Fiberglass vs Organic Shingles
"Fiberglass vs asphalt" is a false choice: both kinds are asphalt shingles, and the difference is the mat inside. In the U.S. asphalt shingles are predominantly fiberglass-based.[1] The ASTM standard for organic-felt shingles was withdrawn in 2012, with no replacement, and the residential code now names only ASTM D3462, the glass-felt standard.[2, 3, 4]
At a glance
| Feature | Fiberglass mat | Organic mat | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mat | a mat made entirely of glass fibers, surfaced with an asphalt coating | a base of cellulose fibers such as recycled paper and wood fibers, saturated with asphalt | [1] |
| ASTM standard | ASTM D3462: glass felt impregnated and coated on both sides with asphalt, surfaced with mineral granules | ASTM D225: organic felt saturated and coated on both sides with asphalt, surfaced with mineral granules | [2, 4] |
| Status of the standard | Named in the residential code (ASTM D3462) | withdrawn in 2012, with no replacement | [2, 3] |
| Share of the U.S. market | predominantly fiberglass-based | Described by ARMA in the past tense | [1] |
| Sealing requirement in the standard | a factory-applied self-sealing adhesive, or a design that locks the shingles together | Not compared | [4] |
Both are asphalt shingles
An asphalt shingle is a mat coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules. A fiberglass shingle uses a mat made entirely of glass fibers, surfaced with an asphalt coating; an organic shingle used a base of cellulose fibers such as recycled paper and wood fibers, saturated with asphalt.[1] So the right comparison is fiberglass mat vs organic mat, not fiberglass vs asphalt.
The organic standard was withdrawn
ASTM D225 covered shingles of organic felt saturated and coated on both sides with asphalt, surfaced with mineral granules. It was withdrawn in 2012, with no replacement.[2] ASTM D3462 covers glass felt impregnated and coated on both sides with asphalt, surfaced with mineral granules.[4]
The residential code text we use says asphalt shingles shall comply with ASTM D3462, and names no organic-felt standard.[3]
What the industry says today
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says U.S. asphalt shingles are predominantly fiberglass-based, and describes organic shingles in the past tense: they were made with a base of cellulose fibers such as recycled paper and wood fibers, saturated with asphalt.[1] The current TAMKO shingle warranty we read covers fiberglass asphalt shingles.[5]
Cost
With the organic standard withdrawn, we have no current organic product data to price against, so this page does not show a cost comparison.
Common questions
Are fiberglass shingles asphalt shingles?
Yes. They use a mat made entirely of glass fibers, surfaced with an asphalt coating.[1]
Are organic shingles still made?
The ASTM standard for them was withdrawn in 2012, with no replacement, and the industry association describes them in the past tense.[1, 2]
Which standard should new shingles meet?
ASTM D3462, the residential code standard for asphalt shingles.[3]
Sources
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- ASTM International D225-07 Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles (Organic Felt) Surfaced With Mineral Granules (Withdrawn 2012). Accessed November 3, 2026.
- California Building Standards Commission 2025 California Residential Code, Section R905 Requirements for Roof Coverings (effective January 1, 2026). Accessed November 3, 2026.
- ASTM International D3462 Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass Felt and Surfaced with Mineral Granules (D3462-09 page) (2009 edition scope). Accessed November 3, 2026.
- TAMKO Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle Limited Warranty (Rev. 03/16/2026) (Rev. 03/16/2026, for shingles sold on or after January 1, 2025). Accessed November 3, 2026.
We did not install or test these products. Everything on this page comes from the documents listed above. If a source changes, numbers here may be out of date until our next check. Spot an error? Email [email protected].