"Experts in the science of quality roofing." What are Fibreglass Shingles?
Topics


Asphalt Shingles:
There are two types of asphalt shingles available in today's market:

  • Paper [base-mat] Older
  • Fibreglass [base-mat] Modern
Many people get confused on this topic and think that there are asphalt or fibreglass shingles. WRONG! They are both "asphalt". It is just the centre-core that is different.

Most fibreglass [base-mat] shingles have a blend of asphalt-types. This keeps them much more flexible and they can be installed in colder weather, without shattering. They are also, much stronger and therefore, more wind resistant. When used with an approved Underlayment - like tarpaper - they provide a Class "A", fire-rated roof system. If ventilation and insulation standards are not good, these shingles will try to self-ventilate. They will flip or lift-up slightly, in an effort to let-out moisture. [Sometimes, homeowners panic when they see this happen and think that the shingles are defective. On the other hand, this phenomena is an indication of inferior attic and/or ceiling cavity conditions.]

The older, paper [base-mat] shingles are saturated with a hard-type asphalt in the manufacturing process. As rain, heat, snow and cold age them; the paper begins to absorb moisture, either from precipitation or from attic condensation. This causes the shingles to curl. Even 5-year-old organic shingles will curl [prematurely] if attic spaces and/or ceiling cavities are not ventilated and insulated, to good standards.

WARNING!
Some roofing contractors state that fibreglass base-mat shingles will crack in a cold climate. They are thinking of the early attempts - 20 years ago - by a couple of manufacturers. They failed. However, the U.S. manufacturers got it right and have used these shingles successfully [even in North Dakota], for many years. Two Canadian manufacturers made only 10 & 15-year shingles - in the 3-tab style - for over a decade, purposely, so that you would have to replace a roof more often. WHY? GREED!