When it comes to your home, your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. Whether it’s the blazing sun, the torrential rain, or the occasional hailstorm, your roof, especially if it features impact-resistant shingles, takes a beating year after year. So, when it comes time to replace or repair that roof, why settle for anything less than the best? Enter Class 4 Impact-Resistant roofing materials – the superhero of roofing options.

But what exactly are Class 4 shingles, and why should you care? Let’s dive into the world of hail-resistant, long-lasting roofing materials and explore why upgrading to a Class 4 roof might just be the best decision for your home and your wallet.

What Are Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles in Roofing?

At the most basic level, choosing a shingle roof with impact resistance can significantly enhance your home’s protection. Shingles with a Class 4 is the highest rating given to roofing materials in terms of impact resistance in the roofing industry. Class 4 materials, whether shingles, tiles, or metal, are designed to withstand significant impact, like large hailstones, without cracking or losing their integrity. These materials are put through rigorous testing by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure they can handle hailstones as large as 2 inches in diameter (roughly the size of a quarter or ping-pong ball), which is roughly the size of a “severe hail” impact.

Why does this matter? If you’ve ever had a hailstorm leave dents in your roof (or worse, holes and cracks), you know how expensive and frustrating it can be to repair. But with Class 4 impact-resistant materials, your roof can shrug off these storms with ease – saving you on costly repairs and replacements.

The Benefits of Class 4 Roofing Materials

1. Hail Resistance

First and foremost, Class 4 asphalt roofing shingles, tiles, or metal roofing systems are built to withstand the harshest hailstorms. While no roof is completely indestructible, Class 4-rated roofs are significantly more durable than lower-rated materials. This durability is particularly crucial if you live in areas prone to severe weather, such as hailstorms, which are more common than you might think (hello, Colorado and Texas!). It’s why top roofers like us prefer to install class 4 for local roofing projects.

2. Longevity and Durability

Because they are designed to handle harsh conditions, Class 4 impact resistance roofing materials tend to have a longer lifespan than traditional roofing materials. Hail, high winds, and other severe weather conditions will cause less wear and tear on impact-resistant shingles, meaning your roof will last longer before needing repairs or replacement.

Additionally, many of these roofing materials are resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading. This translates to fewer maintenance headaches and better long-term value for homeowners.

3. Insurance Discounts

One of the most appealing benefits of a Class 4 roof is the insurance discount that often comes with it. Insurance firms love homes with impact-resistant roofing, and many offer significant premium reductions for homes equipped with Class 4-rated shingles or metal roofs. In some cases, the savings can be substantial – anywhere from Many roofing contractors offer discounts on impact-resistant roofing materials during certain seasons. on your insurance to reduced maintenance costs with a new roof. 10% to 30% Installing impact-resistant shingles can help you save off your homeowner’s insurance premium!

Why do insurance providers care so much? It’s simple: a more durable roof means fewer claims for storm damage, and fewer claims equals lower costs for the insurer. As a homeowner, you benefit directly from this reduced risk with lower premiums.

How Does Class 4 Compare to Class 3 Shingles and Other Roof Installation Options?

So, what’s the difference between Class 4 and other roofing materials? To put it simply, Class 4 is the gold standard in impact resistance and a preferred option for your roofing company. But let’s compare it to other popular roofing options.

Class 3 Roofing

Class 3-rated shingles or tiles are still quite strong and provide good protection against hail, but they’re not quite as robust as Class 4 materials – Class 4 shingles are rated the highest, and are designed to take more impact. For example, a Class 3 new shingle roof may be able to withstand hailstones around 1.5 inches in diameter (think golf ball size), which is still pretty impressive, but still not as durable as a Class 4 roof. While Class 3 may be an excellent option for homeowners in regions with less severe hail, it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as Class 4. This is why it’s important to understand the different levels of impact resistance.

Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal vs. Tile

• Asphalt Shingles: While asphalt shingles While roof shingles are the most common roofing material, not all asphalt shingles are created equal, especially when considering impact resistance. Regular asphalt shingles are typically not rated for severe hail impact, but certain premium asphalt shingles are engineered to meet Class 4 standards. These shingles often feature reinforced fiberglass, modified asphalt, or special coatings that enhance durability and impact resistance.
• Metal Roofing: Often paired with impact-resistant shingles, this can be a beautiful and durable option, and many are rated Class 3 or Class 4. Metal roofs are known for their strength and durability, often achieving a Class 4 rating. They are highly resistant to hail, high winds, and fire, making impact-resistant shingles a top choice for homeowners looking for long-lasting protection. Metal roofs are also great for energy efficiency, reflecting heat, and keeping your home cooler in the summer months.
• Tile Roofing: Clay and concrete tile roofs can be a beautiful and durable option, and many are rated Class 3 or Class 4. Tiles tend to have a longer lifespan than asphalt shingles and are highly resistant to impact. However, tiles can be heavy and may require additional structural support, making them a more expensive option for certain homes.

Why Insurance Companies Love Class 4 Roofs (And You Should Too)

As we touched on earlier, insurance companies love Class 4 roofing products because it means fewer claims for them to pay out. Homes with Class 4 roofs are less likely to experience significant storm damage and these shingles can withstand more abuse, which translates to lower overall risk.

In fact, many insurance providers offer discounts for homeowners with Class 4-rated roofs, knowing that they are investing in durable, high-quality materials that will stand up to severe weather events and require less roof repairs. Some insurers even offer discounts as high as 30% for homes with Class 4 roofs!

Is a Class 4 Roof Worth the Investment?

When it comes to the initial cost, Class 4 roofing materials can be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, but the long-term benefits often outweigh the upfront investment. With the potential for lower home insurance premiums, fewer maintenance costs, more favorable roof inspection results, and a longer roof lifespan, a Class 4 roof can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Additional Questions We Often Receive Regarding Shingles and Roofing:

What are Class 4 Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials?

Class 4 Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials are designed to provide the highest level of protection against damage from severe weather conditions, particularly hail. These materials, including Class 4 shingles, undergo rigorous impact tests to ensure they can withstand the impact of hailstones without cracking or breaking. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to enhance the durability and longevity of their roof.

Why is a Class 4 Rating Important for Homeowners?

A Class 4 rating signifies that the roofing material has passed the most stringent impact resistance rating tests. For homeowners, this means increased protection against damage, potentially lowering maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of their roof. Additionally, many insurance companies offer insurance discounts for impact-resistant roofs, which can lead to significant savings on insurance premiums.

How are Class 4 Shingles Tested?

Class 4 shingles are tested using the UL 2218 standard, which involves dropping steel balls of varying sizes from specific heights onto the roof shingles to simulate hail impact. To achieve a Class 4 rating, the shingles must show no signs of cracking or splitting after the tests, indicating their ability to withstand the impact of severe weather conditions.

What Types of Roofing Materials Are Available with a Class 4 Rating?

Several types of roofing materials can achieve a Class 4 rating, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and synthetic options. Each material offers unique benefits, such as the aesthetic appeal of asphalt shingles or the longevity and energy efficiency of metal roofing. Homeowners can choose based on their preferences and specific needs.

How Do Impact-Resistant Shingles Benefit Homeowners Financially?

Installing impact-resistant shingles can lead to significant financial benefits for homeowners. Besides the potential for reduced repair and maintenance costs due to their increased durability, many insurance providers offer premium discounts when a home is outfitted with class 3 or class 4 impact-resistant shingles. This is because these upgraded shingles are designed to withstand hail, wind, and other severe weather conditions better than standard shingles, lowering the likelihood of costly claims.

In addition to insurance savings, impact-resistant shingles can also add value to a home. Potential buyers often recognize the long-term advantages of having a reinforced roof, which may translate to a higher resale price. Finally, by reducing the frequency of roofing repairs or replacements, homeowners can save on labor and material costs over time—making impact-resistant shingles a worthwhile investment.

Why You Should Consider Class 4 Impact-Resistant Roofing

Whether you’re looking to protect your home from the next hailstorm, save money on insurance premiums, or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a durable, long-lasting roof, Class 4 impact-resistant roofing materials are a smart choice for homeowners. Not only will your roof stand up to the toughest weather conditions, but it can also provide substantial financial benefits down the road.
So, next time you’re in the market for a roof replacement, consider investing in a Class 4-rated roof. Your home, your wallet, and your insurance company will thank you!