Clear roofing panels are used to bring more natural light into a space so it looks and feels brighter. There are various roofing products that can help achieve additional light but two of the most common ones you’ll find are fiberglass roof panels and plastic (PVC) roof panels.
In addition to manufacturing metal roofing and siding panels, Western States Metal Roofing also offers fiberglass roof panels which can be used on homes, industrial buildings, barns, porches, green houses and more.
In this article, we discuss the differences between fiberglass roofing panels and PVC roof panels to help you decide which is the better product for your project.
What Is A Fiberglass Roof Panel?
A fiberglass roof panel, also known as a skylight roofing panel, is a thin, lightweight, translucent panel that is installed on a roof primarily to allow more light into the structure.
Fiberglass roof panels, also known as FRP, are made of strong polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass.
Fiberglass corrugated roof panels are the most common. They feature wavy and rounded shapes. Fiberglass corrugated panels come in ⅞” corrugated, ½” corrugated, R Panel, 7.2 Panel and AG Panel.
What Are PVC Roof Panels?
PVC roof panels, also known as plastic roof panels, are clear roofing panels made from polyvinyl chloride. This thermoplastic material is available in corrugated panels but is more popular for their flat panels. PVC roof panels are used mostly in commercial, restaurant, and retail spaces.
How Fiberglass Roof Panels And PVC Roof Panels Compare
Find out how these two materials compare when it comes to:
- Cost
- Panel Profile
- Color
- Lifespan
- Durability
- Flexibility
FRP vs PVC Cost
When it comes to cost, PVC panels are usually more affordable than fiberglass panels. Price varies depending on thickness and quality of the panel.
PVC panels cost $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
Fiberglass roof panels cost $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
FRP vs PVC Panel Profiles
Fiberglass roof panels are available in more panel profiles compared to PVC panels. If you have a corrugated metal roof and are looking to add panels to your roof that will let natural light in, you want those panels to also match the design of the rest of your roof. In this instances, you will have to use fiberglass panels as fiberglass roof panels are made in ⅞” corrugated, R Panel, and 7.2 Panel.
FRP vs PVC Color
Fiberglass and PVC are both most popular in white or clear. However, PVC panels are known to maintain a clean look for longer than FRP panels which will develop a yellow hue overtime from the sun.
FRP vs PVC Light Permeability
The light penetration of fiberglass roof panels is reduced overtime. PVC panels have a transparency that is similar to glass and makes it the superior choice when light-permeability is a top concern.
FRP vs PVC Durability
Overall, fiberglass roof panels have superior durability to PVC panels. FRP panels can withstand a much wider temperature range without warping, and cracking. It also is less prone to extreme expansion and contraction in higher temperatures, making fiberglass panels more suitable in warmer climates than PVC. Fiberglass is also less prone to being punctured compared to PVC which is particularly important to roofing as branches and debris can fall on the roof at any moment.
FRP vs PVC Lifespan
You can get more use out of fiberglass panels and less time between necessary replacement compared to PVC panels. Fiberglass panels generally last 20 to 30 years. PVC panels will generally last between 10 to 20 years.
FRP vs PVC Flexibility
PVC roof panels are more malleable compared to fiberglass which is more rigid. If you are doing an installation on a curved structure such as a curved greenhouse roof, the flexibility of PVC would make it a better fit.
Considerations For FRP and PVC Roof Panels
- Not Fire Resistant
- Both Are Highly Corrosion Resistant
Fiberglass And Plastic Panels Are Not Fire Resistant
Unlike a building product such as steel roofing and siding panels that have a Class A Fire Rating, neither fiberglass roof panels nor PVC roof panels are fire resistant.
Fiberglass And Plastic Panels Are Both Highly Corrosion Resistant
If your project is near the coast, you can use either fiberglass panels or PVC roof panels as both are corrosion resistant and compatible with coastal marine environments. Unlike steel roof panels, they will not rust when exposed to saltwater in the air.
Where To Buy Fiberglass Roof Panels
While home improvement stores do carry some fiberglass (and also PVC panels), the best place to order fiberglass panels is from your metal roofing manufacturer. This is the best way to ensure that the color and panel profile of your fiberglass panels matches the rest of your roof as colors and profiles vary based on the manufacturer.
Deciding Between Fiberglass Roof Panels And PVC Roof Panels
When you are looking for a low cost and efficient way to let the light into your next roofing project, fiberglass and pvc are two of the most common options you’ll find. Consider factors such as your project budget and product lifespan when choosing between the two materials.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we carry 8 oz. white fiberglass roof panels in ⅞” corrugated, R Panel, and 7.2 Panel.
To get started on your project, request a free quote for fiberglass roof panels today.
