Effects Of Aging On A Class 4 Roof
Older class 4 roof systems can sustain damage from 2-1/2 stones. As asphalt ages it becomes less pliable and more brittle. As a result, it no longer has the ability to transfer impact energy and the mat is damaged and/or punctures occur to this system. Most insurance companies recognize this and only recognize a class 4 shingle to provide a measure of protection for only a decade or less. Class 4 shingles are great, but again they are not hail proof and their serviceability diminishes over time. Nevertheless, I highly recommend installing a class 4 asphalt shingle.
Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
As mentioned before, Class 4 shingles offer the highest level of impact resistance. For roofing shingles or any construction material to receive this classification, it is required to go through rigorous testing. This testing is usually done by an independent organization known as the Underwriters Laboratory who worked with the Institute of Business and Home Safety to create the UL 2218 classification that goes hand-in-hand with the Class rating system.
What Class 4 Shingle Is The Best
Class 4 shingles are a roofing alternative made with the most recent and innovative technology in the industry. Homeowners, manufacturers, contractors, and sales representatives like class 4 shingles better than slates, ceramic tiles, cedar shake, asphalt, metal shingles, or membrane roofing because of their modern appeal and aesthetic qualities. The material used to make them is eco-friendly, has superior performance and durability. Class 4 shingles are pest resistant and do not crack, discolor, break, hold moisture, or burst into flames. They have waterproofing abilities and provide insulation.
Here are some of the best class 4 shingles in the market in no particular order:
Recommended Reading: I Have Shingles Do I Have Hiv
What Is An Impact Resistant Roof
Impact-resistant roofs are made with high-quality, extremely durable materials that are more resistant to things like wind and hail. By being made from these materials, a roof is less likely to suffer severe damage during extreme weather.
Installing an impact resistant roof, and other impact resistant construction materials is critical to protecting a home or structure from severe damage.
Roof Toughness : Why You Need Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
How tough does your roof need to be?
First, consider the kind of climate youre dealing with year-round. Is hail ever an issue? Is it windy where you live? Harsh conditions often signal a need for impact resistant shingles.
If extreme weather conditions seem even a remote possibility , go for the tough stuff. You need a roofing shingle that has been lab tested by the roofing manufacturer and is proven to withstand hail and provide reliability in your building envelope. A Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingle will provide these benefits and more, including insurance discounts in some areas.
This is why you need NorthGate.
Recommended Reading: Shingles Topical Treatment Over The Counter
How Long Does A Class 4 Shingle Roof Last
Several factors, such as weather in your area, workmanship, and materials used to make shingles determine the lifespan of your roof. Unless a tree lands on your roof or a major storm hits your area, most roofs can last between 15 and 50 years.
Class 4 shingles are rubberized and last between twenty and thirty years. Most manufacturers offer up to fifty years warranty. Rubberized shingles can be painted once in ten years. An old class 4 roof can be damaged by dropping a 2-1/2 inch stone. Asphalt becomes more brittle and pliable as it ages, and damage or punctures can occur to the system. Insurance companies are well aware of this and recognize that a Class 4 shingle roof only provides protection for a decade or less. Class 4 shingles are the best for hail prone areas but decrease in serviceability over time.
Expert Tip: A roofing shingle that promises higher durability must have a Class 4 impact rating as this is the highest available in the market. With such a rating, you can be sure that the roof is resistant to withstand adverse weather conditions.
What Is The Difference Between Class 3 And Class 4 Shingles
Underwriters Laboratory 2218 tests shingles for their ability to withstand impact. The steel ball test determines the impact resistance class a shingle is placed within.
Class 4 is the highest IR rating available. A shingle is placed in this class when a 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped twice onto the same spot does not damage the shingles.
A class 3 rating is given when damage does not occur when a smaller ball, 1.75 inches, is dropped from a lower height twice onto the shingle.
Class 4 roofing shingles have a higher hail resistance and are ideal in areas that are hailstorm prone or have other adverse weather conditions.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between the four available classes.
Shingle Rating Vs. Performance when hit twice by a 2 steel ball.
Class 1 Impact-resistant when twice hit by a steel ball 1.25 in. diameter lands on the same spot.
Class 2 Impact-resistant, when hit twice by a steel ball 1.50 in. diameter, lands on the same spot.
Class 3 Impact-resistant when twice hit by a steel ball 1.75 in. diameter lands at the same spot.
Class 4 Impact-resistant when twice hit by a steel ball 2.00 in. diameter lands at the same spot.
Read Also: Does Exercise Help With Shingles Nerve Pain
What Are Class 4 Shingles
Class 4 shingles are equipped with impact-resistant features, which allow them to withstand rugged conditions. If you have shingles on your roof, you want them to be as durable as possible because they serve as the first line of defense against rain, debris, strong winds, snow, and other forms of rough weather.
Class 4 refers to a specific category of testing conditions that the shingles are put through in order to ensure their durability against impacts. There are four classifications of impact resistance for shingles: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4. The impact resistance tests are based on the Underwriter Laboratories 2218 standards. According to UL 2218, the shingle must be able to withstand the impact of a two-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 20 feet, two times in the same area.
The shingle is issued a Class 4 impact resistance rating if there are no signs of dents, fracturing, or cracks on the backside.
For comparison, below are the testing requirements for Class 1 to Class 4 roofing shingles:
- Class 1: 1.25-inch steel ball from a height of 12 feet
- Class 2: 1.5-inch steel ball from a height of 14 feet
- Class 3: 1.75-inch steel ball from a height of 17 feet
- Class 4: 2-inch steel ball from a height of 20 feet
Considering that a large hailstone is roughly the size of a quarter, which has a one-inch diameter, a Class 4-rated shingle should be able to avoid hail damage without any major issues.
What Are Ul 2218 Class 4 Shingles
The UL puts construction materials, like roofing shingles, through a rigorous series of tests set to determine how impact resistant they genuinely are. During this test, known as the UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Rating test, steels balls in various sizes are dropped onto the roofing material at 90 mph from 12 to 20 feet high, two times in the same spot.
How the roofing or other construction material holds up under the impact of these steel balls will determine whether they will be classified as UL 2218 Class 4 shingles or a lower class. For a UL Class 4 impact resistant rating to be achieved, the sample roofing material should be able to withstand two hits by a steel ball that is two inches in diameter without cracking or showing signs of stress.
You May Like: What Medication Is Best For Shingles
What Is A Class 4 Shingle
A class 4 shingle is impact resistant and is made with styrene-butadiene-styrene , making them the best shingles in the market for areas that have adverse weather. SBS is rubberized asphalt also referred to as modified asphalt formula. Adding SBS to normal shingles rubberizes them and creates a stronger shingle that can better withstand impact more.
The use of SBS also helps the impact-resistant shingles weather better over time. Hail resistant shingles are heavier than normal ones. Class 4 shingles are the highest classification you can get regarding impact resistance. Their classification comes from the UL 2218 impact resistance test.
The test is performed by dropping a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet onto the shingle to see if it will crack. The class 4 rating is given if the shingle does not crack when the 2 ball is dropped twice onto the same spot from the 20 feet height.
The shingles interior layers, backing, and exterior surfaces must not show any signs of splitting, fractures, tearing, any signs of cracking, or other sign of the integrity of the material being compromised. When properly installed, the shingles have a 130mph wind rating.
A class 4 shingles is made using any material such as metal, asphalt, rubber, etc.
What Is Class 4 Impact Resistance
Note that all roofing products have to go through rigorous testing. Independent and nationally recognized laboratories perform these tests to provide assurance that product performance meets its specifications. These laboratories rate impact-resistant roof coverings as Class 1, 2, 3, or 4, and Class 4 is the most durable.
For roofing shingles to receive this Class 4 rating, it has to go through rigorous testing. Keep in mind that during the Class 4 impact resistance test on shingles, a steel ball with a diameter of two inches is dropped from 20 onto the roof shingle in order to simulate the effect of hail. And this is done two times in the same spot. Also, the process is repeated on six different spots.
Only those shingles pass the test that do not show any visible signs of tearing, cracking, fracturing, splitting, rupture, or some other opening of the roof-covering layer. By purchasing roofing products that are Class 4 rated, you will have a low risk of damage after a storm or hail event where debris makes contact with the roof. With Class 4 metal systems, your roof will likely remain stable and watertight even if there is storm damage.
Don’t Miss: Second Shingles Shot After 6 Months
Owens Corning Class 4 Impact
Owens Corning Roofing offersseveral shingles with a Class 4 rating:
- TruDefinition® Duration FLEX®: This SBS modified asphalt shingle provides built-in flexibility for ease of install, absorbs energy during impact from hailstones or debris, and withstands daily stresses for enhanced durability. Duration FLEX features our industry-leading SureNail® Technology.
- TruDefinition® Duration STORM®: Backed with a polymer-based mesh, these shingles are designed to perform better against the storms and resist cracking upon impact.
- TruDefinition® WeatherGuard® HP: Also backed with a polymer-based mesh, these shingles are designed for the hail regions where homeowners want the extra protection without sacrificing beauty.
Both TruDefinition® Duration FLEX® and TruDefinition® Duration STORM® feature our patented SureNail® Technology.
Browse our roofing shingles to find which Owens Corning® Class 4, impact-resistant roofing shingles are available in your area.
Clay Tile And Slate Tiles
Clay tiles and slate tiles also can be manufactured for greater durability impact resistance. Standard 1/4-inch thick slate roofing typically meets the class 3 impact resistant standard and can survive impact from a 1-¾-inch ice ball fired from a cannon at 69 miles per hour with no visible signs of damage. Thicker -inch slates, meanwhile, typically meet the class 4 impact resistance rating, since they can survive impact from a 2-inch ice ball fired at 76 mph.
Additionally, both clay and slate roofs have long lifespans lasting 100 years or more when well-maintained which makes this investment well worth it.
You May Like: When To Get Shingles Vaccine
Example Home On Willow Street
- $15,000 roofing project.
- For this particular house, the cost to upgrade to Class 4 is right around 10%, or $1,500.
- The homeowner has a typical wind/hail deductible of $2,000.
Over the life of the roof in our Willow Street example, if the homeowner is saved from having to file even one claim, then the upgrade has paid for itself. Additionally, in the event where there are no claims, an added 10-20 years of longevity to the roof could be worth thousands per year in benefit by deferring the cost of a roof replacement. Even if you arent in a forever home, the added value when selling the home and peace of mind about roof damage when living in the home may still be compelling reasons to look at upgrading to a Class 4 roof.
Timberline As Ii Shingles From Gaf
GAF mixes the original timberline shingles with SBS to get their class 4 IR shingles. They endure winds up to 130mph, which gives them a Class F wind rating. Timberline AS II shingles from GAF are made with Advanced Protection Shingle Technology, which reduces natural resource consumption without lowering the protection they offer. They have StainGuard Protection, which protects against blue-green algae discoloration, and a warranty good for the initial ten years.
Don’t Miss: How Many Shingles Vaccine Do You Get
Why You Should Consider Class 4 Roofs
If you have lived in calgary for an extended period, you know that we suffer from some of the most extreme weather in Canada. Hail damage, unfortunately, is a regular occurrence in calgary, with communities still recovering from hail damage years later.
For a more in-depth look, severe weather occurrences in Calgary, look at Calgary Disaster Risk Explorer.
If you have a new home and are looking to replace shingles anyways, using impact-resistant shingles will offer some additional benefits.
Storm Resistance & General Durability
Impact-resistant shingles are remarkably tougher than your garden-variety asphalt products. If you install one of these enhanced roofing systems, you can expect little to no damage during moderate hail storms or windstorms. That also means a reduced likelihood of rooftop leaks, a costly water damage source for businesses around the country.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it in terms of raw strength and protection? Absolutely. The peace of mind and added defense for your building are certainly worth the premium.
Also Check: Can You Use Dermoplast On Shingles
Costs Of Upgrading To A Class 4 Shingle
Why doesnt everyone upgrade to Class 4? Material cost. While the labor costs to install are the same, the materials price of the shingles themselves is higher for Class 4 rated, impact-resistant products. Additionally, if you are replacing your roof as part of an insurance claim, the upgrade will be an out-of-pocket expense to the homeowner .
Does it make sense to upgrade my roof to a Class 4 shingle if my current roof is in good shape? In most cases, no. Shingles are a just one part of a new roofing system, which is a major construction project. Most people choose to upgrade to a higher-quality shingle during new home construction, or when they have roof damage or an old roof that warrants replacement.
What percentage of a roof installation cost is shingles? About 35%. Looking at our actual job cost sheets for single-family residential roof replacements, roughly 70% of total costs are materials , and 30% is labor.
So should I invest in a Class 4 impact-resistant shingle on my home? Were back to the original question. If you consider your home to be a long-term investment, yes, we think so. Lets look at an example home under consideration:
Should I Invest In A Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingle On My Home
There are many important things to consider when replacing your roof. What type of products should I choose? What color or design to choose? Is it really worth it to upgrade my roof? One of the most common upgrades that homeowners consider when replacing their asphalt shingle roof is installing Class 4 rated shingles.
Hail damage on a roof can crack or displace shingles, cause granule loss, or break the shingle seal, which lead to water leaks inside your home. As the impact-resistant name suggests, the primary purpose of a Class 4 rated shingle is its resistance to hail damage . However, the additional thickness and durability of a Class 4 shingle also increases the longevity of the roof, add resistance to falling or scraping tree branches, and help protect from flying debris .
Also Check: How Do You Measure For Shingles
Apple Roofing Partners With Nmc Exteriors
If youve ever had roof damage due to large hail or debris pummeling your roof, then you know the pain of having to get your shingles repaired as soon as possible.
What if we told you there was a shingle that could mitigate, if not eliminate, the risk of damage from hail impact? Its true.
Impact-resistant shingles are an excellent investment for homeowners who want more protection against hail and strong winds.
The primary benefit of impact-resistant shingles is that they can reduce the chances of damage from hail and debris. And while this may not seem like such a big deal if youve never faced such damage, when you do the math on just how much money an impact-resistant roof could save in repairs over its lifetime, youll quickly see why so many people want them.
The Lifespan Of Impact
Severe weather events produce hail and cause long-term damage to a roof. Installing Class 4 shingles in hail-prone areas can reduce the risk of impact damage to a home. In fact, insurers will only approve a claim filed after a storm. If hail falls in your area, it is best to determine if your roof has been damaged as soon as possible. Some insurance companies will give homeowners a discount if they have Class 4 shingle roofs.
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles can last for close to 30 to 50 years. However, the amount of time asphalt shingles last in your home will depend on the weather in your area. According to UL, the 2218 test does not evaluate the effect of weathering, temperature, aging or similar effects on the impact resistance of prepared roof covering materials. These and other factors, including time, roof slope, roof system configuration and application influence the performance of roofing materials in the field.
Recommended Reading: What Can I Do For Shingles