As roofing product technology improves, impact-resistant roofing continues to grow in popularity. The good news for you? It's more affordable now than ever.
While highly rated impact-resistant shingle products are more costly, they can translate to significant insurance savings. We see insurance premium savings ranging from 3% to 15% from all major insurance companies when new roofing projects are completed with impact-resistant roofing.
In today’s blog, we’ll cover shingle classes to help you decide what type of shingles are best for you. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need more guidance and support. Let’s dive in!
What Are Impact-Resistant Shingles?
Impact-resistant shingles are designed with a thicker gauge base mat. They are composed of more flexible materials than standard shingles. Their durability rating is established by administering the UL 2218 impact test.
How Do Manufacturers Measure Impact?
Shingle classes are granted a rating of Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 based on the degree of impact they can withstand without cracking. These tests are performed using a steel ball to replicate how well the shingle can withstand the impact of hailstones.
Let’s dive into the shingle classification codes:
Class 4 Shingles
To evaluate according to Class 4 criteria, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped from a height of 20 feet directly onto the shingle being tested. If the mat of the shingle does not crack on impact, the shingle receives a Class 4 impact rating.
Class 3 Shingles
To achieve a Class 3 rating, the shingle must withstand a 1 3/4-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet.
Class 3 impact-resistant shingles are more durable and are often chosen by homeowners and businesses in areas that occasionally experience moderate hailstorms.
Class 2 Shingles
To receive a Class 2 rating, a 1 1/2-inch steel ball is dropped from a height of 14 feet. While these shingles have a higher impact rating than Class 1 shingles, they’re still not intended for severe weather conditions.
Class 1 Shingles
These types of shingles have the lowest level of impact resistance. A 1 1/4-inch steel ball is dropped from a height of 12 feet. Class 1 shingles are typically found in areas that experience mild weather year-round.
Did you know that the largest recorded hailstone in U.S. history measured 8 inches in diameter and weighed 1.94 pounds? Most hailstones are under two inches in diameter, so insurance companies save when you install impact-rated shingles.
Shingle and Roof Class Code 1, 2, 3, 4: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard people use the terms shingle class codes and roof class codes interchangeably; however, the roof class code measures fire resistance and is particularly concerned with how well the roofing material can prevent the spread of fire. This rating system uses class codes A through C to denote each level, with A offering the highest rating for fire resistance.
Are Class 3 and 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth It?
Class 4 and Class 3 impact-resistant shingles each cost incrementally more than standard laminate shingles, but they confer incrementally greater insurance savings. On average, after five years, you’ll recoup the upfront cost of impact-resistant shingles through your insurance company's premium discount.
Quality craftsmanship and reputable materials go a long way. At All Elements, Inc., our customers have reported that their Class 3 shingles have survived the most severe storms unscathed, and clients with Class 4 shingles have not reported any weather-related damages.
While we feel this is a great way to reduce the number of insurance claims and annual insurance premiums, Class 4 Shingles can sometimes outweigh the cost of an insurance claim.
How Do I Choose the Right Shingles?
When you’re considering a roofing project, be sure to ask your insurance company about the savings conferred by installing impact-resistant roofing products. Also, don't hesitate to contact our team to learn more about the different types of shingles we install to help inform your decision.
We're here to answer your questions and help you find the right roofing shingle solution that complements your budget, needs, and local weather conditions.
Did You Know? Hail Size Comparisons
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, hail size is expressed by comparing it to relatable objects. To give you an idea of just how big hail can get, we’ve included some size comparisons below.
Let’s hope that you never have to deal with hail any larger than a quarter!
- Pea = 1/4 inch diameter
- Marble/Mothball = 1/2 inch diameter
- Dime/Penny = 3/4 inch diameter
- Nickel = 7/8 inch
- Quarter = 1 inch (hail quarter size or larger is considered severe)
- Ping-Pong Ball = 1 1/2 inch
- Golf Ball = 1 3/4 inches
- Tennis Ball = 2 1/2 inches
- Baseball = 2 3/4 inches
- Tea Cup = 3 inches
- Grapefruit = 4 inches
- Softball = 4 1/2 inches
Need to Repair or Replace Your Roofing Shingles?
If you’re looking to protect your investment by upgrading to impact-resistant shingles or another roofing solution, our team of experts can help! All Elements, Inc. offers both homeowners and business owners reliable roofing solutions to keep you covered and protected for years. Contact us today for a free estimate!
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