Fiberglass Shingles
The Perfect Shingle For The Fraser Valley
Fiberglass shingles are the most beloved material for residential roofs. You see them in every neighbourhood.
They consist of a fiberglass mat in the middle of the shingle, which is then coated with waterproof asphalt and ceramic granules that protect against UV rays.
They’re great if you’re looking for that classic-looking roof that can withstand wet weather.
4 Reasons
Why You Should Go With A Fiberglass Roof
1. Stand Up To The Elements
Fiberglass shingles are great at resisting wind & moisture. Great for us Fraser Valley folk, considering we live in a valley that can experience high winds.
2. Gentle On Your Wallet
The thought of replacing your roof or adding a roof to your project is a daunting one. Fiberglass shingles are pretty cheap compared to other materials.
3. Style Versatility
That’s right! There’s a wide variety of styles and colours you can choose from. So if you have a particular aesthetic in mind, it’s very likely you can create it with a Fiberglass roof.
4. Decent Life Span
walk on your roof as much as you want – these shingles won’t crack, crumble, or break off very easily. Plus, they generally last for 30-35 years.
Hey! Do You Know About Cedar Shake Conversion?
Cedar roofs that are over 20 years old should be converted.
The 2 Fiberglass Products We Swear By
Can-Tech can install any brand of shingle, but primarily uses 2 different Fiberglass products from 2 Canadian companies, IKO and Building Products Of Canada Corp. (or simply BP).
From IKO, we use their Cambridge shingle. From BP, we use their Mystique 42 shingle.
Here’s everything you need to know about each company and their products:
The IKO Cambridge Shingle
- Straight edges
- Mimics the appearance of natural wood roofs
- IKO Fastlock™ sealant strips that are activated by heat. These strips protect the shingles from blow-off, wind up-lift and water penetration.
- Colour options exclusive to IKO
- Larger than your average shingle, which means faster installation and more curb appeal
About IKO
IKO was founded in 1951 and has grown from being a manufacturer of building paper to an industry-leading roof material company.
Though they have a variety of locations strewn across the country (plus more in Europe), IKO has strong roots in Canada. One of their first plants was established in Ontario in 1959.
Their humble, small beginning is still reflected in their quality of product – just because they’re global producers, doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about the tiny details that make a difference.
The BP Mystique 42 Shingle
- Straight edges
- Double-layered laminate
- Water resistant
- Mimics the look of slate
- 14 colour options
- Larger than your average shingle, which means faster installation and more curb appeal
About BP
BP was first established in 1925, and was the result of the merger between 2 manufacturing companies.
Over their years in business, they have invested in tech upgrades to make sure they’re always ahead with product design.
BP is heavily focused on becoming a zero waste company. They recycle shingle waste as fuel in cement plants, or into paving asphalt.
They are a behemoth of a company who value the health of the planet and the quality of life for their employees – all while maintaining a superb product.
One thing to take into consideration with Fiberglass Shingles
It’s a good idea to know the good and the bad for everything.
Here is one issue that can arise with Fiberglass roofs:
Prone To Algae Growth
While Fiberglass shingles are resistant to moisture, they can still sprout annoying algae due to dirt accumulation.
Also known as roof mold, it can greatly compromise the integrity of your roof’s strength.
Most Fiberglass shingles don’t naturally protect against algae, so you have to budget for an extra protective coating on your roof.
How Can-Tech Soothes This Pain
The Cambridge shingles we use (read more below) have built-in algae resistance. The cost you pay upfront already covers the protective coating. Aw, yeah!