There are now countless types, styles, and grades of roofing shingles homeowners can choose for their homes, including premium products that offer increased protection and durability.

Class IV impact resistant roof shingles are one such premium type recommended for regions that see hail from time to time, as they are designed to withstand those impacts better than roofing with lower impact resistance ratings.

The cost to have shingle roofers install Class IV shingles is higher than that of standard quality shingle options, so is the extra expense worth it?

What Is Class IV Impact Resistant Shingle Roofing?

A Class IV impact resistant shingle roof is one made from materials that have been impact-tested and found to meet or exceed the qualifications for UL 2218 class 4 classification.

Impact testing, performed by dropping a 2” steel ball on the materials from height, rates roofing materials from 1 to 4 according to their durability.

UL 2218 Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance rating that any shingle roofing material can be assigned.

Today, there are many shingle products designed to meet this degree of impact resistance, making them an ideal choice for homes in regions where storms accompanied by hail are common.

What Are The Benefits Of An Impact Resistant Roof?

Primarily, the biggest benefit gained by hiring shingle roofers to install a Class IV impact resistant roof is protection against hail, which is highly destructive to roofing material.

Large hail can cause extensive damage by cracking and denting roofing, while even smaller hail can shorten the lifespan of non-resistant materials by gradually deteriorating their surfaces, making them more susceptible to moisture, UV damage, and more.

Impact resistant shingle roofing can offer other benefits as well, including greater wind resistance, greater overall durability against all weather, and a longer lifespan.

Since Class IV shingles are designed to be stronger and more durable, some products last decades longer than common standard quality options.

What Types of Class IV Roofing Are Available?

The class IV shingles installed by shingle roofers are premium quality composite style asphalt shingles that are thicker and sturdier than other grades and types of shingles.

They are made from asphalt reinforced with a fiberglass mat, a design that provides a higher degree of impact and wind resistance.

Composite Class IV shingles are available in various shapes, styles, and colors, including those that look like natural slate, cedar shakes, and even Spanish as well as barrel-style tiles.

Is Class IV Roofing Worth The Extra Cost?

Impact resistant Class IV roofs do cost 10-25% more than standard quality shingles, but for roofs in regions where hail or high winds are a risk, they can be well worth the cost.

The added protection reduces the need for maintenance and repairs, homeowners insurance sometimes offers a premium discount for Class IV shingles, and they can increase home value as well.

They are also lighter than natural slate and ceramic tile options, making it more possible to choose those aesthetics for any home.

Although this premium shingle roofing is not guaranteed by manufacturers to never become hail damaged since hail can come in surprisingly large sizes, it is durable against most hail that any roof might be affected by.

Discuss Impact Resistant Roofing With An Experienced Shingle Roofer

Hail can be particularly damaging to the roof of any home.

In areas where hail storms are common, choosing impact resistant Class IV composite shingle roofing is every homeowner’s best option for long-lasting protection.

When properly installed by an experienced shingle roofer, Class IV premium shingles are a worthwhile investment in home protection and a beautiful roof that will resist hail, wind, and much more for decades to come!