When selecting an asphaltic roof coating for a commercial roof system, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a fibered or non-fibered coating. Both types offer distinct benefits, but neither is inherently superior. The ideal choice will vary based on several factors.
In this blog, we’ll examine the differences between fibered and non-fibered roof coatings and discuss their common applications, helping you make a well-informed decision on which option best suits your needs.
What is a Fibered Coating?
A fibered roof coating contains added fibers, typically fiberglass, mixed with the base materials of the coating. These fibers can range in size from very small to relatively large. Their primary function is to enhance the coating’s strength, making it more resistant to tears and breaks. However, this increased strength often reduces the coating’s elasticity.
What is a Non-Fibered Coating?
As the name implies, a non-fibered roof coating does not contain added fibers. These coatings offer greater elasticity and stretching ability once cured, but they may not be as resistant to tears and abrasions compared to fibered coatings.
Which Type of Coating Works Best — Non-Fibered or Fibered?
The ideal choice between fibered and non-fibered coatings depends on the specific application, as each type serves different purposes. Key factors to consider include the roof or substrate type, the total surface area, and the climate and weather conditions the roof will face.
Generally, fibered coatings are preferred when strength and resistance to tears and abrasions are a priority, while non-fibered coatings are better suited for applications requiring greater flexibility and coverage over a larger surface area.
Polyglass offers a variety of fibered and non-fibered asphaltic roof coatings to meet diverse roofing needs. Below is an overview of some of these products and their most common applications.
Non-Fibered Coatings
- Polyglass PG 600 – This non-fibered aluminum coating is specifically designed to offer superior UV protection and weathering performance for existing elastomeric roofs, asphalt BUR roofs, flashings, and most metal roof substrates. It is particularly advantageous for use on asphalt surfaces, as it is formulated to be non-destructive to these materials.
- Polyglass PolyPlus 60 – Similar to the PG 600, this coating is used in comparable applications, but it is a premium-grade option that offers enhanced durability and a longer expected lifespan.
- Polyglass PG 200 – This non-fibered modified asphalt coating is versatile, performing effectively on various roof types. It is particularly well-suited for protecting metal roofing, masonry, stucco, parapet walls, curbs, and base flashings. Additionally, it can be used as a damp-proofing compound for below-grade walls and serves as an excellent adhesive for mineral granules and organic roll roofing membranes.
Fibered Coatings
- Polyglass PG 650 – The fibered version of PG 600, this aluminum coating provides similar UV protection and weathering characteristics to its non-fibered counterpart, but the fiber reinforcement serves to add durability and reflectivity.
- Polyglass PolyPlus 65 – The premium version of PG 650, as well as the fibered counterpart to PolyPlus 60. Offers additional strength and longer-lasting reflectivity.
- Polyglass PG 300 – This fibered version of PG 200 performs effectively on various roof surfaces and can be used as an adhesive for mineral granules and organic roll membranes. While it provides enhanced strength and durability compared to PG 200, it is less flexible, making it less suitable for applications such as flashings, curbs, and walls.
Don’t forget to explore our black coatings line brochure for detailed information on Polyglass fibered and non-fibered roof coating products. For more roofing insights and useful resources, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below.