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Class 4 shingles hold up better to hail, but they aren't hail-proof and any insurance discount is up to your carrier. Here's what the rating means and when it's worth it in Middle Tennessee.
By Don Hane, Navy Combat Veteran
If you’re getting a new roof in Murfreesboro, someone has probably asked if you want “Class 4” or “impact-resistant” shingles. The short answer: they’re a real upgrade that holds up better to hail, but they don’t make a roof hail-proof, and any insurance savings depend on your carrier, not on Tennessee law. Our roof replacement page covers how a full replacement works, and our roofing materials guide compares the options we install, from architectural shingles to metal and tile.
Here’s what Class 4 actually means and how I’d think about it for a house in Rutherford County.
Class 4 is the top rating in a lab test called UL 2218. In the test, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped from 20 feet onto the same spots on a shingle, twice. If the shingle shows no crack or rupture afterward, it passes at Class 4. Smaller balls are used for the lower classes, so Class 3 means it passed with a 1.75-inch ball, and so on.
To get there, most manufacturers blend rubber-like polymers (called SBS) into the asphalt. That makes the shingle bend and absorb a hit instead of cracking. A standard architectural shingle is stiffer and more likely to bruise.
One detail matters: only bundles that carry the UL 2218 Class 4 statement on the package are rated. The brand name alone doesn’t tell you.
All five manufacturers we’re certified with make Class 4 shingles. A few examples:
Each looks a lot like a standard architectural shingle once it’s on the roof, so you don’t give up curb appeal. Color choices can be a little narrower than the standard lines.
Our crews install both Malarkey Vista and Vista AR, and we prefer Vista AR for its algae resistance. Both carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating and are made with Malarkey’s NEX rubberized asphalt, which blends in upcycled rubber and plastic. Vista AR adds 3M copper granules that help prevent the black streaks caused by blue-green algae. Malarkey is one of the five manufacturers we’re certified with, so it’s a line we know well.
Maybe, but don’t count on it until your carrier says so. Tennessee doesn’t require insurers to give a discount for impact-resistant roofs. Some carriers offer one on their own. State Farm, for example, lists Tennessee among the states where qualifying impact-resistant roofs may get a discount, and it requires a certification form from the installer. It also doesn’t give that credit for roofs laid over an old roof, except some metal roofs.
So here’s my advice:
We’ll fill out any installer form your carrier asks for. What the carrier does with it is up to them.
Class 4 makes the most sense if:
A standard architectural shingle may be the better fit if you’re selling soon, your budget is tight, or your house is sheltered by mature trees and hasn’t seen hail damage before. It’s also worth comparing Class 4 shingles with metal roofing, which handles hail differently.
Class 4 shingles cost more than standard architectural shingles, and the gap depends on the brand and the size of your roof. You’ll see both options side by side on your written estimate, so you can decide with real numbers. For a sense of total project budgets in our area, see our guide to roof replacement cost in Murfreesboro. If you’d like to spread out the cost, we offer financing through Acorn Finance.
Installing Class 4 shingles is the same process as any shingle roof. Our own crews tear off the old roof, check and replace bad decking, put down underlayment, flashing and vents, and install the new shingles. It takes about 1 day on average. We seal every pipe boot and vent with tripolymer sealant, and we leave you the bundle label and paperwork for your records.
If you’ve just been through a storm and aren’t sure what you’re dealing with, start with our post on hail and wind damage on Middle Tennessee roofs.
What is a Class 4 shingle?
It’s a shingle that passed the UL 2218 impact test at its highest level: a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice from 20 feet without cracking it. Most are made with rubber-like SBS polymer asphalt.
Are Class 4 shingles hail-proof?
No. They resist hail much better than standard shingles, but very large hail and falling limbs can still damage them. Manufacturers generally don’t cover hail damage under their warranties.
Do Class 4 shingles lower insurance in Tennessee?
Sometimes. Tennessee doesn’t require a discount, but some carriers offer one for qualifying products. Ask your agent before you choose a shingle, and ask what paperwork they need.
Do Class 4 shingles look different?
Not much. Most look like standard architectural shingles once installed. Color choices can be a bit more limited.
How long does it take to install a Class 4 roof?
About 1 day on average, the same as a standard shingle roof. Bigger or steeper roofs can take longer.
Thinking about a new roof? Book a free inspection and get a written estimate with standard and Class 4 options side by side. We’re Veteran-owned, A-rated with the BBB, and open 24 hours, every day.
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