Class IV Shingles, Worth It?

RIZE Roofing's Answer:
Yes! Colorado is one of the most hailed on states in the entire U.S.   Most people are getting a new roof every 5-8 years!  That is a lot of insurance deductibles to pay or a lot of money towards repairs to keep your roof in working condition.  Paying a litle more upfront for an impact resistant shingle can and most likely will save you thousands over the years.  We work with all manufacturers and always recommend homeowners make a slight upgrade !
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What are Impact Resistant Shingles?
​Shingles that are “impact resistant” are considered a class 4 product, and are designed to withstand high winds and   hail damage.     These shingles may be made of asphalt, metal, slate, copper, aluminum, resin and plastic.

Shingles with the Class 4 rating have an impact resistance rating of UL 2218. The UL 2218 is the roofing industry standard for testing shingles against hail impact. There are four testing classes that use four different steel ball sizes that range from 1 1/4” to 2”. These steel balls are dropped at heights between 12 and 20 feet to mimic the impact of hail falling at high speeds. The UL 2218 is currently the highest impact resistance rating. Aside from hail impact, these shingles can also withstand high winds up to 110mph.

Are Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles Worth the Cost?
Generally, yes. But it really depends on where you live. Thousands of homeowners lose their roofs to wind and hail damage each year, but some areas are more affected by damaging storms than others. Homes in areas that experience stronger, damaging storms will benefit greatly from impact resistant shingles because they offer long-term roof protection.

Impact resistant shingles  do  cost more initially, but they pay for themselves in the long run. Typically, these shingles cost 5-15% more than their non-impact counterparts. That being said, they reduce a homeowner’s maintenance costs and may even prevent premature roof replacement.Many insurers also offer discounts to homeowners with a Class 4 roof. This discount can also help offset the higher costs of these shingles.    ​

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