Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing for Warehouses, Greenhouses & Industrial Buildings

Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing for Warehouses, Greenhouses & Industrial Buildings

1.What is Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing?

Corrugated fiberglass roofing, also known as FRP roofing, is a building material composed primarily of glass fiber and unsaturated polyester resin, with film and additives added. Its high light transmission, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties have led to its growing application in agriculture, construction, and residential applications.

Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing Common Specifications Summary Table

parameter	Common range/typical value
Thickness	0.6 mm to 3.0 mm, with a range of 1.0-2.0 mm being common
Wave Height	Approximately 20-30 mm; typically ~26 mm
Wave Distance/ Pitch/Wavelength)	160 mm to210 mm
Width(total width/net coverage width/practical width)	Total width is typically ≈750-1100 mm; effective (net coverage) width slightly less (excluding overlap)
length	Standard lengths are usually 2-4 meters (or ~ 5800 mm/11800 mm, etc.) or customized
Light Transmission / Transmittance	From about 20-50% to 85-90%; some "clear/translucent" panels can have very high light transmittance (around 80-90%)
Other / Special specifications	From about 20-50% to 85-90%; some "clear/translucent" panels can have very high light transmittance (around 80-90%)

2. The difference between corrugated fiberglass roofing and ordinary flat fiberglass roofing.

    The difference between corrugated fiberglass roofing and fiberglass roofing is that fiberglass roofing has no corrugations and is a flat surface, while corrugated fiberglass roofing is pressed into a specific corrugated shape during the production process. The main advantage is that it increases its own strength and has a certain aesthetic appearance. With the same strength, corrugated fiberglass roofing can be thinner and lighter.

3.The main advantages of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing.

Corrugated fiberglass roofing offers excellent corrosion resistance. PVC, metal, or wooden roofs are susceptible to corrosion from prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and oxidation, especially in acidic or alkaline environments, such as those near the sea. Fiberglass offers advantages in these areas. It also offers advantages in transparency and light transmission. Wooden and metal roofs offer little light transmission, making it suitable for greenhouses and skylights. It also offers advantages in terms of lightweighting, weighing less than metal and wooden roofs and comparable to PVC. Because it uses fiberglass, corrugated fiberglass roofing exhibits flame retardancy. Its service life can typically reach 20 years or longer.

✅Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing vs Other Roof Materials

Property	Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing	Metal Roofing	Wood Roofing	PVC Roofing
Corrosion Resistance	✅ Excellent; resistant to most chemicals, salt, and humidity	⚠️ Moderate; needs anti-rust coating, prone to corrosion in salty/acidic environments	❌ Poor; susceptible to moisture, rot, and insect damage	✅ Good; does not rust but can degrade under UV exposure
Light Transmission	✅ Can be transparent/semi-transparent (30–85%)	❌ None	❌ None	⚠️ Semi-transparent options exist but prone to yellowing over time
Lightweight / Strength	✅ Lightweight yet strong; easy to transport and install	⚠️ Strong but heavy	⚠️ Moderate weight; strength depends on wood quality	✅ Lightweight; strength lower than fiberglass
Durability	✅ 20–30+ years; suitable for harsh environments	✅ 30–50 years; strong but susceptible to rust	❌ 10–20 years; prone to aging and decay	⚠️ 10–20 years; may become brittle or degrade over time
Fire Resistance	✅ Optional fire-retardant grades available	✅ Excellent; non-combustible	❌ Poor; flammable	⚠️ Moderate; can burn and release toxic fumes

4.Application scope of Corrugated Fiberglass Roofing

✅Industrial Buildings

Widely used for rooftop lighting in various factory buildings, such as those in machinery manufacturing, electronics, and chemical plants, FRP skylights can effectively improve indoor lighting conditions and reduce daytime lighting energy consumption.

For industrial workshops with special environmental requirements, such as dust-free rooms and constant temperature rooms, FRP skylights can ensure sufficient lighting while maintaining a stable indoor environment.

✅Agricultural Facilities

Commonly used as roof coverings for greenhouses, they not only allow for sufficient light but also provide a degree of insulation, providing optimal light and temperature conditions for crop growth.

FRP skylights are also used on the roofs of livestock farms to improve lighting conditions and promote animal growth and health.

✅Commercial Buildings

FRP skylights are often used in skylights and atrium roofs in commercial buildings. Their excellent light transmittance and aesthetics create bright and comfortable interior spaces.

Some large shopping malls and supermarkets also use FRP skylight tiles for their skylights, increasing natural light, reducing lighting costs, and improving the shopping environment's comfort.

✅Public Buildings

FRP skylight tiles are used in corridors, rest areas, and other areas of public buildings like schools and hospitals to provide natural light and create a comfortable atmosphere.

FRP skylight tiles are also used in the skylight roofs of large public buildings like stadiums and exhibition halls, meeting the lighting needs of large areas while enhancing the building's aesthetics.

✅Specialty Buildings

In buildings with high corrosion resistance requirements, such as electroplating plants and sewage treatment plants, the corrosion resistance of FRP skylight tiles ensures long-term use in harsh environments.

5.Cost range, factors affecting price, and installation considerations

✅Cost Range

Corrugated fiberglass roofing typically costs between USD 5 and 15 per square meter (depending on thickness, color, transparency, and flame retardancy).

 

Compared to metal or PVC roofing, the price is slightly higher than regular PVC but lower than high-end metal roofing.

 

✅Factors Affecting Price

Thickness: Thicker panels increase strength and lifespan, but also come with increased costs.

 

Transparency: High transmittance or special colors (such as blue or green) require additional processing and are therefore more expensive.

 

Fire Retardancy: Adding flame retardants can improve fire resistance, but this also increases costs.

 

Customization: Non-standard corrugation, special lengths, or surface coatings (for UV protection or aging resistance) can increase prices.

 

Logistics & Installation: While lightweight, these panels are longer, so shipping and installation costs should be considered.

 

✅Installation Considerations

Allow for thermal expansion and contraction: Fiberglass roof panels expand and contract slightly with temperature fluctuations, so allow for clearance during installation.

 

Use specialized fasteners: Use corrosion-resistant screws and washers to prevent direct contact between metal screws and the panel, which can cause stress cracking.

 

Overlap: Horizontal and vertical overlaps must meet design standards (generally 150–200 mm) to ensure waterproofing.

 

Support Spacing: It is recommended to place purlins every 600–1200 mm to prevent long-term deformation of the panel.

 

Safety: Avoid stepping directly on the panel during construction. Use temporary steps or supports to prevent localized cracking.

 

6.FAQ

✅· What is the service life?

Usually 20-25 years.

✅·Will it yellow?

.Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause yellowing.

✅· Can I install it myself?

It is recommended to have it installed by a professional, but if you have some experience, you can also install it safely.

✅· Is it suitable for extreme climates?

Suitable for extreme climates