It’s easy to get confused between asphalt and fiberglass shingles when considering which type of roofing you want on your home. These two shingles can look identical. Sometimes, even contractors and others in the industry use the two names interchangeably. But there are distinct differences between these shingles, and these differences matter in terms of durability, cost, and overall value.

Essentially, fiberglass shingles are a type of asphalt shingle. However, while asphalt shingles use paper as the base, fiberglass shingles use fiberglass. But, dig a little deeper into how fiberglass shingles are built, and you’ll see why they represent the better value, especially for homes in Seattle and the Puget Sound area.

Shingles Constructed for Longevity

Fiberglass shingles are made of a woven fiberglass mat that is coated with asphalt for waterproofing. To make the shingles even sturdier, a layer of ceramic granules is then applied. Because fiberglass shingles need less asphalt to ensure strength, they are lighter than traditional asphalt shingles, which means they’re easier and thus less costly to install. Not only that, fiberglass shingles are more water and fire resistant. Perhaps, best of all, fiberglass shingles can provide this all-around protection for anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the quality of maintenance. By comparison, asphalt shingle roofs usually last no more than 15 years.

Get a Free Estimate on Fiberglass Roofing Service

At Harley Exteriors, a leading full-service home improvement company for nearly 20 years, we install top-tier fiberglass roofing systems engineered by trusted manufacturer DuraStrength®. These ultra-durable roofing systems are specially engineered to withstand repeated moisture exposure, making them perfect for our often-soggy Puget Sound area. We offer free estimates on roof installations and stand behind our work with a lifetime workmanship warranty. Contact us today for more information.