Fiberglass Roof- Installation, Maintenance, Advantages and Disadvantages

In this post, we are discussing fiberglass roof system advantages and disadvantages with its installation and maintenance procedure.

Introduction to Fibreglass Roof System

A GRP roof or fiberglass roof is a widely used roofing system in the UK. GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Polyesters, it is a composite material made of fine fibers of glass and strengthening plastic. This roofing system was started around 1940 in the United Kingdom. At that time it was used on boat hulls for waterproofing and strength. The Fibreglass roofing system is the most popular roofing system in the UK. It is a cost-effective and low-maintenance material to use as a roofing system. It is used in both commercial and domestic structures. The materials required are Fibreglass matting, Ancillary tools, Roofing Resin, Roofing topcoats,s, and GRP roofing trims.

Precautions of Fiberglass Roof

Before installing the fiberglass Roof we need to consider two factors which are warm and dry weather because this process includes liquid material which needs to dry off after applying.

Installation of Fiberglass Roof

• Firstly, we are required to attach GRP edge trims onto the decking board with the help of nails or staples.
• Next is the preparation of lamination that includes mixing the resin and adding catalysts to enhance the hardening process.
• Then we apply the resin around the corners and it dries off in about 20 minutes.
• Next, we start the process of laminating by wetting the mat piece with resin using a roller.
• Lastly, we apply the top coat again mixed with a catalyst. It should be applied when the laminated surface becomes non-sticky.

Maintenance of Fiberglass Roof

As it is a low-maintenance roofing system, it requires only a periodical cleaning and coating of the roof. GRP is a material that is very resilient and strong. We can clean the roof with a mop or use a hosepipe to remove dirt and mud. Coating the roof periodically is good for the longevity of your roof. Normally gel coat or acrylic painting is used for maintenance coating.

Advantages of Fiberglass Roof

• Waterproof.
• Life expectancy is 20 years which makes it durable.
• Very lightweight.
• An unmatchable smooth finish.
•  aesthetically pleasant.
• Safer to install as there is no heavy machinery or dangerous equipment involved.
• Flexible to use as it can be cut to any shape.
• Being in liquid form there is no seam or joins left.

Disadvantages of Fiberglass Roof

• The cost of a GRP fiberglass roof is high.
• Can only be installed when the weather is dry.
• Not suitable for larger roofs.
• Its expansion rate is quite high.

Conclusion

GRP fiberglass roofing is in high demand in leading construction countries like the UK. However it is not suitable for larger roofs but it is used in various commercial and domestic buildings as Hospitals, Schools, garages, porches, balconies, sheds, etc. It is costly but it pays off in the long term. Comparing its advantages, the disadvantages of GRP fiberglass roofing are negligible when we install it on the smaller roof area.