What Are Class 4 Roof Shingles?

Class 4 Roof Shingles Tulsa, OK

 

Your roof has a big job to do. It’s the first and most important barrier between the elements and your home. It protects not only the structural integrity of your house but also your family and valuables inside. And, if you live in an area that sees frequent hail and wind storms, you’ll want to ensure you choose the highest-quality roofing material you can.

Those looking for the longest-lasting and most durable roofing material out there should consider Class 4 roof shingles.

 

What Are Class 4 Roof Shingles?

Class 4 roof shingles are sometimes referred to as impact-resistant composite shingles or IR roofing shingles. They are designed to withstand damage from hail and severe weather, as well as high winds that can pick up flying debris.

Class 4 shingles undergo extensive testing to obtain their UL 2218 Impact Rating. The UL rating (Underwriters Laboratory) has developed a rigorous process for testing the strength of shingles against severe hail. During the test, steel balls ranging in diameter from 1 ½ inch to 2 inches are dropped from a height of 20 feet to mimic the impact of real hail. Those shingles that are able to withstand the repeated battery without undermining the integrity of the shingle earn the UL 2218 rating and the Class 4 designation.

Impact-resistant shingles can be made of copper, resin and plastic, or aluminum. They can also be made with traditional asphalt shingles by adding a polymer backing that helps the shingle stay together when impacted by hail.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Using Class 4 Roof Shingles?

If you live in an area that sees a lot of storms and high winds, you should consider investing in impact-resistant roof shingles. These shingles provide a number of benefits when compared to lower-rated asphalt shingles.

Extends the Life of Your Roof

A professionally installed Class 4 roof can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Since these shingles are designed to withstand the impact of repeated hail storms, you’ll have fewer repairs and replacements to make over the years. Though the materials cost a bit more upfront, there’s generally not a lot of difference in installation costs compared with traditional shingles.

With a standard roof under the same conditions, you’ll be paying much more over the years. Damaged shingles can quickly become a larger problem if not addressed immediately. Without a solid barrier, holes and leaks can occur, causing exponentially more damage to your roof and sheathing.

Protects Better Against Damage

Class 4 shingles are some of the most durable shingles you can purchase, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who want to protect their investment from severe weather. These shingles are designed to bear the impact of large hail, so they’re stronger and can bend and absorb the impact instead of breaking or cracking.

Increases Resale Value

Potential home buyers often want to see newer appliances and home systems to ensure they won’t have unexpected costs down the line for repair and replacements. A quality roof is frequently at the top of their must-have list.

Homebuyers know that roofs cost a lot to replace and will want to know what kind of material it is and how long ago it was installed.  If they know the roof is made of high-quality material and still has many years before they need to replace or repair it, you can use this as a selling feature, increasing your home’s value.

May Decrease Insurance Costs

Contact your insurance company and ask about any discounts they offer to homeowners who install impact-resistant shingles to their homes. Especially in states in the Great Plains area, insurance providers often offer incentives for this kind of feature, knowing they will be saving money by preventing future claims due to roof damage.

Furthermore, your insurance company may actually want to charge you more if you live in a hail-prone area. By proving you’ve taken steps to protect your home, you may be able to avoid these additional costs.

 

The Takeaway

Not every homeowner can afford to or will need to invest in Class 4 roof tiles, but those who experience repeated hail storms will definitely reap the benefits. If you live in a state like Colorado, Kansas, Texas, South Dakota, or Nebraska, these shingles are highly recommended due to the sheer number of hail storms.

It’s true these shingles cost more upfront (often around 10 to 20% more), but when you factor in the extended life, reduced insurance costs, and reduced need for repair and replacement, they more than pay for themselves.

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