Corrugated Fiberglass

Corrugated Fiberglass

Corrugated fiberglass is a sheet that is shaped to have alternating parallel grooves and ridges that wave or ripple in a consistent pattern. They are generally composed of more than one layer and are considered the most widely used and popular fiberglass product. Used mostly within the construction industry, corrugated sheets of fiberglass is popular siding and roofing material for sheds, outdoor patios and greenhouses. It is inexpensive, easy to replace and provides much weather resistant properties. Corrugated fiberglass is commonly a green semi-translucent color, but it may also be white. It isn’t UV resistant, meaning sunlight can easily penetrate fiberglass sheeting. While fiberglass roofing transmits UV rays, it still provides protection against the harsh rays of direct sunlight, and is therefore used above areas with plants or where people congregate outdoors. Transparent sheets are used because of their light transmission abilities in greenhouses or as skylights. Corrugated fiberglass is manufactured in long sheets but are cut to size and sold as panels. They are easily cut if necessary—drilling, punching, sawing and nailing can be done without any problems.

Standard fiberglass is made from limestone, silica, stand feldspar and borax. Thin, high strength mats that are composed of glass fibers are imbedded in resin. This material can easily be shaped, and in this case, is heated and formed into an alternating curved pattern. It is manufactured by either open or closed molding. During open molding, a layer of gel coating is applied and cured on a single mold or structure. In the closed molding process, that gel coat is applied in a two-part mold and chopped fibers are sprayed or placed in the female part of the mold on top of the gel coat. Most corrugated panels are composed of two layers. The top layer, which is exposed to the outside, is strong, rigid and weather resistant. It won’t rust and can withstand prolonged exposure to a wide range of harsh outdoor conditions, both warm and cold. The other layers are made of thinner fiberglass sheets that provide strength and structure. The different layers are glued together to form a sheet of corrugated fiberglass.