Asphalt VS Fiberglass Shingles

September 11, 2021 by GLSA Mobley

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Roof shingles have come a long way since their invention. What started off as asphalt saturated and stone coated shingles is quite different now. In fact, if you’re truly looking at new shingles, you may want to know the difference in asphalt vs fiberglass shingles.

Let’s start with the evolution of shingles. Initially the shingle was a single hand cut 8”X16” piece. Then about 15 years later, the strip shingle was invented. By the 1950s, the three-tab shingle was the norm. Now most homeowners choose architectural shingles for their home.

Don’t All Shingles Have Asphalt?

Yes. However, when comparing asphalt vs fiberglass shingles, a true asphalt shingle has more asphalt content. A fiberglass shingle has a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt. Both have a coating of granules on top.

Asphalt vs Fiberglass Shingles – Which is Better?

The two types of shingles have many similarities. Which one is better depends on your viewpoint. We’ll list some things various homeowners have told us are important to them and tell you which wins, in our opinion, when comparing asphalt vs fiberglass shingles:

• Environmentally Friendly – Fiberglass as it contains less asphalt
• Fire resistance – Fiberglass
• Overall durability – Asphalt as they are thicker and heavier
• Cost – Fiberglass as asphalt shingles cost more to manufacturer and install

Our Recommendation

As a GAF Master Elite™ roofer, we believe that GAF has perfected the fiberglass asphalt shingle. Our recommendation for homeowners who don’t know what they want is to choose a quality architectural shingle from GAF. Their fiberglass shingles all come with an exceptional warranty as well as StainGuard® protection, a 130mph wind rating, Class A fire rating and some have an extreme weather rating for impact resistance.

Call Us for Your Free Quote

Mobley Brothers Roofing and Renovation offers free quotes on all roof replacements. We also accept all insurance claims. Because we’re a Master Elite roofer, you’ll be eligible for the roofing industry’s leading warranty, the Golden Pledge® warranty to further protect your investment. Call us today at (865) 248-2772 or (615) 645-4500 for estimates in east or middle Tennessee.

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