What Are Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles?

If you’ve lived in Minnesota for long, you’ve likely become intimately familiar with our state’s extreme weather. Snowstorms, heavy winds, rain, and hail aren’t uncommon sights here in the North Star State. You expect your roof to take a beating from the weather, but if you don’t have Class 4 shingles, you could end up with serious damage that costs a fortune to repair.

Our roof repair and replacement experts at Elite Remodeling Services explain all about Class 4 impact-resistant shingles and why they’re a must-have for Minnesota homeowners.

What Is a Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingle?

Shingles have impact ratings that describe how durable the shingles are in the event of impact from hail, branches, and other damage. Classes range from 1 to 4, with Class 4 being the most impact-resistant shingles.

To determine impact resistance, shingles must undergo UL 2218 Class 4 testing. This test involves dropping a steel ball onto shingles from a height of 20 feet. This test was designed to mimic the impact of hail hitting a roof.

Inspectors perform the test twice, then look at the shingles for signs of cracking or splitting. The level of damage correlates to the impact rating the shingles receive:

• If a roof shingle breaks easily during the test, it may receive a Class 1 rating.
• If testers can find no damage, the roofing shingle will receive the Class 4 rating.

Types of Impact-Resistant Shingles

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles come in two types:

• Polymer-based mesh: These impact-resistant shingles include a polymer mesh for flexibility and protection against cracking. Manufacturers typically add the polymer mesh to the back of shingles so they don’t break under impact.
• Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS): These impact-resistant shingles contain a rubber-like material called SBS. Regular shingles can break when hail hits them, but with SBS shingles, the hail will bounce off.

Why Is Hail Bad for Roofs?

Even pea-sized hail can cause damage to your shingles, which degrades your roof’s integrity and causes the shingles to wear out sooner than you expected. Every impact loosens shingle granules. Eventually, shingles can crack completely, leaving your home exposed to water and pests.

Damaged shingles are also more susceptible to harsh UV rays from the sun. This causes them to become brittle and break.

Why Choose Class 4 Shingles?

Class 4 shingles are pricier than the average roofing materials, so many homeowners wonder whether they’re worth the added expense. If you live in an area with heavy hail storms and high winds, the answer is a definite yes.

Although these shingles cost 10% to 25% more upfront, they protect your roof from hail damage, which can cost thousands to repair. Other reasons to choose Class 4 impact-resistant shingles include:

• Protection from more than just hail: Class 4 shingles are also a great pick if you live on a property surrounded by trees. During a bad storm, heavy winds can cause branches to snap off and fall on your roof. Class 4 shingles can easily withstand the impact, while regular shingles may not.
• Longer lifespan: A roof with standard shingles lasts for about 20 years, but Class 4 shingles have an average lifespan of 30 years or more. Plus, many manufacturers offer 50-year warranties and cover the cost of repair or replacement if something goes wrong.
• Lower insurance premiums: Class 4 shingles could also give you a nice discount on your homeowner’s insurance premiums because they’re tough enough to resist the most serious fires. They can also handle intense winds and water infiltration.

Thinking about selling your home? A roof with Class 4 shingles could help you command a higher price point from buyers.

Call Us To Upgrade Your Roof With Class 4 Shingles

If you’d like to install Class 4 impact-resistant shingles to protect your home’s roof, Elite Remodeling Services will get the job done right. We’re a licensed and insured roofing contractor with more than 25 years of experience serving Lakeville, Eagen, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, and Minneapolis.

For roof replacement, repair, or installation, call the pros at (952) 646-2480.