Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing
The material you choose for roofing is as important as the style of the roof itself. You need to determine the load-bearing requirements of the roof, its need for drainage, whether you want to diffuse light through it or block the light out, and you also need to be mindful of the kind of elements to which it will be exposed in the area you live in.
If you have short listed corrugated fiberglass roofing, it is likely that it is due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. But be aware of all the characteristics before placing an order. Corrugated fiberglass roofing has its disadvantages too.
Corrugated fiberglass roofing is commonly employed for covering patios, greenhouses and carports, because of its translucency. It keeps the rain off but allows light in. Available in sheeting panels, which can be cut to size, it provides a watertight roofing solution that won't rust.
It is lightweight yet very durable, and because of its corrugations, is more rigid than a flat sheet of material of like type and thickness; excellent virtues that mean cost reductions and manageability for the home DIY person.
When ordering, have all your calculations ready so that the retailer can cut the corrugated fiberglass roofing sheets to your specifications, saving you the effort and eliminating the need to purchase tools for the job that you may not use again. Pre-cut sheeting also saves on waste. Your retailer will also supply filler strips, which are pieces of wood cut to fit into the panel contours; plus the appropriate nails and plastic washers.
Unfortunately, the very qualities that make corrugated fiberglass roofing an excellent option can make it undesirable, depending on where you live. Since corrugated sheets are quite thin, they can be noisy during rainy weather, and offer very little insulation in the cold and heat.
A false roof is required underneath the corrugated fiberglass, between which insulation can be installed. In regions where high wind is a factor, lightweight roofing materials are not recommended, but if they are used, should be reinforced with extra nails if possible.
Fiberglass is known for its relative fragility. It chips easily and this is damage that can't be fixed. An entire panel will need to be replaced. Furthermore, the panels expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature and if not installed according to the manufacturers' instructions, can cause the roof to detach. For these reasons, serious consideration is required before deciding upon corrugated fiberglass roofing.
If you have your heart set on corrugated fiberglass roofing, for whatever reasons are important to you, weigh up all the pros and cons and seek expert advice before plunging into installing a potentially costly roofing method.
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