Roof Replacement
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
Class 4 shingles passed the UL 2218 test, in which a 2-inch steel ball is dropped onto the shingle without cracking it. They resist hail better than standard shingles, and insurers in many hail-prone states offer premium discounts for them, which can offset part of the added cost.
- Same-day inspections when a roofer is available
- All 50 states + D.C.
- Quote before work
Impact-resistant shingles use rubberized (SBS-modified) asphalt or a reinforced mat that flexes instead of fracturing. They look like standard architectural shingles, so they work under most HOA rules.
They make the most sense in hail country, from Texas and Oklahoma north through Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, the Dakotas and Minnesota, and for homeowners replacing a roof after a hail claim. Some states require insurers to offer a discount; ask yours for the exact amount before deciding.
Class 4 shingles at a glance
- Rating
- UL 2218 Class 4
- Test
- 2-inch steel ball dropped without cracking
- Best fit
- Hail-prone Plains, Front Range and Upper Midwest
- Looks like
- Standard architectural shingles
Impact-Resistant (Class 4) Shingles is part of roof replacement. Related: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, tile roofing (clay & concrete).
Signs you need class 4 shingles
- You're replacing a roof after hail
- Your area has had repeated hail claims
- Your insurer offers an impact-resistant discount
- You plan to stay in the home for many years
- You want a stronger wind rating too
How the roofer handles it
- 1
Check the discount
Ask your insurer what documentation it needs, usually the product name and a certificate or invoice.
- 2
Choose the product
Compare Class 4 lines for wind rating, colors and warranty.
- 3
Install
The roof is installed to the manufacturer's specification so the rating and warranty hold.
- 4
Submit paperwork
You send the insurer the installation documentation to apply the discount.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the roofer finds, so the contractor quotes after inspecting. These are the main factors:
- Product line (SBS-modified vs. reinforced mat)
- Roof size and complexity
- Upgrade cost over the shingle your claim pays for
- Annual insurance discount over the roof's life
- Matching hip and ridge caps
Frequently asked questions
Are Class 4 shingles hail-proof?
No. They resist impact much better than standard shingles, but very large hail can still damage them.
How much is the insurance discount?
It varies by state, insurer and policy. Ask your agent for the exact figure before choosing.
Can I upgrade to Class 4 during an insurance claim?
Usually yes, by paying the difference between the approved shingle and the Class 4 product.
Where class 4 shingles matters most
States where hail drive the most demand. The service is available across our network in all 50 states and D.C.
Before and after
Worn, broken shingles replaced with a new shingle roof
Brittle, curling shingles lose their seal and break in the next storm. A full tear-off exposes the decking for repair, and new shingles go down with fresh underlayment and flashing.
Stock example photos, not a job by a contractor in our network.
Related services
Guides
Need class 4 shingles?
Same-day inspections when a roofer is available. One call connects you with an independent roofer who serves your ZIP.