Abstract: The specification discloses a binder composition comprising a urea formaldehyde resin modified with a water soluble non-ionic amine oxide and optionally further modified with an anionic acrylic latex and/or a water soluble polymer comprising 40-100% by weight, based on polymer weight, of a polymerized ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, the polymer having a weight average molecular weight from 100,000 to 2,000,000. Glass fiber mats bonded with the binder composition as well as roofing products, e.g., shingles, prepared from the glass mats bonded with the binder composition of this invention are also disclosed. The binder composition containing the amine oxide provides superior tear strength to glass fiber mats and with the use of the latex and/or water soluble polymer an improved tensile strength of the mats, as well as to asphalt roofing and other products made therefrom while maintaining the high tear strength.