Abstract: An economical and uniform fibrous glass mat displaying improved tear strength and a wet forming process of making such a mat is disclosed herein. The mat, which is especially suitable as a carrier material in the manufacture of asphalt shingles or other such roofing products, includes a web of base fibers comprising individual monofilament glass fibers and reinforcement fibers in the form of glass fiber bundles interspersed throughout the web in a randomly oriented pattern. The mat also includes a binder substance to assist in holding the base fibers and reinforcement fiber bundles together.

Abstract: A method of making a roofing shingle and an asphalt-saturated base sheet generally, utilizing a particular asphalt composition, are disclosed herein. The composition includes asphalt, which at least initially is in a molten state, and a filler material, preferably limestone or other similar mineral filler, dispersed throughout the molten asphalt. In addition, the composition includes a small amount of glass in the form of glass fiber bundles dispersed throughout the asphalt. The glass fiber bundles are made of monofilaments bonded together and are preselected to affect the viscosity of the molten asphalt in a predetermined way depending upon the temperature of the asphalt.