Impact-resistant shingles, at a glance
Impact-resistant shingles are asphalt shingles that earned a Class 4 rating under the UL 2218 test, the highest rating that standard gives.
They are built to resist cracking from hail better than standard shingles, though no shingle is hail-proof. If you are planning a new roof, ask us about them at your free estimate. Call (314) 429-6000.
How the Class 4 rating is earned
The rating comes from a lab test, not marketing language.
Under UL 2218, steel balls of increasing size are dropped onto the same spot of a shingle from set heights. Class 4 is the top level and uses a two-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet. To pass, the shingle and the layers under it must show no cracks or tears after the strikes.
Manufacturers reach that result in different ways. Some add a reinforcing fabric layer to the back of the shingle. Others use rubberized asphalt that flexes on impact instead of fracturing. Owens Corning's Duration STORM and Duration FLEX are two Class 4 lines we can install.
What they will and will not do
They resist cracking
Hail that would fracture a standard shingle mat is more likely to leave an impact-rated shingle intact.
They are not hail-proof
Very large hail can still damage any roof, and granules can still be knocked loose.
They look like regular shingles
From the street, Class 4 lines look like standard architectural shingles and come in similar colors.
They may affect your premium
Some insurance carriers offer a discount for Class 4 roofs. Ask your agent before you buy, because policies vary.
Is a Class 4 roof worth it in St. Louis?
That depends on your home and your plans. If your neighborhood has filed hail claims more than once in recent years, if you plan to stay in the house a long time, or if your carrier offers a meaningful discount, the higher upfront price can make sense. If you plan to sell soon or your area rarely sees hail, a standard architectural shingle may be the better value.
We will give you written prices for both so you can compare. The decision is yours, and we will not push the more expensive option.
If you are replacing a roof because of a hail claim, the insurer generally pays to restore the roof to a like kind of quality. Upgrading to a Class 4 shingle is usually the homeowner's cost for the difference in price. We list the upgrade as its own line on the estimate so you can see exactly what it adds before you decide.
Installation matters as much as the shingle
- Full tear-off to the decking so damaged boards can be replaced
- Ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys
- Manufacturer-specified nailing pattern
- Matching hip and ridge caps and starter strips
- Balanced attic ventilation
- Lifetime workmanship warranty from John Beal Roofing
We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, family-run since 1947, BBB A+ rated, and listed in Roofing Contractor Magazine's Top 100. See our St. Louis hail damage page if your roof was already hit.
Questions about impact-resistant shingles
Homeowners comparing shingles in hail country tend to ask these first.
What does Class 4 mean on a shingle?
Will impact-resistant shingles lower my insurance?
Can hail still damage a Class 4 roof?
Do you install Class 4 shingles in St. Louis?
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