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When choosing a roof for a greenhouse, it can be difficult to decide what materials are right for your needs. You want the growing space to be protected from rain, wind, and other weather, but still want enough natural light to fill the space and let the plants grow healthily. On top of that, you want the building materials to be strong but cost-effective. If that’s the case, corrugated fiberglass roof panels may be the right choice. If you’re curious about corrugated fiberglass roof panels, learn more here.
What Are Corrugated Fiberglass Panels?
Fiberglass is a type of plastic that has been reinforced by glass fiber. The glass fibers are made by melting down minerals used in glass, like silica sand or limestone, and then extruding them through extremely small openings, usually five to twenty-five micrometers in diameter. The resulting filaments are coated in a chemical solution, bundled up, and then incorporated into the plastic they are reinforcing. This plastic is used to create panels with ridges and grooves. Panels of this nature are corrugated. Corrugated fiberglass panels become popular as a roofing material in the late 1930s due to their multiple advantages.
Advantages of Corrugated Fiberglass Panels
Corrugated fiberglass panels have many benefits when used as a roofing material. They are easy to install and can withstand the stress of drilling, sawing, nailing, and cutting with ease. They are exceedingly affordable and are typically priced much lower than other roofing materials. Fiberglass corrugated roofs are extremely lightweight, and their translucent nature allows natural light to filter through, which makes them well-suited for use in greenhouses. Some varieties even have special filters that block UV rays while still letting light through. They are also very resilient and can withstand heavy weight and other threats without suffering damage or changing their shape.
Considerations Before Choosing Corrugated Fiberglass
Before making a final decision on your roofing panel options, there are a few things to take into consideration. Although corrugated fiberglass is very strong and resilient for its weight, when damage does occur, such as a chip or crack, it is likely to spread throughout the roof and requires immediate replacement of the affected panel.
Corrugated fiberglass may also not be right for you if you live in an extremely hot climate, as the heat may reduce its resiliency. Corrugated panel shapes are also best suited as slanted roofs, as flat corrugated roofs may acquire a buildup of rain, snow, or debris. Be sure to keep this in mind when deciding if this type of roof is right for you.
Final Thoughts
A corrugated fiberglass roof is an attractive and practical choice to roof your greenhouse. Its translucency, low cost, and lightweight strength make it an excellent choice for those looking to protect a space from the elements while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter the space. As with any roofing project, it is best to hire an experienced contractor to handle installation to ensure your structure is sound and safe and allow you to enjoy your new greenhouse for years to come.
