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What Is A Class 4 Roof Shingle

Find A Roofing Contractor Near You

Hail Proof Roofing Shingles? Class 4 Hail Rating Explained

Once youve chosen the perfect shingle for your home, its time to find a trusted roofing contractor to do the job. Find independent roofing contractors in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network in your area to request a quote.

Owens Corning® roofing shingles linked to in this post may only be available regionally. Please visit our Roofing Shingles page and ensure your zip code is correct to discover Owens Corning® roofing shingles available in your area.

What Are The Differences You Might Ask

Duration Storm is your fairly average class four impact resistant shingle with the exception of the SureNail technology. The sure nail strip is a mechanically fastened fabric strip across the average nailing area, the entire way across a shingle. This acts as a reinforcement for the nails, which provide more support to hold against pulling which is especially helpful in high speed windstorms. Owens corning claims that the SureNail technology provides a 42% better nail-pull resistance than your typical shingle. Duration Storm comes in seven different color options with again, a wonderful looking color scheme with contrast and beautiful shadow lines. Installed properly with the correct amount of nails, these shingles are rated at a 130mph wind rating.

Duration Flex, similar to the GAF Armorshield II incorporates the SBS mentioned earlier in this blog! Not only do these shingles have more durability than the duration storm but they also have more flexibility with that SBS integration. As the duration storm shingles, these also come in a variety of seven different colors. Owens Corning also offers an impact resistant/ SBS ridge cap to integrate into your Duration Flex roofing system.

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What Are Impact Resistant Shingles

Impact-resistant shingles are designed to be more resistant to damage caused by hail. While each shingle manufacturer creates a product that is a little different, these shingles are typically made with polymer-modified asphalt. This is asphalt with a polymer added into it for increased performance. Many impact-resistant shingles are made with asphalt modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene or SBS. This is a synthetic rubber-based polymer than makes asphalt more flexible to better handle direct impact, even in the cold.

After a significant hailstorm near Dallas, TX in 1992, researching firms working for the insurance industry found that roofing products made with polymer-modified asphalt had performed better in the storm, resisting more damage. Manufacturers then began to incorporate SBS modified asphalt and asphalt modified with other polymers into their products to offer homeowners better hail protection.

Also, manufacturers also typically add a thicker polymer-based mesh to the shingle. Both sides of this mesh are covered with the polymer modified asphalt. The backing helps hold the shingle together when it suffers impact, preventing cracking and splitting. Overall, polymer-modified asphalt is a more robust and more flexible material.

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Mastering Roof Inspections: Asphalt Composition Shingles Part 44

The purpose of the series Mastering Roof Inspections is to teach home inspectors, as well as insurance and roofing professionals, how to recognize proper and improper conditions while inspecting steep-slope, residential roofs. This series covers roof framing, roofing materials, the attic, and the conditions that affect the roofing materials and components, including wind and hail.

HAIL DAMAGE, Part 1

Hail is one of the most common forms of environmental damage to roofing materials. Hail damage is so widespread that in the U.S. alone, it costs close to $1 billion each year in insurance claims. In developing the articles on wind and hail damage in this series on mastering roof inspections, we’ve consulted with major insurance companies for their expertise.

If inspectors from the insurance, roofing and home inspection industries use the same criteria in identifying damage, then we stand a good chance of reducing disagreement among the experts, as well as confusion on the part of homeowners.

Impact Resistance

Underwriters Laboratories have developed standards and provide testing for asphalt shingles’ resistance to impact. Shingles are rated Class 1 through 4, with Class 4 shingles having the highest resistance.

You will not be able to determine the impact rating of shingles by looking at them, although the impact rating is usually marked on the cellophane on the underside of the shingle.

Resistance may be provided in several ways.

Characteristics of Damage

What Is A Class 4 Roof Metal Roofing Explained

Have a shingle roof but want a slate look without having to pay slate ...

A great number of materials is available for installing a roof on a new home or completely refurbishing an existing roof. Regardless of the current roof style on your home, metal roofing can be an appealing alternative due to its longevity, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. The best classification of roofing you can get is Class 4, but not everyone knows exactly what that means. If you need metal roofing explained, keep reading to find out exactly what a Class 4 roof is.

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Class 4 Rated Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles

Class 4 Shingles are the highest official designation for impact-resistant shingles. While it is the best rated, it may not survive a real nasty hailstorm. But it is still the best asphalt shingle that can be purchased and installed at a reasonable price.

Owens Corning Duration Storm Shingle is a class 4-rated shingle. It looks fantastic and comes in a bunch of options for color. We install a lot of this product. You cant go wrong with it for sure.

We have written about this shingle as well and you can read more about Class 4 Shingles here

Replace Damaged Shingles With An Impact Resistant Roofing Material

If you think youve sustained hail damage on your roof, read our tips for what to do first, then contact the expert team at First American Roofing to start your replacement with class 4 impact-resistant shingles. Our team of roofers and customer service experts is experienced in everything from the actual restoration work down to assisting with insurance claims.

We can come to your property to assess the damage to your roofing shingles and give you a quote for what repairs could cost you or work alongside your insurance adjuster to get the best-appraised value of repairs.

Please fill out our estimate form here to get started!

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Class Iv Roofing Materials

Although, there are many styles and manufactures of Class IV asphalt shingles you are not only limited to those options. Most metal roofing materials are giving a Class IV rating also and that is the case for tile, clay, slate and some synthetic roofing materials. With so many material options and designs, a Class IV roofing system is a viable option for almost any home.

Why Are Impact Resistant Shingles A Good Investment

Should You Pay More For Class 4 Rated Shingles?

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.

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Whats The Cost Of A Hail Deductible

The cost of either a hurricane or hail/wind deductible is based upon a percentage of the properties insured value. Deductibles will range from 1% to 5% of the insured value.

These deductibles can add up quickly and having a metal roof decreases the chances that you will be out of pocket to pay for a portion of the roofs replacement cost.

If youre home has an insured value of $400,000 than your portion of the deductible would be a minimum of $4,000 and up to $20,000

An impact resistant, Class 4 rated metal roof will save you money if it prevents hail damage from occurring in the first place. It can also prevent or decrease the amount of damage caused by a hurricane.

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Types Of Roofing Shingles

In addition to maintaining the integrity of your roofs structure and helping to keep out water, roofing shingles also add a tremendous amount of curb appeal and value to your home. The type of roofing shingles you choose can also affect your roofs durability against wind, rain, hail, and other weather events.

Learn more about the different types and styles of roofing shingles.

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The Best Class 4 Impact Resistant Material

Lightweight and durable synthetic-composite shakes offer the beauty of Spanish clay tile, natural slate, and cedar shake roofing, but none of the problems. Synthetic-composite shakes require less maintenance, allow for easier installation, and provide a longer lifespan than most traditional roofing products.

The Downside Of Class 4 Shingles

Atlas class 4 StormMaster Roofing shingles in SADDLERIDGE  ALLEN ...

Manufacturer warranties do not cover hail damage for class 4 shingles. No shingles are impact-proof, and that includes class 4 shingles. They will still wear under extreme hail weather conditions. 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 manufacturers warranty will not cover them.

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Are Impact Resistant Shingles Worth It

Class 3 and Class 4 impact rated shingles each cost incrementally more than standard laminate shingles, but they confer incrementally greater insurance savings.

On average, after five years, youll recoup the upfront cost of impact resistant shingles through your insurance company premium discount. Though the decision is entirely up to you, at All Elements, we think this is a great way to reduce the number of insurance claims as a wholeand to reduce annual insurance premiums.

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 where hail and wind storms frequently occur.

Class 4, impact-resistantshingles 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.
  • Extend the lifespan of your roof. Your shingles are your roofs first line of defense. A roof with intact, undamaged shingles is better protected season after season.
  • Save you money on homeowners insurance and premiums. Many companies offer discounts for homeowners whose roofs are covered in Class 4-rated shingles. Contact your insurance provider to learn more.
  • Prevent your insurance premiums and deductibles from increasing at renewal time. Due to increasing costs of covering hail prone homes, some insurance providers are passing those costs onto homeowners. Having Class 4, impact-resistant shingles installed may help you keep your existing rates and avoid future rate hikes. Contact your insurance provider to learn more.

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Why Class 4 Impact

While homeowners must pay slightly more for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles than less-impact-resistant roofing products, the long-term savings quickly made up for the initial costs. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles stand up to damaging hail, debris, and more, saving homeowners thousands of dollars on long-term maintenance and repairs. Moreover, Class 4 impact-resistant tiles offer a long lifespan, lower insurance rate, and improved resale value.Get Inspired – to Order Your Complimentary Lookbook.

What Exactly Is Ul 2218

Class 4 Roofing Shingles: Worth it or not for Roofers and Home Owners?

Lets talk more about how roofing materials are given the UL 2218 classification. Underwriters Laboratories developed a standardized test to rate the durability of a roofing material and its ability to withstand hail events. This test, in its most basic explanation, consists of a steel ball being dropped from high up on to the surface of the material twice on the same spot. The material must not show signs of breakage, cracks or excessive granule loss . Ultimately, this test is designed to assure that a roofing system with a UL 2218 classification will withstand major hail events with much less potential to fail and cause interior or structural damage than standard roofing materials.

Standard 30-year shingle

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What Is An Impact

If you’re ready for a new roof, now’s a great time to upgrade to sturdier materials to create an impact-resistant roof that may save you time, money and hassle down the road.

Just how durable is your roof? That depends on the type of roofing products used in its construction. One type of roofing product impact-resistant shingles, which are sometimes also called hail-resistant shingles can give you a stronger, safer, more durable roof and reduce your risk of hail, wind and interior water damage from a storm, especially if you live in an area where hail and wind put roofs to the test. You might even qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance premiums when you upgrade.

How Much Do Class 4 Shingles Cost

The average cost of Class 4 shingles is between $4,000 and $6,500 depending on the specific brand and the size of your home. This cost projection includes both materials and labor by a roofing company. Class 4 shingles cost up to 25 percent more than regular asphalt shingles. Most Class 4 shingles come with a 50-year warranty, while regular shingles usually have a 30-year warranty. This means that the higher-class shingles have a longer lifespan.

Insurance companies don’t usually cover upgrades to Class 4 shingles. However, you may be eligible for discounts on premiums in the future if you do decide to upgrade your shingles. Availability for this type of insurance discount depends on your insurance provider.

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What Is A Class Iv Roof Insurance Discount In 2021

You may have heard of Class IV roofing or maybe the term high-impact or even impact-resistant. These are all terms used for roofing systems that have exceeded the standards of the test, UL 2218, that is performed by Underwriters Laboratories. Class IV roofing systems include many different types of roofing materials, not just asphalt shingles such as tile, metal or synthetic roofing. But what is most important for homeowners to know about a Class IV roofing system, is that it can save you BIG money on your homeowners insurance premium with a Class IV roof discount.

Why Is The Class Important

5 Reasons Why Synthetic Shingles Win Over Asphalt

Resistance to impact is crucial, since its a measure of hail and debris resistance. In general, manufacturers cannot describe their products as hail proof, but products rated as Class 4 have met the highest level of resistance that UL has found appropriate. Purchasing Class 4rated materials means your roof will have a lower risk of damage during a hailstorm or severe windstorm, where debris might collide with the roof. Furthermore, when a roof fails, the cost of rebuilding it isnt the only cost youll faceif the hail or debris causes a leak, extra damage is likely to happen inside the building. Your roof is considerably more likely to stay watertight even after weather damage with Class 4rated metal systems.

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The Most Durable Shingle In The Industry

Our NorthGate asphalt shingle is SBS-modified. An SBS-modified shingle is manufactured with special polymers that give it rubberized characteristics. The benefits of NorthGates SBS-modified formula include a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating , superior weatherability and improved granule adhesion, which make this, arguably, the most durable shingle in the industry. If you live in an area thats prone to hail, this is the shingle you need.

Class 3 Vs Class 4 Shingles

As mentioned earlier, the impact resistance of shingles refers to their ability to endure damage and impact caused by storms and hail. The steel ball test is used to measure this resistance. Based on the test results, its easy to set Class 4 shingles apart from Class 3 shingles .

In particular, shingles earn a Class 3 impact-resistance rating if they dont crack when the ball hits them twice in the same place. On the other hand, a Class 4 impact-resistance rating only goes to shingles that dont get damaged at all in the process.

If you get a Class 4 impact-resistant material, your home will receive the best protection. Nevertheless, during extreme weather conditions such as large, wind-driven hail, theres still some possibility of damage.

The shingles will protect your roof during average hail storms, but if its an especially bad one, theres still some risk of damage.

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Class 4 Shingles: The Making Of A Durable And Impact Resistant Roof

Your roof is supposed to protect your home from the elements, so it must be built to withstand even the most severe storms. High winds, rain, blowing debris, and hail storms can significantly affect the structural integrity of your roof and roofing shingles if the damage they cause isnt dealt with quickly.

To keep their homes protected from hail and other storms, many homeowners choose to work with a local roofing company to install durable roofing materials like:

  • Asphalt shingles

Although there are many great roofing materials to select from, asphalt shingles have remained number one across the country for decades and for tons of great reasons. Many roofing experts believe that the most durable roofing systems are made using impact-resistant, class 4 shingles.

So, are these high-performance shingles actually worth installing on your home? Lets dive into the world of impact-resistant shingle systems to find out if they are the right fit for your new roof!

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