Hail storms and hail damage during thunderstorms are becoming more frequent in the United States. These storms are battering roofs around the country, which is good for the roofing industry.
But that doesn’t mean it’s good for the longevity of your roof investment or your insurance company. That’s why shingle manufacturers make impact-resistant shingles that specialize in standing up to hail.
Unfortunately, there’s not much variety compared to traditional architectural or luxury asphalt shingles. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great options out there. For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners find the perfect shingle for their situation, budget, home’s look, and more. That’s why I’ll give you the best impact-resistant shingles on the market.
This article covers the following:
- What are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?
- The 5 best Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
What are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?
A class 4 impact classification is the highest rating available for roofing materials. If a shingle has a Class 4 impact rating, it can withstand hail up to 2” in diameter without sustaining serious damage.
To get the Class 4 rating, must pass a test by either Factory Mutual (FM) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The test has four ratings that classify a shingle's ability to withstand a steel (UL) or ice ball’s (FM) impact when dropped from 20 feet.
Below are the Classifications for both UL and FM impact ratings:
- Class 1 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 1.25” in diameter.
- Class 2 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 1.5” in diameter.
- Class 3 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 1.75” in diameter.
- Class 4 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 2” in diameter.
According to the info above, a shingle has to withstand the impact of a 2” steel or ice ball dropped from 20 feet to qualify for a Class 4 impact rating. While the rating is great, just know that the shingles become less resistant as they age.
The 5 best Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
Now that the quick review of what Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are is done, you’re ready to learn the best options. Below are the 5 best Class 4 impact rated shingles in no particular order, plus their benefits and warranty information.
CertainTeed Belmont IR shingles
CertainTeed Belmont IR shingles are a luxury asphalt shingle that provides a beautiful slate look with enhanced durability. The shingles are made with top-grade asphalt that’s reinforced with a strong fiberglass base mat to perfectly stand up to unforgiving elements.
(Photo courtesy of certainteed.com)
On top of the Class 4 impact rating, they also offer:
- Class A fire resistance
- 110 mph wind resistance, upgradable to 130 mph
- Big boost to your home’s curb appeal
- Insurance discounts (depends on location)
- CertaSeal technology (high-grade adhesive to seal the shingles)
- StreakFighter® (Algae protection)
Belmont IR shingles come with CertainTeed's lifetime-limited warranty on manufacturing defects. However, there are more protections for this luxury Class 4 impact-resistant shingle.
Belmont IR shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100% replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 25-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae
- 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty (130 mph upgrade available with CertainTeed starter and CertainTeed hip and ridge)
Along with perks and warranties, you’ll have 6 color options. However, the availability of specific colors may vary by location.
CertainTeed Presidential IR shingles
CertainTeed Presidential IR shingles are luxury asphalt shingles that give you a cedar shake look with sculpted edges and a staggered design. They are made from two heavyweight laminated layers and an extra-strength fiberglass base sheet to qualify for the Class 4 impact rating.
(Photo courtesy of certainteed.com)
On top of the Class 4 impact rating, they also offer:
- Fiberglass-based construction
- Class A fire resistance
- Insurance discounts (depends on location)
- CertaSeal technology (high-grade adhesive to seal the shingles)
- StreakFighter® (Algae protection)
CertainTeed Presidential IR shingles come with CertainTeed's lifetime-limited warranty on manufacturing defects. However, there are more protections for this Class 4 impact-resistant shingle.
Presidential IR shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100% replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 25-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae
- 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty (130 mph upgrade available with CertainTeed starter and CertainTeed hip and ridge)
Because it’s designed to mimic cedar shakes, you only have 4 color options. But this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re interested in the cedar shake look.
GAF Timberline AS II shingles
GAF Timberline AS II shingles are the Class 4 impact-resistant option in GAF’s Timberline architectural asphalt shingle collection. They are made with GAF’s proprietary SBS-modified asphalt that absorbs the impact of hail.
(Photo courtesy of gaf.com)
On top of the Class 4 impact rating, they also offer:
- Patented LayerLock™ Technology and StrikeZone™
- Advanced Protection Shingle with GAF Dura Grip Adhesive
- Class A fire-resistance rating
- StainGuard Plus™ algae protection
- Insurance discounts (depends on location)
Like CertainTeed, GAF offers a lifetime-limited warranty on Timberline AS II shingles for manufacturing defects. However, there are more protections for this Class 4 impact-resistant shingle.
Timberline AS II shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period (pays a “reasonable” price for replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 10-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty to prevent algae
- 15-year, 130 mph WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty (requires a combination of GAF accessories)
Along with the warranties, you’ll have 7 color options to choose from. Just know that GAF specifies that these shingles are not guaranteed to withstand hail damage.
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Storm shingles
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Storm shingles are the Class 4 impact-resistant option in Owen Corning’s Duration architectural asphalt shingle collection. What sets these shingles apart from the rest of the Duration line is the integrated polymeric backing material of their WeatherGuard® Technology.
(Photo courtesy of owenscorning.com)
On top of the Class 4 impact rating and WeatherGuard® Technology, these shingles also offer:
- Patented SureNail® Technology
- Triple Layer Protection® in the nailing zone
- StreakGuard® Algae Resistance Protection
- Class A fire-resistance rating
- TruDefinition® color platform
- Insurance discounts (depends on location)
Like the others above, Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Storm shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects. But as you guessed, there are more protections for this Class 4 impact-resistant shingle.
TruDefinition Duration Storm shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 10-year TRU PROtection® warranty (covers material and labor costs due to manufacturing defects but excludes tear-off and disposal)
- 25-year StreakGuard® Algae Resistance warranty
- 15-year, 130 mph wind-resistance warranty
You’ll have 7 color options backed by Owens Corning’s TruDefinition® color platform. This color palette is specially formulated with multiple-granule colors and shadowing that enhance your home’s look.
DaVinci shingles
DaVinci shingles are a synthetic Class 4 impact-resistant roofing material made out of an engineered polymer. While the asphalt shingles take inspiration from slate and cedar shake, DaVinci shingles are designed to look exactly like them.
(Left: DaVinci Slate; Right: DaVinci Cedar Shake)
On top of the Class 4 impact rating, they also offer:
- Class A fire rating
- Insurance discounts (depends on location)
- Very high curb appeal
- 100% recyclable
- Doesn’t chip, crack, or break like cedar shake or slate tiles
- Lightweight
Like the other shingles, DaVinci shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty. However, there are more protections for this Class 4 impact-resistant shingle.
DaVinci shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 10-year non-prorated warranty on manufacturing defects
- 10-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty
- 10-year color protection warranty
DaVinci’s synthetic shingles are becoming incredibly popular among homeowners for their durability, curb appeal, and long-term savings. While they last the longest (40-50 years) out of Class 4 rated shingles in this article, they are also much more expensive.
Will homeowners insurance pay for a roof replacement due to hail damage?
There you have it: the 5 best Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. Just know that color availability and even shingle availability varies by area.
No matter what though, all of these shingles will be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. However, their durability is well worth the investment, especially if you live in an area with frequent hail storms.
If you live in one of these areas, check your local codes because some areas require installing Class 4 impact-resistant shingles on homes.
And remember, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles become less resistant as they age. Unfortunately, this means they may experience hail damage further down the road.
So, what happens if they do get damaged? Will your homeowners insurance pay for a replacement from hail damage?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions in the roofing industry. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down what you need to know about hail damage and dealing with insurance.
Check out How Much Hail Damage is Needed to Replace Your Roof to learn if your roof is covered, how to identify hail damage, and if insurance will pay for a full replacement.
