f you live in the UK, then you’ll no doubt be familiar with our wet and windy weather. Because of our geographical location, we’re regularly exposed to unsettled weather, atmospheric changes and extreme temperature variations, which poses enormous problems to homeowners. And what’s worse, this continuous exposure to moist weather can damage your roof.
Having the right clothes to help you cope with the climate is one thing, but having a protective and insulating roof in another – and that’s where fibreglass roofing could come in to help.
What is fibreglass roofing?
Fibreglass is a fibre-reinforced plastic, whereas the support fibre is a glass fibre. Fibreglass is also known as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) or Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), where the plastic matrix in fibreglass is made up of a thermosetting plastic and other elements.
Fibreglass, although lightweight, is strong, durable, flexible and much cheaper when compared to carbon fibre or some metals. That is why fibreglass is preferred for use industrially, commercially and of course, domestically.
Benefits of fibreglass roofing
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of fibreglass roofing is cost. The affordability of fibreglass does not make it less resilient. In fact, it is easy to manipulate and can be moulded into complex shapes so that it perfectly fits for your homes, and could last up to 20-30 years. Since it is inexpensive and easy to work with, you will be able to save a lot of money for the material and installation.
Aside from acting as a form of protection for your home, fibreglass roofing protects you and your family as well, as it is fire resistant, mould resistant and rot resistant, making the foundation of your roof extremely durable and efficient.
If you are worried that fibreglass might look dull, boring and uninteresting on your home, fear not: fibreglass companies now offer a wide array of colours and textures to choose from, so you’ll be able to find a material and finish that suits your property.
How much does a fibreglass roof cost?
Before making a final decision on installing a fibreglass roof in your home, it might be a good idea to canvass for a trustworthy contractor who has a strong tie-up with a fibreglass company with an excellent reputation.
Remember, you will be working with the contractor and the team for a few weeks. The time it takes for an average 5×4 metre fibreglass roof can vary, so prepare your budget beforehand to avoid delays during the installation. Before closing the deal, you should ask your contractor if he/she has a Public Liability Insurance – they should be able to provide and show you a Certificate of Compliance. This will protect you from unnecessary headaches further down the line.
Corrugated Fibreglass Roofing
Corrugated fibreglass roofing is made up of same materials as flat panel fibreglass, and is moisture proof and impact resistant. It is usually transparent or translucent in colour, which makes it the perfect material for a skylight sunroof. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest benefits of corrugated fibreglass roofing below.
Versatile
Corrugated fibreglass roofing is available in a wide array of sizes, designs and colours. It is easy to manipulate and work with the material as it easily blends well wherever you might choose to place it, be it on your patio, greenhouse, and other outdoor areas. It can provide you with the warming rays of the sun without the harmful UV rays that you might come in contact with, while darker panels can be used to soak up the heat and decrease your bills during the cooler months.
Affordable
The raw materials used in making corrugated fibreglass roofing are cheap to produce but still offer quality. Because it is easy to handle and is flexible for all types of roofing projects, less time is required, reducing installation costs. Also, due to high durability and resilience, fibreglass panels are virtually maintenance-free.
Ease of Installation
Corrugated fibreglass is made up of lightweight materials that are easy to work with. You can cut, saw and place the panels wherever you want without the fear of causing damage. Corrugated fibreglass is one of the lightest roofing materials. It is easy to bore a hole on, to nail and to fit it on your roofing beams and frames.
Excellent Drainage
Corrugated fibreglass flushes and drains rainwater and snow in a highly-effective manner. The build-up of such substances is prevented, and because of the durability of fibreglass, leaking due to holes and cracking can be avoided. Cleaning fibreglass panels are not as meticulous as other roofing materials, so they’re easier to manage, too.
Durable
Corrugated fibreglass is fire, insect, water, impact, rot, corrosion and low-temperature resistant, and it’s one of the toughest roofing materials on the market today. It can even resist strong and heavy weather occurrences such as storms and hail and has a sound absorption characteristic. Fibreglass is preferred over carbon-fibre, woods and some metals, and can last up to 20-30 years, with some companies offering extended warranties or lifetime warranties for added peace of mind.
Low Maintenance
The tough quality of corrugated fibreglass guarantees low maintenance cost to all owners. Frequent inspection is not needed, and no special and expensive cleaning method is required; water with soap and brush is all you need. The high resilience of fibreglass encompasses the products longevity significantly beyond what is offered by other roofing materials. It makes sense from an economic perspective.
We’ve put together just some of the benefits of GRP roofing. If you’re looking for help finding the right contractor, get in touch with Dunelm Roofing, Boldon Colliery.