There are many options for roofing materials, and it is a challenge to choose which one fits your project the best. Two available options for clear roofs are polycarbonate and fiberglass. Both are excellent choices to any project, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of if you’re considering polycarbonate vs fiberglass.
Here’s a guide on what you need to know before deciding between a fiberglass roof vs polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate VS Fiberglass: What You Need to Know
What is Polycarbonate Roofing?
Polycarbonate roofing refers to lightweight plastic roofs that come in several colors, sizes, and thicknesses. Regardless of the opacity level (completely opaque, translucent, or transparent) and color, all polycarbonate roofing sheets allow light to pass through it, which is something buyers should take note of when working on projects.
Polycarbonate is made from a durable thermoplastic material that can withstand high temperatures. It is ideal roofing for patios, industrial warehouses, sheds, and garages.
Many consumers tend to consider acrylic vs polycarbonate sheets because of their similarities. However, one key difference is that polycarbonate is significantly stronger and more impact resistant than acrylic. It is also much lighter in weight, making it easier to handle during installation.
What is Fiberglass Roofing?
Another roofing choice for industrial, commercial, and residential properties is fiberglass skylight roofing. It is a thin, lightweight panel made from sturdy resin polyester reinforced with fiberglass. It is durable, low-maintenance, and easy to install.
Fiberglass can be sawed, cut, or drilled without suffering any damage. It can be easily molded into various shapes and forms, resulting in endless possibilities for its use in construction projects.
Now that you know what polycarbonate and fiberglass are, you should learn about the advantages and drawbacks of choosing one over the other.
Fiberglass vs Polycarbonate Roofing Benefits and Drawbacks
Fiberglass Roofing
When you choose to use a fiberglass roof, these are some of the highlights and considerations you should keep in mind:
Benefits
- Translucence – diffuses light better and provides a little more privacy compared to transparent roofing materials.
- Affordability – costs less than other materials such as glass and polycarbonate.
- Durability – withstands a wide range of temperature while maintaining its structural integrity.
- Low Maintenance – requires high-pressure washing once or twice a year.
- Scratch and Rust Resistance – its surface can withstand scratches and does not rust (compared to galvanized iron roof).
Drawbacks
- Impact Resistance – cannot handle any excessive weight and can break if walked on.
- Panel Discoloration – colors of panels fade or yellow due to the UV rays of the sun.
- Longevity – does not last as long as other roofing materials.
- Recyclability – is a mix of materials that makes it difficult to recycle.
Polycarbonate Roofing
Here are some advantages and considerations you should know about when choosing polycarbonate roofing:
Benefits
- High Impact Resistance – endures pressure up to over 900 pounds per square inch.
- Versatility – is lightweight and easy to cut into different shapes.
- Longevity – is able to keep its strength and look with its long life span.
- Weather Resistance – is resistant to extreme temperatures. It is also UV resistant.
- Fire Resistance – does not promote the spread of fire and is able to self-extinguish once the fire source is removed
Drawbacks
- Low Scratch Resistance – has surfaces that can be easily scratched, dented, and damaged
- Price – costs more than some roofing materials like fiberglass, but can be beneficial in the long run.
- Maintenance – due to vulnerability to surface damage, needs special cleaning solutions that have fewer amounts of alkaline, solvent, and other non-abrasive cleaning components
Aside from these benefits and drawbacks, you should also assess the types of fiberglass and polycarbonate roofing and their applications when choosing between the two materials.
Fiberglass Roof vs Polycarbonate Types
Polycarbonate Roofing
These are some of the types of polycarbonate roof panels you can choose from:
- Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing
- Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Roofing
- Solid Polycarbonate Roofing
Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing
This type of polycarbonate roofing promotes high strength and flexibility with its design. Corrugated polycarbonate sheets can be used in factories, open-shaded areas, and warehouses.
Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Roofing
The multi-wall polycarbonate roofing is durable and applies thermal insulation. It is suitable for conservatories and greenhouses.
Solid Polycarbonate Roofing
The solid polycarbonate sheet is a great substitute for glass. It can be used for skylight roofs, canopies, and covered pathways.
Fiberglass Roofing
When using fiberglass roofing, these are some of the choices you have:
- Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing
- Flat Fiberglass Roofing
- Rib-type Fiberglass Roofing
Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing
The corrugated fiberglass roofing is suitable for industrial and commercial applications such as warehouse or factory roofing, commercial or office building walkways, and parking lots.
Flat Fiberglass Roofing
The flat fiberglass panel is a great thermal insulator. It’s suitable for buildings and houses in colder areas.
Rib-type Fiberglass Roofing
This type of roofing is used for different applications such as garages, canopies, patios, walkways, and swimming pools
Fiberglass vs Polycarbonate Roofing: Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing between fiberglass and polycarbonate roofing, there are a few things you need to consider. With both materials having benefits and drawbacks that you need to keep in mind, you should also weigh which material is best for the applications you have in mind.
Not sure which roofing material is suitable for your project? Polylite is here to help! Contact us for your inquiries and questions.
