What is a Class 4 shingle?
A Class 4 shingle is a shingle that has passed the highest impact-resistance test in the roofing industry, UL 2218. It is built to hold up to hail, not to be hail-proof.
The UL 2218 test drops a two-inch steel ball from 20 feet onto the roofing. A shingle earns Class 4 only if it does not crack through under that impact. Class 3 and below use smaller balls and lower drops, so Class 4 is the top of the scale.
On our shingle roofs, TAMKO StormFighter FLEX 4 is a Class 4 impact-rated shingle with a 160-mph wind rating, registered under TAMKO MasterShield. TAMKO Titan XT is a Class 3 shingle.
Will an impact-resistant roof lower my insurance in Missouri?
It may. Impact-rated roofs may qualify for an insurance discount with some carriers, but discounts vary by carrier and by policy, and we cannot promise one.
Ask your carrier whether it offers a roof insurance discount for Class 4 roofing before you decide, and what documentation it needs. When you hire us for a Class 4 roof, we send your carrier the roof's certificate, and the Home Passport keeps the products installed and their warranties on record.
We do not give insurance advice or handle claims, and your insurance company decides what discount, if any, applies.
Are Class 4 shingles worth the extra cost?
For many Ozarks homeowners, yes. A roof that resists impact is more likely to stay sealed, which protects the decking, the insulation and the rooms underneath.
Spring thunderheads roll over the Ozarks every year, and hail is part of that pattern. If you plan to stay in your home for years, the added protection, the manufacturer registration and a possible insurance discount are the reasons to choose Class 4. If you plan to sell soon, a Class 3 shingle roof may be all you need.
Shingle roofs average $4 to $6 per square foot installed. After your free estimate we write a detailed fixed price for your roof, with several payment options including monthly payments, so you see the real numbers for your roof before you decide.
Do Class 4 shingles look different from regular shingles?
From the street, a Class 4 shingle looks like a premium shingle roof. The difference is in how it is built, not how it looks.
Impact-rated shingles are built with stronger, more flexible materials so they can absorb a hit without cracking through. You choose from a range of colors, and your project manager shows you samples at your design session so you can see the color on your own home.
If you want a designer look, Brava Cedar Shake and Old World Slate are also Class 4 and carry a 50-year transferable limited warranty.
