Roof Impact Resistance Ratings

Impact resistant roofing materials that have been tested to stand up to severe hailstorms.

Roof impact resistance ratings.

The weakest material receives a rating of one and the material that can absorb the most impact enjoys a 4 rating. Does not have a class 4 impact resistance rating. When it comes to shingles class 4 shingles are the highest classification you can get when it comes to hail damage resistance. The difference between the ratings is that class 3 shingles withstand a smaller steel ball dropped from a lower height and likewise for class 2.

If you live in an area that s prone to hail this is the shingle you need. Roof coverings that have passed the ul standard 2218 test are classified by ul as either class 1 2 3 or 4. The roofing materials that show the greatest resistance earn a class 4 rating. It s based on dropping a 2 steel ball from 20 onto the top of a shingle to see whether the shingle cracks.

The ul 2218 impact test was developed in conjunction with insurance industry leaders. Resistance to impact is identified by classes. Which roof coverings qualify for a roof discount. After performing the test roofing manufacturers would be scored based on the resistance of the material getting a rating from 1 least hail resistant to 4 most hail resistant.

Class 4 materials are those proven to have the highest resistance to damage caused by hail for instance. What is impact resistant roofing. While class 4 is the highest rating for impact resistance there are also lower ratings a shingle can receive such as class 3 and class 2. Most roofing material with a class 4 impact rating is considered impact resistant roofing.

Gaf ir shingles meet the highest impact resistance rating. The benefits of northgate s sbs modified formula include a class 4 impact resistance rating the industry s highest superior weatherability and improved granule adhesion which make this arguably the most durable shingle in the industry. If you re considering using iko shingles on the advice of your roofing contractor it could be a decent choice but you may want to look into a higher rated. Class 1 class 2 class 3 and class 4.

Overall iko shingles have poor consumer ratings but the company is working to improve their products. Gaf ir shingles pass class 4 see illustration below the highest rating possible. Summarizing the result we would be looking at for a class 3 roof is earned if the sample does not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a 1 75 inch diameter steel ball. Roof coverings must be tested and approved by underwriters laboratories ul or factory mutual fm and be rated as a class 1 2 3 or 4.

Those with the least resistance earn a class 1 rating. They are associated with the ul 2218 impact test which involves dropping a two inch steel ball from 20 feet high onto the shingle and examining whether the shingle cracks or not. Roofing materials are rated based on their ability to absorb high impact contact from hail or flying debris.