Fiberglass vs. Organic

Asphalt shingles are available in two varieties: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles have a base mat made of woven fiberglass, while organic mat-based shingles start with a base of recycled felt paper. Both are then saturated with asphalt for waterproofing, and finally coated with adhesive asphalt that’s embedded with ceramic granules. Because they consist of 40% more asphalt than fiberglass, organic mat-based shingles are heftier in weight as well as cost. Even though they’re labeled as “organic,” the additional asphalt content makes them less environmentally friendly.

 

Three Tab vs. Dimensional

Asphalt shingles are manufactured in two different types: Three-tab and Dimensional. Three-tab shingles are distinguished by tabs. These tabs are the cutouts that run along the lower long edge of the shingle. The three comes from the fact that even though they’re one whole piece, they look like three individual shingles. Three-tab shingles have been around a long time and are still the most popular as well as economical shingle today. Dimensional asphalt shingles do not have cutouts, but their lower portion contains an additional laminated asphalt layer. This creates the high definition, ultra-dimensional look that gives them their name.