Hail Resistant Roof: Are Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth The Investment?

Of all the risks that are associated with shortening the life of a roof, hail is among the most feared. Hail-resistant shingles bring some peace of mind, but how impact resistant are they? When storms with high wind include hail, homeowners are rightfully nervous, because hail doesn’t have to penetrate a shingle to damage it. In fact, rarely does hail do more than bounce off shingles, but there are times when the wind is fast enough that the damage, perhaps barely visible, will be significant enough to require the attention of a roofing professional.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are highly sought after by homeowners who want maximum protection. These are shingles designed to withstand the impact of debris at up to 110 to 130 miles per hour. When someone talks about a “hail-resistant roof,” they’re often describing one that has Class 4 shingles installed. A severe thunderstorm in the Midwest can generate wind gusts between 58 and 74 miles per hour, so when you have Class 4 shingles installed, you know your roofing system will be in good shape after a heavy storm.

Why is impact resistance important?

The quality of a roof matters because it protects everything under it. Furthermore, a good roof keeps occupants comfortable during times of extreme heat and extreme cold. A hail-proof roof adds that extra layer of protection allowing homeowners the opportunity to relax when the spring and summer hail storms roll through the region. In fact, impact-resistant shingles have become the norm with quality roofing contractors who want to do everything they can to protect their clients’ homes for as long as possible.

There are various levels of impact-resistant shingles, but among the most durably designed are the Class 4 roofing products, which have been labeled as “hail proof,” but only to a certain degree. While it is rare that a severe thunderstorm will produce winds that top 90 miles per hour, when it does happen, such as during tornadic events, there is basically no roofing product that can stand up to that kind of abuse. Fortunately, storms of that severity are rare.

What are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?

While the term “hail proof” is used often, the terminology most roofing professionals use is “impact resistant,” because high winds kick up debris, such as limbs and other objects, that can damage shingles. The shingles are engineered to minimize the effects of impact, whether it’s hail or any other type of airborne object. So, if the question is, “what are Class 4 shingles?” the answer is that they are the most impact resistant on the market.

To get answers to, “what are impact-resistant shingles able to withstand?” researchers will test them with a steel ball in various sizes. When the impact is the same as what is caused by a hailstone hitting the shingle at 90 miles per hour and there is no damage, the shingle can then be rated as “Class 4.” This rating was established in 1996, and ever since then contractors and homeowners have held these as the gold standard in impact-resistant shingles.

Understanding how impact-resistant shingles are made

Roofing material manufacturers have evolved over the many years that shingles have been produced. They continually invest in research and development to find new ways to improve the durability of their products so roofs are protected from flying debris, including hailstones. If you hear a roofing contractor mention “IR” shingles, they are referring to “impact-resistant” products that are built to higher standards.

So, what are impact-resistant roofs made of? The main advancement in these shingles is polymer-modified asphalt which allows the shingles to absorb the force of impact, preventing the shingle from being damaged. The base material is usually a fiberglass mat, but can also be organic felt. The asphalt coating provides waterproofing, but it is also the main protective barrier. A granule surface is added for protection against UV rays, but also adds additional resistance to impact. Elastomeric material, which is often referred to as the modified polymer, increases flexibility and prevents cracking.

There are two types of hail-resistant asphalt roofing shingles:

Determining impact resistance: UL 2218 Class 4 testing

UL 2218 refers to the impact test standard, which involves dropping a steel ball on shingles to test their resistance. To earn a Class 4 designation, the shingle has to hold up to a 2-inch steel ball being dropped from a height of 20 feet. A shingle that is not built to the Class 4 standard will be damaged by the steel ball.

During the testing, the impact-resistant shingles are hit twice in the same spot with the steel ball. Testing personnel will then look at the backing of the shingle for indentations, tears or any other type of deformity. This is often referred to as the “steel ball test” and was established by Underwriters Laboratories in the mid-1990s.

The most common damage witnessed in the steel ball test is crushed granules, which adhere to the top layer of the shingle. Researchers will even use microscopes to get a finer view of the damage caused by the steel balls. However, to be considered a failure, the impact must leave a visible tear or crack on the backing of the shingle, which means the projectile has penetrated all layers of the shingle.

The different classes of impact resistance

Impact-resistant shingles come in four classes. The roof impact-resistance ratings range from Class 1, being the least resistant to impact, up to Class 4, being the most resistant. As an example of what other classes of shingles can handle, to earn the Class 1 designation, the shingle has to hold up to the impact of a steel ball 1.25 inches in diameter. Class 2 will withstand a ball 1.5 inches in diameter, and Class 3 will not be damaged by a 1.75-inch ball dropped from 20 feet.

Why is 20 feet the standard in the UL 2218 test? Scientists have determined that the kinetic energy created with a drop from 20 feet matches that of a hailstone in a thunderstorm.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the four available classes:

A two-inch steel ball creates a lot of force and is actually bigger than the damaging “golf ball” hail you’ve probably heard about. It’s important to note that hail that size is rare, which begs the question: do you really need Class 4 shingles? For peace of mind, most homeowners will answer “yes.” However, many homes are well protected by Class 3 shingles.

Building codes might also dictate what class of shingle you’re supposed to use, such as in areas where damaging hail storms are the norm. Whether it’s a county or municipality rule, you could be required to use Class 4 shingles for the most protection available.

Who should consider installing a Class 4 asphalt shingles roof?

Impact-resistant roofing will ensure that your home is protected, but who is the ideal candidate for Class 4 asphalt shingles? The most obvious are homes in areas where damaging hail storms occur frequently. Think of the expense of going through roof replacements year after year because you didn’t choose the right shingle. Your roofing contractor should help you make the decision, because in some cases, Class 2 and 3 are sufficient.

Here are the reasons why you should install impact-resistant shingles on your home:

There’s no doubt having Class 4 shingles provides added protection, and this will ease the stress for homeowners living in areas where high winds, hailstorms and other risk factors prevail. Before making a decision on what class of shingles you get for your home, talk it over with your roofing contractor.

Benefits of Class 4 impact-resistant roofing shingles

We have established that Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are some of the most durable asphalt shingles on the market, able to withstand the impact of projectiles of everything from hail to debris kicked up in high winds, but what about their other benefits? Let’s take a deeper dive into the specifics.

While offering protection to your home is the most attractive aspect of Class 4 shingles, the other benefits can be quite attractive and become an important consideration when it comes time to choose the shingles you’ll use in your roofing project.

Disadvantages of impact-resistant roofing

Given the enormity of some storms, including tornadoes that can completely demolish a home, there is truly no such thing as a “hail proof” roof. Even with Class 4 shingles on your roof, when Mother Nature brings her fury, no structure is completely safe. Impact-resistant roofing merely “resists” impact – it isn’t immune to it. Class 4 hail-resistant shingles will hold up to normal to severe storms quite well, but year after year of exposure to harsh elements will eventually wear down the shingles.

One of the major disadvantages that influence homeowners’ decisions about choosing Class 4 shingles is their cost. Even though there are side benefits that will save you money and add value down the road, the cost of entry is too much for homeowners on a limited budget. Furthermore, you won’t see a hail warranty on shingles, even impact-resistant shingles.

Being less prone to damage is the most important quality Class 4 shingles bring to homeowners. While they cost more than less durable shingles, there is also less maintenance associated with them and they last longer than other shingles. From increasing the value of a home to offering assurances that the roof will hold up under normal hailstorms, it is difficult to find much negative to say about these quality shingles.

How much do impact-resistant shingles cost?

Impact-resistant shingles cost more than shingles that aren’t built to the same specifications, but how much more? The cost will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and the cost also depends on various other factors that can dictate the fluctuations over the course of the year. On average, you can expect to pay $45 to $55 per bundle. Each bundle covers 33.3 square feet. The average home in the Chicago area has 2,000 square feet of roof, which means it will cost between $2,700 and $3,300 for the shingles alone.

But you need more than just shingles to reroof a home, which means there are other costs for items like nails and underlayment, vents and flashing. This will run you about $800 to $1,000 per 2,000 square feet of roof.

Fortunately, the labor costs stay the same whether the shingles are Class 1 or Class 4. However, labor, which is the most vital component in any roofing project, is also the most costly part of it. A quality roofing contractor will charge between $5,000 and $7,000 for their installation services. Homes that are more difficult to work on (usually because the angle of the roof is steeper) will incur more labor costs than those that are flatter and easier to work on.

The grand total to have the best Class 4 shingles installed on your home, which includes labor and materials, will cost between $8,500 and $11,300.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles vs regular asphalt shingles cost

Impact-resistant shingles vs. regular shingles: which one wins out? That’s a good question and one that you will want to fully investigate before making the decision for your home. You’re going to pay more for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles because they are more costly to manufacture. The perk is that you get a more durable shingle that will hold up to hailstorms, whereas regular shingles will not.

Depending on the manufacturer and various market situations, the cost for impact-resistant shingles will be anywhere from 10% to 25% more than regular shingles. That might be more than a homeowner with a modest budget can handle, but you have to consider that the longer life and lack of maintenance these more durable shingles provide can save you money in the long term. Also, you have to take into account that insurance companies often offer discounts to homeowners with Class 4 shingles on their homes.

But how much longer will impact-resistant shingles last? The average, well-constructed regular shingle will give you 15 to 30 years of protection. The impact-resistant shingles will offer 30 to 50 years of protection. To ensure you get the most out of your shingles, hire a quality roofing contractor to do the installation for you.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles insurance claims and discounts

While there is plenty to rave about regarding the durable construction of the Class 4 shingles, homeowners also love to see a discount from their insurance agency. These agencies get hit time and again with claims related to hail-damaged roofs, so when a customer comes to them with Class 4 shingles, they are readily offering a discount because they know that unless the storm is a rare one that brings higher than 90 mph winds, that roof will be undamaged.

With an average of $12,000 per hail damage claim, it’s easy to see how billions of dollars are spent annually by insurers. Because of this, they are eager to reward homeowners who go the extra mile and have Class 4 impact-resistant shingles installed on their roofs, as they know they are less likely to file a claim due to hail damage.

The discount you could receive from your insurance agency on Impact-resistant shingles can range between 20% and 28%, and this will vary depending on your location and the insurance company. If you’re having your roof replaced and are upgrading from regular shingles to Class 4 shingles, be sure to fill out all the documentation certifying that you’re having the more durable shingles installed, as the insurance company will likely require this information. This will most likely include the name of the shingles, when they were installed and by whom.

Another thing to look for is the Energy Star tax reduction that you can get on asphalt shingles that are made with granules that help keep the roof cool. The maximum reduction is 10% of the cost of the shingles.

The best Class 4 asphalt shingles in the market

The best Class 4 asphalt shingles are made by trusted brands that so many roofing contractors use for all types of shingles. Three of the big ones are Owens Corning, GAF and CertainTeed. These are companies that have put a lot of research and development into their products and bring the best impact-resistant shingles to the market. Talk to your roofing contractor about Class 4 shingle brands they trust.

Here are some of the best Class 4 shingles in the market in no particular order:

Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth your Investment?

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are more expensive than traditional shingles, which generates a discussion regarding whether they are worth the added expense. That upfront cost is an issue for homeowners who are financially strained and are more likely to take the option of having less expensive shingles installed.

For homeowners living in the Midwest where hail storms have been known to damage roofs, taking on the added expense of impact-resistant roof shingles makes better sense in the long term.

The best Class 4 shingles provide protection from hail and other debris, but many manufacturers also make them in such a way that the wind will not blow them off the roof, which is a problem with less durable shingles. An impact-resistant roof is the preference for any homeowner who wants to gain the upper hand during harsh weather conditions.

Impact-resistant roofing cost vs. long-term value

While the added expense of these more durable shingles can seem like a burden, there is more than one silver lining. For example, insurance providers often give a break on premiums to homeowners with Class 4 shingles, which can help offset the cost of impact-resistant shingles. There is also the added curb appeal to consider.

Long-term cost savings

Thinking long term is almost always the mantra for anything related to finances and the same is true of making an investment in your roof. Yes, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles will cost up to 25% more than traditional shingles, but consider the savings you will enjoy due to the life of the shingles, which can last 30-50 years. There are also savings related to maintenance; Class 4 shingles can take a beating, which means you aren’t paying for repairs every time a hailstorm rolls through.

Impact-resistant shingles provide homeowners with several long-term cost savings:

• Spend less on repairs with Class 4 shingles – Impact-resistant shingles are capable of withstanding wind gusts up to 130 miles per hour.
• Enjoy the discounts your insurance provider offers because your home is better protected.
• Tired of paying for frequent upkeep on your traditional shingles? Impact-resistant shingles do not require that.

Long-term protection

Most homeowners can expect their new roof to last about 20 years, maybe up to 30 years if your home is more protected by the elements than most homes. Homes with Class 4 shingles on them will not need to be re-roofed for 30 years at a minimum. Some warranties on these impact-resistant shingles even last as long as 50 years! That long-term protection means value, because there is a good chance this will be the last roofing project you’ll ever have to pay for.

Because of the way these shingles are constructed, they’re incredibly durable.

The following are the features that provide such a prolonged life for impact-resistant shingles:

• Hail and flying debris bounce off Class 4 shingles rather than penetrate them.
• The Class A fire rating means these shingles are less prone to burning than traditional shingles.
• When the roof remains intact, you don’t have to worry about interior damage (leaks, etc.).
• It’s rare to get a thunderstorm that generates winds any higher than 90 miles per hour, and these shingles are built to resist wind speeds of 110-130 miles per hour.

Longevity is the goal of any home improvement project, so if you want this to potentially be your last roof project, choose Class 4 impact-resistant shingles from a quality manufacturer.

Long-term cost savings and the ultimate in protection are what you get when you choose Class 4-rated shingles. It’s worth the initial investment, because anything that can add value to your home will always provide a handsome return on investment.

From added curb appeal to added value, discounts from insurance providers and the lack of the need for frequent maintenance and repairs – the perks are all there with shingles built to prevent hail damage. Talk to your roofing contractor about the brands that will bring value to your project.

Choose a professional roofer for hail-resistant shingle installation in DuPage County

Hail-resistant roof shingles are a must in regions where storms violently pelt roofs with hail and other debris. A professional roofing contractor, like VIS Exterior, knows exactly what type of shingle to go to when a home needs extra protection. Impact-resistant, Class 4 shingles are built to take a pounding and will bring the extra protection homes need to withstand frequent and heavy hailstorms.

When you work with a seasoned professional, you’ll have a team of experts on your side, guiding you through the options and making that determination if Class 4 shingles are a good option for your home. They will explain the cost differences between these impact-resistant shingles and where you can potentially see a return on your investment via insurance breaks, curb appeal, less maintenance and increased home value.

As you research roofing contractors, look for one that is licensed and insured. Only do business with contractors who have references, offer workmanship warranties and who are local and accountable for their work. At VIS Exterior, our roofing expertise has made us the go-to contractor for installing Class 4 shingles. Contact us and let’s discuss your roofing project and the value we bring to it.

Frequently asked questions about Class 4 shingle roofing

As you look into taking on a roofing project, you’ve probably got a lot more questions than answers, so we have created a FAQ containing all the common questions we get from clients and our expert answers.