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What is Class 4 Impact Resistance?
Many of the characteristics of Class 4 make it a good investment option for today’s homeowners. For example, the integrity of these specific composite tiles resisting the impact of Phase 4 reduces long-term repairs and maintenance costs, extends the duration of the roof, increases the value of home sales, and can reduce insurance rates. In addition, the easy installation of composite tiles that withstand the effects of Class 4 lowers installation costs.
Why would homeowners need class 4 impact-resistant shingles?
If you have been in Norman for a long time, we know you are suffering from the worst weather in Oklahoma. Hail damage, unfortunately, is common in Norman, and communities are still recovering from hail damage many years later. If you have a new home and want to change shingles anyway, using impact-resistant shingles will give you additional benefits.
Severe weather conditions can cause hail and create long-term problems with the roof. Homeowners in hail-prone areas can reduce the risk of impact damage to their homes by installing Class 4 shingles. Insurance companies will only approve a claim lodged after a hurricane, so it is best to determine if your roof is damaged as soon as possible whenever hail strikes a local area. Many insurance companies offer a discount to homes with Class 4 shingles.
The strength and durability of a house depend on the roof. The solid roof represents hail, rain, snow, and debris and protects the building and the interior. Conversely, a worn or damaged roof can quickly lead to serious water problems in all parts of the house and substantial repair bills.
Worryingly, hail and wind damage to the roof caused widespread home insurance claims (41 percent between 2014 and 2018) and caused property damage of $ 13 billion by 2011 and thus, since 2012, the cost of roofing materials and labor has increased dramatically. Last year alone, building materials grew by 1.8 percent, and workers increased by 6.3 percent — a trend is expected to continue and challenge homeowners and insurance companies.
Impact-resistant shingles ensure that the roof will retain its strength and integrity against flying debris, hail, and winds of up to 110 mph. They reach the level of UL 2218 Class 4. Since 1996, UL 2218 has provided a national standard for measuring the impact of roofing materials. The building materials reach a grade between Class 1 to 4 based on their resistance to the impact of steel balls of various sizes, imitating 90 mph hail. The strongest roofing materials are Class 4.
How to measure the Impact of the Roofing?
UL performed its UL 2218 test within a controlled area to measure the impact resistance of roof shingles. The results provide impact-resistant data for testing steep roofing materials such as shingles. During the Class 4 impact test on asphalt shingles, a 2-inch steel ball was lowered from 20 feet above the shingle to mimic the impact of hail. This is done twice in about the same place. The shingle is successful in testing if the back does not show any visible evidence of cracking, cracking, cracking, cracking, or other openings covering the roof covering.
Why is Impact Resistant Shingles a good investment?
The integrity of the impact-resistant tiles and the lightweight environment make it a good investment because it saves on installing and repairing long-term costs. Significantly, tiles resisting the impact of Phase 4 provide longevity, increase home retail value, and lower home insurance rates.
Preventing Cracking and Damage to Water
Large pieces of hail and debris can rot and crack the roof during severe storms, leaving the roof vulnerable to water leaks, damage, and expensive repairs. Thankfully, Class 4 collision-resistant shingles will not crack, tear, or split under these harsh weather conditions, protecting the roof and home from water damage and expensive repairs.
Improved durability and strength of shingles withstanding impact on regular shingles improve roof life. Remarkably, many manufacturers of impact-resistant shingles backed them with limited 50-year warranties. In addition, touch-resistant shingles offer the following features that improve roof life. The less common need for roof repairs due to these shingles’ increased strength and durability will require minor repairs that lead to you having peace of mind when it comes to your roof.
Extend the Longevity of your roofs like shingles built with this level of strength to keep your home protected for a long time, season and season.
Provides Homeowners with long-term cost savings
Shingles are resistant to extreme wind events; therefore, homeowners spend less on roofing than homes with standard shingles.
Some insurance brokers offer discounts for Class 4 homes with impact-resistant shingles.
Impact-resistant shingles reduce repair costs because they do not require regular maintenance or refinement required for slightly resistant shingles.
Rising Sales Value
The 2019 Reconstruction Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors found that the new roof was placed on top of foreign projects that added value to home resale. In addition, impact-resistant shingles can increase resale value because consumers will enjoy Class 4 limited resistance to shingles’ impact on low care and longevity.
Durable and high-quality material
The movement of the lightweight and durable synthetic compound offers the beauty of a Spanish clay tile, natural slate, and a cedar roof, but there are no problems. Synthetic composite joints require minimal adjustment, easy installation, and provide longer life than most conventional roofing products.
Synthetic-composite shakes consist of fiberglass, asphalt, and other durable materials that create an environmentally friendly roofing product with special durability and roof life. The movement of a combination of lightweight and durable materials provides an exciting alternative to natural products such as clay, concrete, slate, and cedar tiles.
Drawbacks of Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
High initial costs
The main disadvantage of shingles is the impact of high costs. Class 4 resistant shingles can withstand the impact of Class 4 premium shingles, which means increased costs. Shingles are usually 10 to 20% more expensive than regular asphalt shingles. But compared to other premium shingles (Architectural shingles), impact-resistant shingles focus more on durability rather than appearance. However, impact-resistant shingles can reduce long-term repair costs and prevent premature roof replacement, so homeowners can quickly recoup high initial costs. Just think of the money you can earn on a solid asphalt shingle roof. In addition, with an asphalt shingle roof, you will save money by having the extra protection. You also have more peace of mind knowing that your roof is better protected, especially if you live in an area prone to hail.
Insurance reductions
Another downside is that if you get a discount from your insurance company, they may add a clause to your policy excluding cosmetic damage. Having more durable and protective roofing as your first line of defense will often be deemed for class 4 shingles insurance discount. However, your overall mileage may be variable, so we would recommend that you thoroughly and closely inspect your policy with this reduction.
Apart from this, your insurance company may deny future hail events and storms.
Warranty
Having a Class 4 roof means shingles on the roof adhere to UL2218 or FM4473 testing. Usually, no warranty is issued from the manufacturer authorizing the product to be damaged by hailstones. Shingles or roofing systems can also be damaged by hail. A few companies offer hailstorms for their product, but you need to read the warranty to understand the coverage.
Conclusion
In many parts of Oklahoma, hail levels are rising. Hail, especially hailstorms, can cause extensive damage to property, including our roof. This is why selecting impact-resistant shingles, also called IR shingles, is more important than ever as choosing the right oklahoma city roofing contractor as well. Asphalt shingles are rated for their impact resistance, and Resistance to Phase 4 impact is the highest level they can achieve. Therefore, choosing asphalt shingles with a Grade 4 rating may be essential to help protect your home from hail. It may also be beneficial from the point of view of your insurance company, as many companies offer discounts to homeowners who choose shingles resistant to the Class 4 impact.
Hail can seriously damage the roof’s integrity and allow water to seep into the house. Leaks can lead to skin, mildew, and other damage that may require expensive repairs to the road. Taking care of your roof will help ensure it stays in good condition for years. Considering shingles on a limited roof, Class 3 or Class 4 can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home during adverse weather events such as hail.
Shingles-resistant Class 4 effects may not be the right choice for everyone; However, additional costs may bring more value to a homeowner in Norman or Edmond, OKC. At the very least, it will reduce the chance of googling “how to fix hail damage.” Remember that any roof system in Oklahoma, whether a typical asphalt shingle roof or Class 4 shingles, requires a roofing contractor to make a suitable roof.
There are many roofing companies in Edmond and roofing repair companies in Norman that can ensure that your new tar roof is adequately installed and our work is guaranteed. As part of providing roofing material, shingles resistant to the impact of phase 4 may be an appropriate option.
However, there is no flawless shingle, and even with pre-existing protective shingles, damage can still occur in extreme weather.
