How much does it cost to install fiberglass roof?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

The roofing material you choose for your home plays an important role. It protects your home from the elements and the sun’s heat and rays. It also helps set the stage for your home’s curb appeal and appearance. When looking for a low-cost but versatile option for your home, fiberglass roofing shingles make an excellent choice.

Fiberglass shingles are a type of asphalt roof. They come in several colors and styles and even mimic other roofing materials. They are less expensive than other asphalt types and other roofing materials but can be durable and last for years.

The national average cost to install fiberglass roofing shingles is $5,250 to $10,500, with most people paying around $7,500 for 1,500 sq.ft. of installed fiberglass architectural shingles. This project’s low cost is $4,500 for 1,500 sq.ft. of 3-tab asphalt shingles installed. The high cost is $13,500 for 1,500 sq.ft. of installed designer architectural shingles made to look like slate.

What Are Fiberglass Shingles?

Fiberglass shingles are a type of asphalt shingle. They have a tough and durable fiberglass mat that is covered with a layer of asphalt and then finished with a layer of granules. These granules may be ceramic chips, rocks, or another type of aggregate.

Like all asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles come in two basic types. The first is a basic 3-tab shingle. These shingles overlap at the tabs, so they have a flat and fairly uniform appearance on your roof. This is one of the lowest cost options for roofing today. The second type is an architectural shingle, also known as a laminated shingle. These shingles are built up in layers of material, including multiple layers of fiberglass, laminated together. They come in different sizes and thicknesses, so they give your roof a more varied appearance. These can be a solid color or mimic the look of other materials like wood or slate. 3-tab shingles last roughly 20 to 30 years. Architectural shingles can last up to 50 years, with some designed to withstand things like hail and algae lasting even longer.

Fiberglass Roof Cost Calculator

Fiberglass roofing shingles are available in a wide range of colors and styles. They can be basic and used primarily for things like sheds and outhouses, made specifically for harsh climates like areas prone to hail storms and high winds. Or, they can be made in designer colors and styles. They are available in most colors, including white for use in very hot climates to help keep your home cool. For this reason, they have a wide range of costs. Below is the average cost to shingle a 1,500 sq.ft. roof with different fiberglass shingles broken down by their quality levels.

Most roofing materials, including fiberglass roofing, are sold and installed by the square. A square is 100 sq.ft., so for a 1,500 sq.ft. roof, you need 15 squares of material. This is true regardless of the fiberglass shingle. Your total costs for this project are influenced by the fiberglass shingle type, roof pitch, and how complex your roof is. Roofs with a high pitch or a lot of valleys, dormers, and curves cost more to roof with fiberglass than standard gable roofs with a moderate pitch.

Fiberglass Roof Maintenance

Your roof will not need a lot of maintenance, but there are things you can do to maintain it and help it reach its maximum lifespan. Inspect it twice yearly, looking for missing, cracked, or broken shingles and water stains on the underside of your attic ceiling. Have your roof professionally inspected periodically to find things you may be missing.

Have your gutters cleaned regularly. When doing so, look for excessive amounts of granules in the gutters because this can be a sign of a deteriorating roof. If you live in an area with excessive snowfall, consider cleaning the snow off your roof to help prevent leaks and sagging.

Keep your attic well ventilated to help prevent ice dams. If ice dams form, remove them to prevent leaks and deterioration of your shingles.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Lifespan. Fiberglass roofs can last from 20 to 50 years or more, depending on the type. Architectural fiberglass shingles last longer than standard 3-tab shingles, although they cost more.
• Flashing. Flashing is an important part of any roof installation. It helps seal the areas around chimneys, skylights, and other roof protrusions. This costs $15 to $25 per linear foot of flashing installed.
• Roof deck. Fiberglass shingles are lightweight and do not require reinforcing the roof deck. However, if your roof deck is old or in bad condition, you may need to have it repaired or replaced before the shingles can be put on.
• Tear off. If you have an existing roof with a single layer of asphalt shingles already installed, you may have the option of roofing over them. Otherwise, you need to have the old shingles torn off first, before the new shingles can be installed.