When you’re choosing your new shingles for your roof replacement, your contractor will likely ask you to choose between two types of asphalt shingles: fiberglass and organic. While both may have an asphalt exterior, the main difference between them lies in their base. For instance, fiberglass shingles are fitted with a fiberglass mat while organic mats are usually made of wood products such as paper. Both are strong, affordable and can protect your home but they both have their individual advantages and disadvantages.
In this post, Masters Roofing discusses the pros and cons of fiberglass and organic mat shingles.
The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Roof Shingles
Fiberglass roof shingles have significant advantages that can make them a suitable choice for your home. One of these pros is their fire resistance. Thanks to their higher fire rating, a roofing contractor will likely recommend this shingle variant to homeowners who live in areas prone to wildfires. They’re also a less costly and eco-friendly alternative to other types of asphalt shingles. If you want to DIY your shingle installation, on the other hand, fiberglass shingles are also easier to install due to their lighter weight.
However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its cons. Compared to other shingle types, fiberglass isn’t very durable since they don’t contain much asphalt. Another side effect of the lack of asphalt is that they’re also not recommended for areas with colder climates.
The Pros and Cons of Organic-Mat Shingles
One of the advantages that organic-mat shingles has that draws homeowners to them is their durability. Due to the fact that they contain more asphalt, these shingles are more rugged and will likely stay put during severe storms. They’re also better suited for homeowners who live in colder climates.
While they’re durable, however, they do have their own disadvantages. Asphalt mat shingles can be prone to warping since they absorb more water and thanks to the amount of asphalt they have, they’re also heavier and more difficult to install. Another disadvantage they carry is their inferior fire protection, making them unsuitable for areas with hot climates or are prone to wildfires.
Turn to Masters Roofing for your home improvement needs. We are your number one provider of roofing installation and window replacement services. Give us a call at (844) 400-4774 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Memphis, TN and other nearby areas.