# Fibreglass Shingle

> An asphalt shingle built on a glass-fibre mat; the dominant form of asphalt shingle sold today.

- URL: https://roof.wiki/fiberglass-shingle/
- Topic: Roofing Materials
- Also known as: fiberglass shingle; glass-mat shingle; glass-fibre shingle
- Regions: North America, Global
- First published: 2026-11-02 · Last reviewed: 2026-11-02
- Cite as: "Fibreglass Shingle." roof.wiki. https://roof.wiki/fiberglass-shingle/

## Key facts

- **Mat:** Glass-fibre, resin-bonded
- **Area weight:** About 1.8-2.3 lb/sq ft (8.8-11.2 kg/m²)
- **Fire rating:** Up to Class A
- **US standard:** ASTM D3462 (min. 1,700 g tear strength)

A fibreglass shingle (US spelling: fiberglass) is an asphalt shingle whose reinforcing core is a non-woven mat of glass fibres bonded with resin, usually urea-formaldehyde. The mat is coated with asphalt that contains powdered mineral filler, then surfaced with granules. Almost all asphalt shingles made today are of this type.

## History

Glass-fibre mats were introduced in 1960 with limited success at first. Improvements in mat and coating technology followed, and by about 1982 fibreglass shingles had overtaken organic-felt shingles in the United States. By 2011 organic shingles had disappeared from North American production.

## Properties

- **Lighter**: the glass mat needs less asphalt, so area weights are typically about 1.8-2.3 lb/sq ft (8.8-11.2 kg/m²).
- **Fire resistance**: glass-mat shingles can achieve a Class A fire rating under ASTM E108 / UL 790, the highest class.
- **Moisture**: the glass mat does not absorb water, so the shingle is less prone to rot-related curling.
- **Brittleness**: early products could crack in cold weather or during handling; polymer-modified asphalts were later introduced to improve flexibility.

## Standards

In the United States, ASTM D3462 is the main product standard for glass-felt asphalt shingles surfaced with mineral granules, and the International Building Code requires asphalt shingles to comply with it. The standard sets a minimum Elmendorf tear strength of 1,700 g. In Canada, CSA standards apply, and in Europe glass-fibre bitumen shingles are covered by the European harmonised standard for bitumen shingles.

## Quality

Weight alone is no longer a reliable sign of quality. Industry commentary notes that mat strength and coating quality vary between products, and a moderate-weight shingle with a strong mat can outperform a heavier one with a weak mat.


## Sources

1. Asphalt shingle — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalt_shingle
2. Q&A: Fiberglass vs. Organic Shingles — Journal of Light Construction. https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/interiors/q-a-fiberglass-vs-organic-shingles_o/
3. Asphalt Shingle Types (3-Tab vs. Laminated Architectural), ASTM Classifications & Thermal Behavior — Open Exam Prep. https://open-exam-prep.com/study-guides/la-roofing-contractor/asphalt-shingles-steep-slope-assemblies/shingle-types-astm-thermal