Impact Resistance Ratings: Why Class 4 Works Best for Homes

When roofing companies offer you Class 4-rated shingles for your home, would you know what that actually means? To help you understand these different ratings, we break down what they mean and how they impact your roof’s durability.

UL Standard

Impact Resistance levels are determined by compliance to the UL 2218 Standard for Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials. The standard is maintained by global safety authority, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), that “…evaluates roof covering materials relative to their resistance to damage from impact (such as hail)..”

Impact-Resistant Product Options

New View Roofing customers who want roofing options that meet the highest standards of impact resistance should consider CertainTeed® NorthGate Designer® shingles. The NorthGate product line features flexible asphalt shingles intended to exhibit characteristics similar to that of rubber. They are known for their resistance to cracking and shrinkage even under extreme weather conditions, earning them a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating.

Impact Resistance Ratings

Resistance to impact is identified by classes: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4. Class 4 materials are those proven to have the highest resistance to damage caused by hail, for instance. The higher of a rating your roof has, the better it is suited to endure damage during a hailstorm. It is important to note, however, that UL 2218 is not intended to “evaluate the effect of weathering, temperature, aging or similar effects on the impact resistance of prepared roof covering materials.”

New View Roofing proudly carries CertainTeed products that can help you rest easy and feel safe in your own home. We provide storm damage insurance claims assistance for those who need it, too. Call us at (469) 232-7220.