What are Shingle Class Ratings?

Shingle class ratings refer to a shingle’s impact resistance level to different types of damage, primarily hail and wind.  Shingles are tested by dropping different-sized steel balls from various heights to test the impact and resulting damage, if any. [1] The rating system ranges from a Class 1 being the weakest and least resistant to a Class 4 being the strongest and most resistant.

Homeowners and contractors can use shingle class rating information to determine what types of shingle materials are best. Local weather conditions can also play a role in the decision-making process. By choosing the right shingles, you can best protect your home from hailstorms and other damaging conditions.

Shingle Class Ratings: What are They & What Do They Mean?

Shingle class ratings give a shingle’s impact resistance to different types of damage. The most common refers to its ability to withstand hail. To get these ratings, differently sized steel balls are dropped on shingles from various heights [2]. Organizations like Underwriter Laboratories (UL) conduct the tests to determine a class rating of 1-4. Class 1 is the least resistant, while Class 4 is the most resistant.

What do Shingle Class Ratings Indicate about Durability and Performance?

Shingle class ratings indicate how well roofing shingles can withstand hail and other impacts. Higher class ratings indicate better impact resistance. When you invest in higher-rated shingles, it can help you save money in the long run.

Shingle Class Ratings

Here’s a breakdown of how shingles are classified: [3]

• Class 1: Withstands the impact of a 1.25-inch steel ball that is dropped from 12 feet
• Class 2: Withstands the impact of a 1.5-inch steel ball when it’s dropped from 15 feet
• Class 3: Withstands the impact of a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet
• Class 4: Withstands the impact of a 2-inch steel ball when it is dropped from 20 feet.

Class 3 vs. Class 4 Shingles

If you are looking for the strongest shingles, Class 3 and Class 4 are going to be your best bets. Although they are both strong, they still have characteristics that set them apart.

Class 4 Shingles

• Made for severe weather, such as hail and heavy winds
• Made to withstand heavy pressure
• Long-lasting
• More expense, but saves money because it reduces the need for replacements
• Some home insurance companies may offer discounts when Class 4 shingles are used.

Class 3 Shingles

• While durable, they may be better suited for milder weather without extreme conditions.
• Will not be as resilient against hail and other severe weather
• Usually more affordable upfront
• Replacement costs can be higher and more frequent
• Typically, there isn’t much insurance savings

Talk to your roofing contractor to discuss which types of shingles are best for your home and location. They can advise you if Class 4 shingles are worth the investment or if you should go with different types of shingles.

Types of Impact-Resistant Shingles

When choosing impact-resistant shingles, there are two main types:

• Polymer-based: These are combined with a high-quality asphalt shingle that can protect against cracking.
• Styrene-butadiene-styrene-based shingle (SBS): This type of polymer is more flexible. It can withstand hail more than other materials. Granules adhere well to an SBS shingle. This can improve the lifespan and the ability to reflect the sun’s heat.

Benefits of Using Impact-Resistant Shingles

There are several reasons why people choose impact-resistant shingles for their homes. These include:

Located in a Severe Weather Zone

People who live in areas where severe weather is more frequent tend to choose impact-resistant shingles. This can give them peace of mind that their home will be protected during weather events such as hailstorms and heavy snowstorms.

Impact-resistant shingles can also be useful if your home is surrounded by trees. When bad weather rolls in and strong gusts of wind send tree limbs flying, impact-resistant shingles can better protect your home. This not only keeps your home safe but also reduces repair costs.

Increased Lifespan

Impact-resistant shingles have a longer lifespan than other types of shingles. This reduces the need for replacement and for a new roof.

Home Value Increase

Many homes with impact-resistant shingles have an increased value, making them more appealing to prospective homebuyers

Energy Efficient

Some impact-resistant shingles are made to reflect sunlight. This can help save you money on electric bills by keeping your home cooler naturally.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Shingles Based on Class Ratings

If you’re choosing shingles based on class ratings, there are several things you want to consider. Shingles are not something you’re going to replace frequently, so you want to be sure you’re picking the right type the first time around.

Location

Do you live in an area that experiences high winds during storms? If so, you’ll want to choose shingles that provide the most protection and can withstand this type of weather.

Any intense sunlight can also make asphalt shingles deteriorate quickly. Consider this and choose shingles that can reflect more UV rays and reduce heat absorption.

Budget

When deciding on shingles for your home, you want to think about whether you want to spend more money upfront or if you don’t mind having larger replacement costs in the future.

Class 4 shingles do cost more at installation time, but they last longer, so they won’t need to be replaced as often. Other classes of shingles may cost less at installation, but will need to be replaced more frequently because they’re not as durable.

Warranty Details

Check the warranty on all shingles. A solid warranty covers manufacturing defects. Also, look to see the details when it comes to wind damage, fading, and other things that can damage your shingles and lead to replacement.

Learn More About Shingle Class Ratings

Being aware of the different shingle class ratings is essential so you know how your home is protected. Whether you’re looking to replace your shingles or just want to know more about what is protecting your home currently, be sure to seek out answers from roofing professionals.