
Full Answer
Are class 4 shingles worth the money?
While nothing is hail proof, it has been proven that Class 4 shingles, which have been modified to resist impact, are well worth the cost. When hail strikes your roof, it essentially does two things. First, it bruises the mat, damaging it and making it more susceptible to the elements and high winds.
Who makes the best class 4 shingle?
Who makes the best class 4 shingle?
- Atlas Roofing Corporation.
- Malarkey Roofing Products.
- CertainTeed Corporation.
- Enviroshake Inc.
- Euroshield.
Should you pay more for Class 4 rated shingles?
Class 4 roofing shingles are considered to be a premium product and, therefore, may cost more than standard, non-impact resistant shingles. However, due to the various benefits of Class 4, impact-resistant shingles, the extra cost upfront may be a worthwhile investment if you live in an area where hail and wind storms frequently occur.
What is a Class 4 shingle insurance discount?
If you have filed an insurance claim recently against hail damages, you were most likely told by your insurance company or adjuster to consider upgrading to a Class IV impact resistant roofing shingle. Doing so could save you as much as 30% off your monthly insurance premiums. We do not recommend Class IV impact resistant shingles….and here is why.

Are Class 4 shingles worth the extra money?
Overall, Class 4 rated shingles are superior to typical asphalt shingle roofing products. It can be well worth it to know that your roof will provide extended protection and long-term cost savings.
How much more are Class 4 shingles?
On average, the price of upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles is about $50 per square higher than the cost of your previous shingles. With that in mind, if a company offers to install its Class 4 shingles for $500 per square, it's too much.
How long does a class 4 roof last?
Synthetic-barrel roof tiles do not require extra structural support and last 50 years. While natural clay needs added structural support and only lasts 20-30 years. Moreover, synthetic-barrel roof tiles' durability eliminates long-term maintenance and repair costs from impact, moisture, and fire damage.
Are high impact shingles worth it?
The truth of the matter is that impact resistant shingles can cost you as much as 100 percent more than a standard asphalt shingled roof installation. The impact resistant shingle roof will cost more at installation time, but over the year, with less repairs needed, it is a money saver.
How can I tell if my shingles are Class 4?
How do I know if I have an impact-resistant roof? Shingles are rated Class 1 through 4, with Class 4 shingles having the highest resistance. The impact rating is usually marked on the underside of the shingle or on the packaging. You will not be able to tell the impact rating by looking at a shingle.
What is the difference between Class 3 and 4 shingles?
Class 3 shingles can withstand ice balls that are 44 mm or 1.75 inches in diameter. Class 4 shingles can withstand ice balls that are 50.8 mm or 2 inches in diameter.
Who makes a Class 4 shingle?
Owens Corning Roofing offers several shingles with a Class 4 rating: TruDefinition® Duration FLEX®: This SBS modified asphalt shingle provides built-in flexibility for ease of install, absorbs energy during impact from hailstones or debris, and withstands daily stresses for enhanced durability.
Does GAF make a Class 4 shingle?
GAF IR Shingles pass Class 4 (see illustration below)—the highest rating possible. Check with your insurance agent about potential savings on your homeowners insurance.
Are all malarkey shingles Class 4?
UL Hail Class Ratings Our Highlander® NEX®, Vista®, and Legacy™ shingles are Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 impact rated (highest rating possible), respectively, by UL.
How much more expensive are impact resistant shingles?
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles typically are 10 to 20% more expensive than regular asphalt shingles. However, impact-resistant shingles can reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent premature roof replacement, so homeowners can quickly recoup the higher initial costs.
What are Class 4 shingles made of?
What is a Class 4 Shingle? A class 4 shingle is impact resistant and is made with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), making them the best shingles in the market for areas that have adverse weather. SBS is rubberized asphalt – also referred to as modified asphalt formula.
What are the longest lasting roof shingles?
The longest-lasting shingles on the market are laminated shingles with a lifetime warranty and fall into two categories: dimensional shingles, which have a standard architectural shingle pattern) and “luxury” shingles, which do a better job of approximating the appearance of shakes or slate shingles.
How much more expensive are impact resistant shingles?
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles typically are 10 to 20% more expensive than regular asphalt shingles. However, impact-resistant shingles can reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent premature roof replacement, so homeowners can quickly recoup the higher initial costs.
What does a Class 4 shingle mean?
To receive a Class 4 rating, a roofing shingle must withstand having a 2-inch steel ball dropped multiple times from a height of 20 feet. For more perspective, if this same test is repeated on a 4-inch concrete paver, the force of the steel ball would crack the paver in half.
Does GAF make a Class 4 shingle?
GAF IR Shingles pass Class 4 (see illustration below)—the highest rating possible. Check with your insurance agent about potential savings on your homeowners insurance.
Are SBS shingles worth it?
SBS shingles are more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. Depending on the specs of your home, you could end up paying 10-25% more for them. That being said, your return on investment could be worth it with the higher durability, possible insurance discounts and potential energy savings.
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What is Class 4 asphalt?
When it comes to Class 4, or any impact resistant rated asphalt shingles, the installation method for most products is identical. The primary characteristic of Impact Resistant or Class 4 shingles is they are significantly heavier per shingle. The extra work for installation is only having to manage the heavier bundles of shingles.
Is it expensive to install a new roof?
Installing a fresh new roof is nice, but it is also inconvenient and costly. Another consideration is that many insurance companies offer an annual premium discount on homeowners insurance policies for having a certified Class 4 impact rated roof.
Is a Class 4 shingle roof good?
This all begs the answer, a better quality roof will last longer, resist storm damage better, look better, and serve to protect your home better. The added cost of a top quality Class 4 impact rated shingle roof system is a great value when you are replacing the roof on your own home .
Is there anything out of pocket on roofs in Texas?
In Texas particularly people not paying anything out of pocket led to very basic quality materials being utilized on roofs. Many homeowners were told that higher quality options weren’t worth the cost or were never offered the details of the options of higher quality materials.
Is polymer modified asphalt new?
This allows the shingle to create more of a bounce reaction to impacts and is far less vulnerable to cracking. The polymer modified asphalt mixtures are not new, they have been part of research and development in the industry since the 1970’s . The widespread adoption by the majority of manufactures came much later.
What are the disadvantages of Class 4 shingles?
Another disadvantage of class 4 shingles is that they cost one and a half to twice the other shingles’ price. This may be a disadvantage if you live in an area with extreme weather because if they are damaged in adverse conditions, the manufacturer’s warranty will not cover them.
How much does a class 4 roof cost?
The location of your home and manufacturer will also determine what you will spend on your roof. On average, class 4 shingles cost $42 to $50+ per bundle. A bundle is about 33.3 square feet of roofing. Here is a look at the prices of shingles as they vary between different manufacturers.
How long do shingles last?
Unless a tree lands on your roof or a major storm hits your area, most roofs can last between 15 and 50 years. Class 4 shingles are rubberized and last between twenty and thirty years. Most manufacturers offer up to fifty years’ warranty. Rubberized shingles can be painted once in ten years.
What is class 4 asphalt?
A class 4 shingle is impact resistant and is made with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), making them the best shingles in the market for areas that have adverse weather. SBS is rubberized asphalt – also referred to as modified asphalt formula.
What is the highest classification of shingles?
The use of SBS also helps the impact-resistant shingles weather better over time. Hail resistant shingles are heavier than normal ones. Class 4 shingles are the highest classification you can get regarding impact resistance. Their classification comes from the UL 2218 impact resistance test.
What is IKO shingle?
This is a top-class impact protection shingle that comes in nine HD colors. IKO superimposes a thick layer of Polymer Modified Asphalt upon a mat of durable fiberglass. To make their shingles strong, durable, and impact-resistant, IKO installs their reinforcing band, ArmourZone, on each.
How often can you paint rubberized shingles?
Rubberized shingles can be painted once in ten years. An old class 4 roof can be damaged by dropping a 2-1/2 inch stone. Asphalt becomes more brittle and pliable as it ages, and damage or punctures can occur to the system.
How much does it cost to remove shingles?
Removal and tear off fees can be expensive. It costs as much as $55 per square to take down one layer of old shingles, and $84 per square to tear off two layers.
How many bundles of asphalt shingles are there?
Asphalt roof shingles are sold in bundles. There are 3 bundles per square. 1 square of roof area covers about 100 sq.ft. Here is a quick look at the cost per bundle of shingles: Note, the precise number of bundles you need to buy really depends on your roof size, slope ( roof pitch ), and how cut up it is.
How long do asphalt shingles last?
However, most asphalt shingles last about 14-16 years, before needing total replacement. The reality is there is no way to predict how long your roof will last because a few factors impact shingle longevity: 1. Severe temperature fluctuations will greatly shorten the life of your shingles.
How much does a roofing contractor charge per hour?
Typically, material charges constitute about 20-25% of the total, while labor charges take up the other 70-75%. In most states, a roofing contractor charges $60-75 per hour for his work. In some high-income areas the cost of labor can be as high as $80-85 per hour.
Do Malarkey shingles protect asphalt?
For example, there are algae resistant roof shingles, which help protect asphalt roofs from black streaks and other forms of algae damage.
How much more expensive is Class 4 shingle?
When it comes to cost, note that Class 4 impact resistant shingles can cost you 10% to 25% more than normal asphalt shingle. While they cost more, impact resistant Class 4 shingles tend to pay for themselves in the long term because of reduced maintenance costs as well as prevention of premature roof replacement.
What is class 4 shingle?
In terms of durability, class 4 shingles are the most durable and sturdy shingle in the industry. Remember that your shingles are your roof’s first and most important line of defense. A class 4 roof with intact or undamaged shingles is much better protected than other shingles.
What is the most durable class of roofing?
These laboratories rate impact-resistant roof coverings as Class 1, 2, 3, or 4, and Class 4 is the most durable. For roofing shingles to receive this Class 4 rating, it has to go through rigorous testing.
Why are shingles important?
Shingles are the first and important layer of a home's defense and protect you against extreme and inclement weather that can be pose danger to the people you love the things you hold dear. New roofing provides you with the opportunity to slash cooling costs while improving the curb appeal of your home, which is excellent.
Can a Class 4 shingle crack?
Cracking and Water Damage Prevention. Each Class 4 shingle has proven that it can withstand the extreme force of a steel ball of two inches dropped from20 feet without cracking. With a standard shingle, ruptures and cracks will appear from that type of impact. However, with Class 4 impact resistant shingles, there are no tears or splits and hence, ...
Do shingles need to be Class 4?
Only those shingles pass the test that do not show any visible signs of tearing, cracking, fracturing, splitting, rupture, or some other opening of the roof-covering layer. By purchasing roofing products that are Class 4 rated, you will have a low risk of damage after a storm or hail event where debris makes contact with the roof.
Do class 4 shingles increase resale value?
As class 4 shingles have increased damage and water resistance, homeowners who install these shingles not only considerably reduce their roofing maintenance expenses but may also eliminate premature roof replacement altogether. This can add to a home’s value at the time of resale.
Why are Class 4 shingles so popular?
Also, Class 4, impact-resistant shingles further save money because they can improve a home’s resale value and add a discount to the homeowner’s insurance premium.
Can hail damage a roof?
Large pieces of hail and debris can dent and crack a roof during intense storms, leaving the roof susceptible to water leaks, damage, and expensive repairs. Thankfully, Class 4, impact-resistant shingles will not crack, tear, or split under these severe weather situations, protecting the roof and home from water damage and costly repairs.
Does a new roof increase resale value?
The 2019 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors found that a new roof ranked highest for exterior projects that add resale value to a home. Furthermore, impact-resistant shingles can increase resale value because buyers will appreciate Class 4 rated impact-resistant shingles’ low-maintenance and longevity.
Is Class 4 tile good?
Class 4 impact-resistant composite tiles’ integrity and lightweight nature make them a good investment because they save on installation and long-term maintenance and repair costs. Notably, Class 4 impact-resistant tiles offer a lengthy lifespan, add resale value to a home, and lower home insurance rates.
Do impact resistant shingles have a fire rating?
Impact-resistant shingles maintain their integrity against hail and flying debris. Most impact-resistant shingles have a Class A fire rating.
What is Class 4 shingles?
Class 4, impact-resistant shingles may: Eliminate the need for, or reduce the frequency of, roof repairs. With shingles this tough, you can relax a bit more knowing you have given your roof its best chance at holding up against the storms. Less damage means fewer unexpected repair expenses.
What is the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 shingles?
The difference between the ratings is that Class 3 shingles withstand a smaller steel ball dropped from a lower height, and likewise for Class 2.
What is impact resistant shingle?
Impact-resistant shingles are usually engineered in two ways: A reinforcing, polymer-based mesh is added to the back of a standard asphalt shingle. This mesh is embedded into the asphalt and helps holds the shingle together, preventing the shingle from splitting when impacted by a hailstone or other object.
What is SBS in asphalt?
Rubber-like polymers, such as SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), are added to the asphalt composition. The integration of the SBS polymer blend with the asphalt produces a rubberizing effect, creating a shingle that is more flexible and more capable of recovering from hail impact.
How much did State Farm pay for wind damage?
One insurer alone, State Farm, reported paying out more than $2.7 billion in claims related to wind and hail damage in 2018. There are certain parts of the U.S. that are more hail-prone than others. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the five worst states for major hail events in 2018 were:
Do Class 4 shingles have wind resistance?
Class 4 roofing shingles do not necessarily feature a higher wind resistance. Wind ratings are a separate classification. People often talk about Class 4 roofing shingles and wind resistance together because high winds may cause debris to go airborne, impacting roofs and causing damage.
Is Class 4 roofing a premium product?
Benefits of Installing Class 4 Roofing Shingles. Class 4 roofing shingles are considered to be a premium product and, therefore, may cost more than standard, non-impact resistant shingles. However, due to the various benefits of Class 4, impact-resistant shingles, the extra cost upfront may be a worthwhile investment if you live in an area ...
What is a class 4 shingle?
Shingles are rated for their ability to resist hail damage. The class 4 shingle is the one that will be highlighted in this post. Each manufacturer has shingles on the market that have been tested and rated by underwriters’ laboratories using specific units of standards and testing measurements that qualify as hail impact resistant shingles.
What is the highest class of asphalt shingles?
Currently the highest class of asphalt shingles is the class 4 shingle which will carry at least the U.L. 2218 steel ball listing. I’ll share on several test that can be performed in this category for the highest performing impact resistant shingles on the market today. This product is of great interest to insurance companies and homeowners alike. I’m hoping to see greater test and shingle changes in the future to create a class 5 product. Only time will tell. The class 4 shingle is tested with a 2” steel ball that strikes the same area twice. This ball is dropped from a distance of 20’. The class 4 product must show no evidence of punctures, tears, cracks, splits, ruptures on top or bottom. In addition, this product will be observed with 5x magnification to ensure that it has passed the test.
What is the best test for hail impact resistant shingles?
A comprehensive test that many manufacturers do not use, but may be the best test is the UL2218 B-ice hail impact resistant test.
How many times does a steel ball test fail?
The ice balls are propelled to match the same speed as a free falling ice stone of the same size. This test requires that the targeted area on the shingle is impacted 3 times as opposed to the steel ball test of only 2 times. This is a pass or fail test.
Can a roof shingle be struck twice?
The roof shingle must be struck twice at the same target area without damaging the mat. Today all composition shingles are made with a fiberglass mat, therefore the fiberglass mat is inspected for visible damages. At one time shingles were made with organic mats. These products failed continually.
Does a class 4 shingle have impact energy?
As a result, it no longer has the ability to transfer impact energy and the mat is damaged and/or punctures occur to this system. Most insurance companies recognize this and only recognize a class 4 shingle to provide a measure of protection for only a decade or less.
Does insurance cover a class 4 roof?
The insurance company, however, would then cover a class 4 roof replacement as it would be there responsibility to replace what is present on your current roof. This means that you would not have the cost of an upgrade at that point as it would be a onetime investment.
How much does wood shingles cost?
Wood shingles cost more than asphalt shingles and less than clay shingles, at around $350 to $500 per square.
How much does it cost to install shingles?
Shingles are a necessity for covering your roof, plus they’re a strong exterior design statement. On average, most homeowners pay between $8,000 and $9,000 to install new shingles, with low costs in the $5,000s and high costs pushing into the $12,000s and higher.
What is composite shingles?
Composite Shingles. Composite shingles that duplicate the look and texture of plain asphalt shingles are often priced within the range of asphalt shingles. But most buyers of composite shingles are looking for something other than the old look since asphalt cannot be textured or successfully colored.
How much does a composite roof cost?
Some composite shingles are comparably priced with asphalt shingles. But you can expect to pay as much as $400 per square for quality composite shingles.
How many square feet are in a bundle of shingles?
A bundle of roofing shingles averages around 33.3 square feet. So, three bundles comprise one roofing square. You’ll also need to add 10% to 15% to account for waste. Felt or synthetic underlayment is another cost, along with fasteners. Roof Area.
Is it cheaper to replace asphalt shingles?
Three-tab asphalt shingles are inexpensive, durable and easy to obtain. The repair and replacement of asphalt shingles is simple enough because new shingles can be worked into existing shingles.
