Class 4 Shingles
What Are Class 4 Shingles?
Choosing the right asphalt shingle for your home involves more than just selecting a color or style that matches your aesthetic preferences. While appearance and cost are important factors, understanding the functional benefits and potential drawbacks of different shingle classes is equally crucial. Goad Construction is committed to guiding you through this process, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of Class 4 shingles, so you can make an informed and confident decision that protects your home.
When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, particularly hail, selecting the right roofing materials is crucial. Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt roofing shingles are engineered specifically to withstand the harsh impacts that hail can inflict. While no roofing solution is completely impervious to damage, these shingles provide an added layer of defense, potentially saving you from costly repairs.
For personalized advice and professional installation of asphalt roofing materials, please contact Goad Construction. Our experienced team can help you choose the best shingles for your home and ensure a high-quality installation.
By understanding the pros and cons of impact-resistant asphalt shingles, you will gain a sturdy foundation of important distinctions and set yourself up for success to make the right decision for your home.
Understanding Impact-Resistance Ratings
Shingles come with different levels of impact resistance. In 1996, Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) developed a universal standard for helping homeowners compare the durability of the materials available to them. This standard is widely used across the roofing industry.
Advantages of impact-Resistant Shingles
Class 1 - Sample did not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball 1.25 inches in diameter.
Class 2 - Sample did not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball 1.50 inches in diameter.
Class 3 - Sample did not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball 1.75 inches in diameter.
Class 4 - Sample did not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball 2.0 inches in diameter.
Class 4 shingles are a NO GO!
While impact-resistant roofing provides enhanced performance on the roof and greater peace of mind to homeowners, there is a higher upfront cost. Compared to standard roofing materials, impact-resistant roofing is more expensive due to the additional costs of manufacturing these specialty products.
If hail dents your shingles but does not cause immediate water leaks, the insurer denies the claim as "cosmetic". Over time, those "cosmetic" dents weaken the asphalt and cause premature failure, at which point the insurer may refuse coverage due to roof age.
Disadvantages of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Shingles are given a class rating on a scale of one to four (with four being the best) that is based on the steel ball drop test, which simulates the damage from hail impact. Most shingles are considered impact resistant if they are Class 4; however, some are considered impact resistant at Class 3.
You can qualify for insurance discounts. Several insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install impact-resistant shingles, especially for those who live in hail zones. upgrading your roofing shingles can save between 5% to 35% annually on your home insurance premium.
Insurance companies are leveraging a loophole by applying "cosmetic damage exclusions" to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. While carriers heavily market premium discounts for upgrading to Class 4 roofs, they frequently use the rating against homeowners during hail claims by arguing that the damage is purely cosmetic rather than a damaged roof.
It's important to remember that no roofing product is completely hail-proof. Severe hailstorms can cause damage to any roof, regardless of the materials used.
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