For many Iowa homeowners, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are worth considering because they provide a higher level of tested impact resistance against severe weather. Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance rating available under the UL 2218 testing standard for asphalt shingles, but that does not mean a Class 4 roof is hail-proof.
For homeowners in Indianola and throughout Central Iowa, the decision comes down to more than the rating itself. The roofing system, exposure to severe weather, potential insurance benefits and specific shingle product should all be considered. All American Exteriors helps Iowa homeowners compare roofing options based on their home, budget and long-term protection needs.
What Are Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles?
Class 4 shingles are asphalt shingles that have earned the highest rating under the UL 2218 impact-resistance test. The test evaluates how roofing materials withstand controlled impacts and assigns qualifying products an impact-resistance rating.
Class 4 is the highest rating in the UL 2218 system. During Class 4 testing, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped onto the roofing material from a specified height. The material is then evaluated for cracking, tearing or other damage.
The rating does not guarantee that hail will never damage the roof. Instead, it shows that the roofing product passed a higher level of standardized impact testing than shingles with lower impact-resistance ratings.
Are Class 4 Shingles Hail-Proof?
Class 4 shingles are impact-resistant, not hail-proof. Severe hail can still damage roofing materials depending on hail size, wind speed, angle of impact, roof condition and other factors.
The advantage of a Class 4 shingle is its tested resistance to impact. For Iowa homeowners who regularly deal with thunderstorms, hail and high winds, greater impact resistance may provide an additional level of protection compared with roofing products that have a lower impact rating.
If a hailstorm has already passed through your area, impact-resistant roofing does not eliminate the need to check for damage. Learn more about what to look for in our hail damage roof guide.
Are Class 4 Shingles Worth It in Iowa?
Class 4 shingles can be worth considering for Iowa homeowners who want greater impact resistance, particularly when a roof already needs to be replaced. Whether the upgrade makes sense depends on the specific product, installation cost, insurance policy and needs of the home.
Reasons an Iowa homeowner may consider Class 4 shingles include:
- Greater tested resistance to impact
- Additional protection in hail-prone weather
- Potential homeowners insurance discounts with qualifying products
- A durable option when already replacing an existing roof
- More roofing choices designed around severe-weather performance
Class 4 shingles may cost more than standard roofing options, so the upgrade should still make financial sense for the homeowner. Comparing products, warranty coverage and potential insurance savings can help determine whether the additional impact resistance is worth the cost.
Can Class 4 Shingles Lower Homeowners Insurance in Iowa?
Some Iowa homeowners may qualify for an insurance discount after installing an eligible impact-resistant roofing product, but a discount is not guaranteed. Eligibility depends on the insurance carrier, policy and roofing product.
Before selecting a roofing system based on potential insurance savings, ask your insurance provider:
- Do you offer a discount for qualifying Class 4 roofing?
- Which impact-resistant roofing products qualify?
- What documentation is required?
- How much would the discount be for my policy?
- Does my policy include a cosmetic damage exclusion?
Insurance discounts and coverage vary by policy. Your insurance provider should confirm whether a specific roofing product qualifies before you make a purchase based on potential savings.
Do GAF and Atlas Make Class 4 Shingles?
GAF and Atlas Roofing both manufacture asphalt shingles that have earned UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance ratings.
GAF offers multiple Class 4 roofing products. Atlas Roofing also offers Class 4 options, including Pinnacle® Impact and StormMaster® Shake. Product availability, features and warranty terms vary, so homeowners should compare the specific roofing system rather than choosing based only on a manufacturer name.
All American Exteriors works with roofing products from GAF and Atlas Roofing. Learn more about the American products used by All American Exteriors and the manufacturers behind our roofing systems.
Class 4 Shingles vs. Standard Shingles
The biggest difference between Class 4 and standard asphalt shingles is verified impact resistance. A standard asphalt shingle may still provide dependable protection, but a Class 4 product has passed the highest level of the UL 2218 impact-resistance test.
Impact rating is only one part of choosing a roofing system. Homeowners should also consider:
- Roofing material and product quality
- Proper installation
- Roof ventilation
- Underlayment and flashing
- Manufacturer warranty coverage
- Workmanship warranty coverage
- The home’s exposure to severe weather
The best roofing option depends on the property and the homeowner’s priorities. A professional inspection can help determine the condition of the existing roof before comparing replacement options.
Why Homeowners Choose All American Exteriors
- More than 30 years of experience serving Iowa homeowners
- Free roof inspections and estimates
- Experienced in-house crews
- American-made roofing products
- Roofing products from GAF and Atlas Roofing
- Roof repair and replacement services
- Storm damage and insurance claim assistance
- Long-term roofing warranty options
All American Exteriors helps homeowners understand their roofing options before making a major investment. Our team can inspect the current roof, explain available materials and help homeowners compare options based on the needs of their property.
Compare Roofing Options in Indianola, Iowa
If your roof needs replacement and you are considering impact-resistant shingles, start with an inspection of your existing roofing system. All American Exteriors can help you understand its condition and compare available roofing options for your Central Iowa home.
Schedule a roof inspection or request a free estimate from All American Exteriors to learn more about your roofing options.
Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth it in Iowa?
For many Iowa homeowners, Class 4 shingles are worth considering because they provide the highest impact-resistance rating under UL 2218 testing. The value of the upgrade depends on the roofing product, installation cost, insurance policy and needs of the home.
Are Class 4 shingles hail-proof?
No roofing shingle is hail-proof. Class 4 shingles are impact-resistant and have passed the highest level of UL 2218 impact testing, but severe hail can still damage roofing materials.
What does Class 4 mean on roofing shingles?
Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance classification under the UL 2218 testing standard. Products earn the rating by meeting specific requirements during controlled impact testing.
Can Class 4 shingles lower homeowners insurance in Iowa?
Some qualifying impact-resistant roofing products may be eligible for homeowners insurance discounts in Iowa. Eligibility and savings vary by insurer, policy and product, so homeowners should confirm the details with their insurance provider.
Do GAF and Atlas make Class 4 shingles?
Yes. GAF and Atlas Roofing both manufacture asphalt shingles that have earned UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance ratings. Specific products, availability and warranty terms vary.