repair, Shingle Roofs, Tile Roofing, Flat/Low Slope Roofing, Metal Roofing, Emergency Roof Repair, Residential Roofing, Commercial Roofing We are proud to ensure you with the best possible St Petersburg roof repair.
Reggie Reed Roofing only uses the best quality materials and skilled roofing contractors. You can count on our professional contractors to help you with any repair or restoration project.
From the initial inspection to fulfilling the basic requirements and finally to providing a free estimate for your entire project, we are always happy to help. We are here to assist you with all your roofing needs. Contact us today, and we will send over a roofing expert to help you with any of your roofing projects, and be sure to check out our 5-star reviews!
