*
I moved into a place with corrugated fiberglass roofing the porches. I know it is kind of tacky but I like the light. The material is likely 8-10 years old now, darkening, getting brittle and staring to leak. I figure it is time to replace it. But with what? Same stuff or are there other materials our there with better cost/maintenance/lifespan ratios?
Suggestions?
While no home can be completely fireproof, implementing these fire-resistant details can increase resilience.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
*
Bruce,
I really like Suntuf polycarbonate panels. Almost unbreakable, doesn't yellow or craze, comes in clear or tinted. About $100 a square.
KK
*Ditto- Polcarbonate all the way! -Ken
*I recently tried to find some fibergalss panels to match some that were already in place (repair job). No luck. Had to take all of it off, and went with polycarbonate. Wasn't real impressed with the quality of the polycarbonate panels, but time will tell if they hood up to our brutal summers.James DuHamel
*A surprise. Built 56 by 26 ft detached garage 27 years ago and put 4 oz fiberglass roof on it ('cause I was 'poor' and cheap and wanted the light) and expected it to last only 10 years. Original is still on the garage, only maintenance other than cleaning needles/branches off is patching occasional hole where falling fir branches punch through. Low ultraviloet exposure though due to the trees, yours may be more brittle if in full semi-tropical sunlight. Are your leaks at the seams only, or pinholes or damage holes?. I patch the falling branch caused holes with polyester resin and Fiberglass. Seams may be a problem if not sealed with silicone, polysulfide or urethane originally - you may have some luck resealing with silicone, but don't depend on it.
*I've used a product called Polygal. It is a triple wall polycarbonate, which offers some R-value. Don't know who sells it or what the $$$. Try searching the product name.