What "Class 4" Means
Impact-resistant shingles are tested under a standard called UL 2218. In the test, steel balls of increasing size are dropped onto the shingle, and the shingle is checked for cracks afterward. Shingles are classed from 1 to 4. Class 4 means the shingle survived the largest ball, about two inches across, without cracking. Most impact-resistant shingles sold in Texas are aimed at that top class. They look much like regular architectural shingles from the street; the difference is in how they're made, often with a more flexible asphalt or a reinforcing layer on the back.
Who It Fits
Class 4 shingles make the most sense when:
- the roof is being replaced anyway, especially after a hail claim
- you plan to stay in the house for years
- your insurer offers a meaningful premium discount
- the house is in a part of the county that sees hail often
- you want fewer claims on your record
They make less sense when:
- you're planning to sell soon and the buyer won't value the upgrade
- your insurer offers little or no discount
- the HOA's approved colors don't include a Class 4 line you like (see below)
The Insurance Discount
Texas insurers offer premium discounts for roofs that pass the UL 2218 test, and the Texas Department of Insurance explains how roofing discounts work. The size of the discount varies by company, by policy and by the class of the roof, so ask your agent for the number before you choose. You usually need to ask for it; it isn't applied automatically. Your roofer certifies the installation on a state form, and you send that form to your insurer. More on the discount question: Class 4 shingles and insurance discounts. The state's explanation: TDI roofing discounts.
The Trade-Offs
| Factor | Standard architectural | Class 4 impact-resistant |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Lower | Higher |
| Hail performance | Bruises and cracks more easily | Holds up better; very large hail can still damage it |
| Insurance | No impact discount | Discount available from many insurers |
| Look | Wide range of colors | Narrower range in some product lines |
| Warranty | Standard | Often includes impact-specific terms |
Do Class 4 Shingles Stop All Hail Damage?
No. They resist hail far better than standard shingles, but very large hail can still damage them. Gutters, vents and other metal on the roof can still dent. And policies differ on how they treat cosmetic damage to impact-resistant roofs, so read yours.
Can I Put Class 4 Shingles on Just Part of the Roof?
Usually not for the discount. Insurers typically want the whole roof covered with qualifying material, installed properly, and certified. For a repair, a roofer may use Class 4 shingles to match, but the discount generally applies only to a full roof.
Installation Matters
A Class 4 shingle only performs as tested if it's installed to the manufacturer's instructions: the right number of nails in the right place, the right underlayment, proper starter strips and edges. Ask the roofer whether they've installed the specific product line before and whether they're certified by the manufacturer for its warranty.
Impact-Resistant Roofs Around Conroe
Inside Conroe
- Downtown ConroeConroe
- Grand Central ParkConroe
- ArtaviaConroe
- East ConroeConroe
- WoodforestConroe area
- Lake Conroe ShoreLake Conroe
Lake side and west
South along the interstate
- The WoodlandsSouth on I-45
- ShenandoahSouth on I-45
- Oak Ridge NorthSouth on I-45
- SpringHarris County
- MagnoliaFM 1488
East toward the San Jacinto