Class 4 roofing is a roof rating that means your shingles can handle big impacts like hail and falling branches. Class 4 is the highest impact rating you can get. It protects your home better than lower classes. Insurance companies often give you discounts when you have Class 4 shingles. This rating can help you save money and keep your roof safe for longer.
What Does the Class Rating Mean?
Roof classes go from 1 to 4. Class 1 is the lowest. Class 4 is the best. The higher your class, the better your shingles resist impact damage.
Class 4 shingles are tested by dropping steel balls on them from a high height. If the shingle passes, it gets the Class 4 rating. This means it can handle severe weather like hail storms.
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Why Class 4 Matters for Your Insurance
Insurance companies care about Class 4 ratings. According to industry data, hail damage cost U.S. homeowners $160 billion in reconstruction cost value in 2024. Class 4 roofs help prevent that damage.
Some insurers give discounts on premiums when you have Class 4 shingles. The discount can be 10 to 20 percent. In 2024, State Farm paid over $3.8 billion in home repairs for hail damage claims alone. Having Class 4 shingles reduces your risk and their costs.
What Shingles Get Class 4?
Not all shingles reach Class 4. Architectural asphalt shingles often get this rating. Premium shingles do too. Fiber cement and composite materials can also be Class 4.
According to RubyHome (2025), architectural asphalt shingles cost $4.50 to $8.25 per square foot with installation. These are more durable than basic asphalt shingles. Steel shingles run $8.00 to $12.65 per square foot. Concrete tiles cost $11.00 to $19.80 per square foot.
| Material Type | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Can Be Class 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Asphalt | $4.50, $8.25 | Yes |
| Steel Shingles | $8.00, $12.65 | Yes |
| Concrete Tiles | $11.00, $19.80 | Yes |
| Basic Asphalt | $4.25, $4.95 | No |
Do You Need Class 4?
It depends on where you live. If your area gets many hail storms, Class 4 is smart. Texas gets 1,123 hail events annually. Nebraska and Minnesota are 2nd and 3rd in hail frequency.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), the average hourly wage for roofers is $26.85, which means quality installation matters too. A good roofer can help you pick the right Class 4 shingles for your climate and budget. Class 4 roofs last longer and handle storms better than lower classes.
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Talk with a local roofing solutions to review your options and get a detailed estimate for your project.