When choosing asphalt shingles for a residential roof, homeowners in storm-prone regions that do or could receive hail should consider impact resistance in addition to other materials qualities.

Shingle roofing services sell various grades of shingles to fit different budgets, but with those different grades come differing abilities to withstand certain climate conditions.

Read on to learn more about Class 3 and Class 4 shingles available from most shingle roofers and how hail and impact damage affects them both.

How Are Asphalt Shingles Graded for Hail and Impact Resistance?

One of the many ways in which asphalt shingles are graded for quality and durability is with the UL 2218 Change Resistance Test which measures impact resistance.

The UL 2218 test is an industry-accepted procedure for classifying shingle roofing based on the size of impact it can withstand.

Designed to mimic a hailstone hitting the shingles, the test involves dropping steel balls of specific weights and diameters at or onto shingles to assess the damage caused, like denting, cracking, breakage, and chipping of the protective granules, all of which are common effects of hail impacts.

Based on the results of this testing, shingle products are assigned a class rating, which shingle roofing services refer to when seeking highly durable asphalt shingles to install in regions with more extreme climates.

What Are Class 3 and Class 4 Asphalt Shingles?

Based on the UL 2218 class rating system, Class 3 and 4 asphalt shingles and roofing system materials are the highest-rated for impact resistance and general extreme-weather durability:

Class 3 Components - Class 3 shingles and roofing components are rated to withstand the effects of a 1.75-inch steel ball launched at 60 mph, making them a fairly good choice for residential installations where the climate is more moderate and smaller hail, if any, is possible.
Class 4 Components - Class 4 shingles and roofing components are rated to withstand the effects of a 2-inch steel ball being dropped on them multiple times with minimal damage sustained. Due to their greater durability, they are the best choice for residential installations in regions that experience extreme weather conditions, including larger hail.

While both Class 3 and Class 4 asphalt shingles are much more impact-resistant than lower-quality Class 1 and 2 shingles, shingle roofers also find them to be more resistant to wind and heavy rains due to their more durable construction.

They are also more expensive than less-durable shingles, but provide greater protection and higher value for the cost.

Is There A Notable Advantage With Class 4 Shingles?

Although Class 3 shingles might be more desirable based on a slightly lower price, shingle roofing services advise against letting price dictate choice, especially in regions that experience extreme weather.

The difference in durability between the two grades is significant, with Class 4 shingles able to withstand not just larger hail with less overall damage but stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

Ultimately, though these higher-quality shingles might cost more at installation, choosing them can provide savings on roofing repairs.

The difference is so notable that many homeowners insurance companies offer premium discounts to customers who protect their roofs with Class 4 shingles.

Get Hail Damage Protection With Class 4 Asphalt Shingles

Class 4 asphalt shingles are the best choice for homeowners in need of a durable roofing product that can withstand everything from hail impacts to extreme winds and rains.

Shingle roofers who service customers in locations that experience harsh climate conditions like hurricanes, hailstorms, and tropical storms recommend them above all other shingles.

A local shingle roofing service can help any homeowner receive great value with attractive and protective Class 4 asphalt shingles!