What is the difference between the typical asphalt shingle and fiberglass?
Roofing contractors in New Jersey will tell you that asphalt is much heavier than fiberglass. In some climates and conditions, asphalt is preferable because the weight helps keep the roof intact. Asphalt shingles are the type found in older roofs. Basically, the tarpaper or felt layer is soaked in asphalt and dried to give it a waterproof quality. Then, an asphalt top layer is applied, complete with texturing and color. Normally, the asphalt shingles are much heavier and have more depth than the fiberglass variety. In contrast, the contractors in New Jersey will show you fiberglass, or glass fiber, shingles that have a fiberglass base, rather than paper or felt. As a replacement for asbestos paper, fiberglass is the safe alternative to the shingle made with cancer causing materials. Although the fiberglass mat is not waterproof, once the textured asphalt layer is applied, the shingle becomes airtight. However, if you live in an extremely windy part of the country, airtight may not be e
