For an Oklahoma resident, there is no greater priority than shielding your home from the likes of high winds, severe storms, and hail. You will see a lot of homeowners opt for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles in their roof replacements for just that reason. These are not your typical asphalt shingles; they are an advanced product built to take a hit without breaking, giving you more robust protection and less worry.
It does not matter if you are putting in a new roof to put storm damage behind you or are simply after something with more staying power. Knowing what Class 4 impact-resistant shingles have to offer will put you in a better position to decide. We have put together this guide to walk you through the ins and outs of it all, from the cost of installation to potential insurance savings and the various products on the market.
What Are Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles?
In short, they are shingles that have met the UL 2218 standard for the highest possible impact resistance rating. The test is straightforward: steel balls are dropped from set heights onto roofing samples to simulate hail. A shingle has to endure those repeated blows without so much as a crack or split to be deemed Class 4. It is a way of separating materials that can withstand bad weather from those that cannot. In places like Oklahoma where hail is common, you will find them to be a favorite among roofers and owners alike.
How Class 4 Shingles Are Tested
If you want to know why these are regarded as premium, look at the testing. Under the UL 2218 protocol, roofing products are pummeled by steel balls of different sizes from predetermined heights. There are four tiers to the classification system:
- Class 1 offers the least resistance
- Class 2 is moderate
- Class 3 is higher
- Class 4 is the highest rating available
To get that Class 4 designation, the material has to show no signs of cracking. Of course, nothing is entirely hail-proof, but you are getting far superior cover compared to the standard fare.
Benefits of Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
There are a number of good reasons to make the investment.
Superior Hail Protection
In Oklahoma, hail is the number one culprit when it comes to roof replacement claims. Class 4 shingles are made to disperse that kind of energy so the storm does as little harm as possible.
Longer Roof Life
Traditional roofs do not hold up well to the constant battering of the elements. With Class 4’s resistance to damage, you are likely to see a longer life out of your roofing system.
Reduced Maintenance
A few missing shingles or a small leak from a minor storm can be expensive to fix. A sturdier roof means fewer headaches and lower costs down the road.
Improved Home Protection
When a roof is compromised, water can get in and ruin your drywall, insulation, and everything else in its path. This level of impact resistance is about protecting the whole house.
Increased Property Value
Homebuyers notice the difference. Having a durable, impact-resistant roof is a selling point that can add value when you put your home on the market.
Class 4 Shingles vs Standard Asphalt Shingles
Is there really a distinction between a Class 4 and an ordinary architectural shingle? There is. While standard asphalt is fine u