Class 4
What Class 4 means, and who decides the discount
Class 4 is the top rating in UL 2218, a lab test of how a roofing product stands up to a steel ball dropped from a height. It rates the shingle. It says nothing about the roofer.
Some insurers lower the premium on a policy for a roof with Class 4 shingles. Whether they do, and by how much, is each company's decision. We don't quote a figure, because we can't know yours.
What is true
The test: a steel ball, 2 inches across, dropped 20 feet, twice on the same spot
A pass means no cracks in the shingle or its mat
A Class 4 roof can still be bruised by a big enough stone
Many shingle warranties do not cover hail damage; read the terms
Before you choose
Four questions to ask your agent
Your insurer sets the discount, so the person to call is the one who wrote your policy.
Do you discount for impact-resistant roofs?
Some insurers do and some don't. Ask whether the policy you have now is one that does.
What rating papers do you need?
Most ask for the product's UL 2218 Class 4 documentation. We include it with the estimate for the shingle we price.
When does the discount start?
Ask whether it begins at the next renewal or after an inspection of the finished roof.
Does it change my hail deductible?
Policies treat wind and hail separately. Ask what your deductible is for hail, and whether it is a percentage of your home's value.
A Class 4 shingle and a standard shingle, side by side
We price both on the same written estimate so the difference is a number you can see.
Standard
Often unrated, or a lower class
None to ask for
More likely to bruise or crack
Read the terms for hail
Less
Class 4 impact-rated
UL 2218 Class 4
Your insurer's decision; ask your agent
Built to take a hit, can still be bruised
Read the terms for hail
More; itemized on the estimate
Class 4 questions
What are Class 4 shingles, and will they lower my premium?
Class 4 is the top impact rating, UL 2218, a test with a steel ball dropped from a height. Some insurers discount a policy for a Class 4 roof and each company decides whether and by how much. Ask your agent before you choose, and we will give you the product's rating papers to send.
Is a Class 4 roof hail-proof?
No. Class 4 is the top impact rating, but a large enough hailstone can still bruise or dent a Class 4 roof, and the shingle warranty may not cover hail damage.
Do you guarantee my insurer will lower my premium?
No. Your insurer decides whether there is a discount and how much. We give you the rating papers and you ask your agent.
Does a Class 4 shingle look different?
Usually it looks like a standard architectural shingle. Colors depend on the maker, and we bring samples to the visit.
Want both options on one estimate?
Ask for an inspection and we will price a standard shingle and a Class 4 shingle side by side.