Fiberglass Roofing Panels
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) roofing panels are lightweight, translucent or transparent sheets used for daylighting, economical roofing, and specialty applications. Combining glass fiber reinforcement with polyester or acrylic resins, these versatile panels provide natural light transmission while offering weather protection, moderate durability, and cost-effective installation for a wide range of building types.
Composition
Fiberglass roofing panels (also called Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic or FRP panels) consist of glass fiber reinforcement embedded in a thermosetting polyester or acrylic resin matrix. The manufacturing process typically involves pultrusion or continuous lamination, where glass fibers are saturated with liquid resin and formed into sheets, which are then cured to create rigid, durable panels. Most products incorporate UV stabilizers and protective surface treatments to enhance weathering characteristics and prevent fiber bloom (exposure of glass fibers at the surface). Panels are available in various profiles including corrugated, ribbed, flat, and custom configurations designed to match and integrate with metal roofing panels. Standard thicknesses range from 0.8mm to 2.5mm (0.031" to 0.100"), with heavier gauges available for industrial applications. Colors range from clear to white translucent to various tints, with light transmission typically ranging from 15% to 90% depending on formulation, thickness, and color. The material is typically installed with exposed fasteners using specialized washers and gaskets to prevent cracking and ensure weathertightness at attachment points.
Properties
Light Transmission
Clear: 80-90%, White: 30-60%, Tinted: 15-50%
Light transmission varies significantly by color, thickness, and formulation. Clear panels typically transmit 80-90% of visible light, white translucent panels 30-60%, and colored or tinted panels 15-50%. This allows for precise control of daylighting in various applications, from maximum light transmission in greenhouse applications to diffused light for industrial spaces.
Weight
0.3-0.8 lbs/ft²
Significantly lighter than glass and many other roofing materials. Standard panels typically weigh 0.3-0.5 lbs/ft² for common thicknesses (1.0-1.5mm), while heavier industrial grades may reach 0.6-0.8 lbs/ft². This lightweight nature reduces structural requirements and simplifies installation.
Impact Resistance
Moderate to Good
Impact resistance varies by formulation and thickness. Standard panels offer moderate resistance to hail and debris, while premium impact-modified formulations provide significantly enhanced performance. Most panels will dent rather than shatter upon impact, maintaining weather protection even when damaged.
Thermal Expansion
1.5-2.0 × 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F
Fiberglass panels have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, approximately 2-3 times that of metal. This characteristic requires oversized holes for fasteners and adequate clearance at panel edges to accommodate movement without distortion or fastener pullout.
Fire Rating
Class A, B, or C (ASTM E84)
Fire performance varies by formulation. Standard panels typically achieve Class C ratings, while fire-retardant formulations can achieve Class A or B ratings. The material will burn when exposed to flame, though fire-retardant additives can significantly improve performance.
Service Life
10-25 years
Expected service life varies significantly by product quality, installation method, and environmental exposure. Economy panels typically last 10-15 years, while premium products with enhanced UV protection and surface treatments can perform for 20-25 years in moderate climates. Performance degrades more rapidly in high-UV environments without proper formulation.
Applications
Agricultural Buildings
Widely used in barns, equipment sheds, and livestock facilities where economical daylighting reduces electrical lighting needs while providing weather protection. The diffused light quality is particularly beneficial in agricultural settings, reducing shadows and creating more uniform illumination.
Greenhouses and Garden Structures
Popular for commercial and residential greenhouses, garden centers, and plant nurseries where controlled light transmission and diffusion are essential for plant growth. Various light transmission options allow for customization based on specific plant requirements.
Industrial Skylights
Commonly installed as skylights or light bands in metal buildings, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities to introduce natural daylight, reducing energy costs while providing a comfortable working environment. Often integrated with metal roofing systems using matching profiles.
Carports and Covered Walkways
Ideal for carports, patio covers, walkway canopies, and transit shelters where light transmission, weather protection, and economy are priorities. The material's lightweight nature simplifies support structures and installation.
DIY and Economical Projects
Frequently used for do-it-yourself projects, small outbuildings, and economical structures where ease of installation, light weight, and low cost are primary considerations. The material can be cut with standard tools and installed without specialized equipment.
Temporary Structures
Applied in temporary buildings, construction site shelters, and emergency facilities where rapid deployment, economy, and adequate performance for limited duration are required. The material's lightweight nature and ease of installation make it suitable for temporary applications.
Advantages
- Excellent light transmission and diffusion characteristics
- Lightweight nature reducing structural requirements
- Economical initial cost compared to polycarbonate or glass
- Easy installation with standard tools and fasteners
- Available in profiles matching metal roofing for integration
- Good chemical resistance to many common substances
- Will not shatter like glass when impacted
- Various light transmission options for different applications
- Relatively low thermal conductivity compared to glass or metal
Limitations
- Shorter service life than many premium roofing materials
- Susceptible to UV degradation and yellowing over time
- Lower impact resistance than polycarbonate alternatives
- Potential for fiber bloom (exposed glass fibers) with age and weathering
- Scratches more easily than glass or polycarbonate
- Limited insulation value (R-value typically less than 1.0)
- Requires careful fastening to prevent cracking at attachment points
- Combustible with standard formulations
- Limited recyclability at end of service life
Sustainability Profile
Moderate to low sustainability profile with significant variables. Fiberglass panels have a moderate environmental impact, with both advantages and limitations from a sustainability perspective. The primary environmental benefit comes from operational energy savings through daylighting, which can significantly reduce artificial lighting requirements. The manufacturing process is energy-intensive and involves petrochemical-based resins, though some manufacturers have introduced bio-based or recycled content resins to improve sustainability. The relatively short service life (10-25 years) compared to more durable alternatives results in more frequent replacement and associated environmental impacts. End-of-life considerations are challenging, as the thermoset nature of the material limits recyclability, with most panels ultimately being landfilled. The lightweight nature reduces transportation impacts and structural material requirements. Some manufacturers have improved formulations to extend service life and reduce environmental impact, though these premium products typically come at higher cost. Overall, the sustainability profile is most favorable when the daylighting benefits are maximized in applications that would otherwise require artificial lighting during daytime hours, and when specifying products with enhanced durability and UV resistance to maximize service life.