How Much Does a Fiberglass Shingle Roof Cost?
Last Updated: May 25, 2022
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While most homeowners are familiar with fiberglass insulation, the pink material that bulges through the rafters in their attic, fiberglass can also be used as a roofing material. In this buying guide you'll learn more about fiberglass roofing, including why you should consider installing it on your home and how much it costs.
Fiberglass Roofs: An Overview #
Fiberglass is the brainchild of Owens Corning, which originally called the product "Fiberglas" (with only one "s"). The fiberglass that's used as a building material (and not insulation) is composed of plastic that's mixed in with glass fibers, which is why it's alternately known as "glass-reinforced plastic" (GRP). This type of fiberglass is commonly used to make car and boat bodies, water tanks, pipes, hot tubs, and roofing.
As a roofing material, fiberglass can be molded into many different shapes and designs. The most popular forms are sheets, panels, and shingles (fiberglass shingles usually contain asphalt as well). Some greenhouses are roofed with translucent fiberglass, although fiberglass is available in many colors and can even be made to resemble more expensive materials such as slate, brick, and tile. Fiberglass roofing is widely used for both residential and commercial applications.
Fiberglass Roof Average Costs #
The actual cost of a fiberglass roof depends on the exact type of roofing material, the local economy, the complexity of the installation, and other factors. The following figures are only meant to provide a general overview of fiberglass roof pricing.
- Fiberglass roof panels cost $2 to $4 per square foot installed. Assuming an average roof size of 1,500 square feet, that's a total cost of $3,000 to $6,000.
- Fiberglass roof shingles cost $2.50 to $5 per square foot installed ($3,750 to $7,500).
- Removing and disposing of your existing roof might cost an additional $1 to $4 per square foot ($1,500 to $6,000).
Video: Setting Corrugated Translucent Fiberglass Panels #
Watch the video below to see a demo on how to install fiberglass roof panels:
The Benefits of Fiberglass Roofing #
Fiberglass roof tiles, fiberglass roof panels, and fiberglass roof shingles are all excellent choices for your next roofing project for reasons that include the following:
- Protection: Pound for pound, fiberglass is one of the toughest roofing materials available. It resists heavy rains and other forms of precipitation (including hail), won't rust, rot, or mildew, and is also resistant to fire. A fiberglass roof should last for 25 to 30 years with little or no maintenance, while architectural fiberglass shingles can last up to 40 or 50 years.
- Versatility: Fiberglass roofing, available in numerous sizes, designs, and colors, can be used for many different roofing projects. Durable enough for commercial applications, fiberglass can also be formed in transparent sections that are suitable for patios, greenhouses, pergolas, and other outdoor areas. Darker panels, on the other hand, soak up heat and can help lower heating bills in the cooler months.
- Low-Cost: Fiberglass is, on average, 50% to 60% cheaper than traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, wood, and metal. Much of the savings can be attributed to the fact that fiberglass is lightweight and malleable, making it extremely easily to install.
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