What Is A Class 4 Roof And Why It’s Needed For Winter Weather

Every roof is at risk of damage during the winter months, as the harsh weather takes its toll on it. However, if you’re living in an area that gets more storms and harsh weather than most, then you’ll want to look at reinforcing your roof any way you can. A class 4 roof is just what you need if you want to give the roof a fighting chance against weather and storm debris. Here’s everything you need to know about it and why it’s the best option for you. 

What Is A Class 4 Roof?

So what is meant by a class 4 roof? This is a roof that has been completed using a special grade of shingles that have been made to resist severe weather. These should be able to take severe impacts without being damaged, keeping your home safe. You may also see these shingles being sold as ‘Impact Resistant’ or ‘IR’ shingles.

The classification comes from tests that were developed in the mid-1990s to test the resistance of roofing materials to impact. This was after a series of hail storms across the US that caused a lot of damage to homes across the country. 

If a roofing shingle is going to get the class 4 rating, then it needs to be able to withstand a 2-inch steel ball being dropped on it from a height of 20 feet. For context, if that ball were to hit a 4-inch concrete paver from the same height, it would split it in half. 

While class 4 is the highest rating for roofing, there are lower ratings you can get too. These are down to class 2, so a class 3 or 2 roof will have less resistance to impact. 

How Class 4 Roofing Shingles Are Constructed

As you can see, a class 4 roof is highly sturdy and won’t take on damage from even some strong storms. How are they made to withstand that pressure?

There are two different ways that they can be constructed. Firstly, they are polymer-based mesh shingles that have that mesh added to the back of a regular asphalt shingle. It is embedded into the back during production, and so will help hold it together should anything strike it and cause damage. 

Then there are rubber-like polymers that can be added to asphalt shingles when they’re being made. These are polymers such as SBS, which create a rubber effect in the shingle. That makes it more flexible and less likely to break should it be hit by hail or debris.

Class 4 Roofing And Wind Resistance

While it’s so important to protect your roof from hail and debris, high winds are another concern during periods of bad weather. Can a class 4 roof resist the wind? 

If you choose a class 4 roof, it may not always be more resistant to wind. That’s because this is a separate classification, so the shingles will need to be constructed in a certain way. If wind resistance is important to you, you’ll need to search for shingles that have high ratings for both impact and wind resistance. Your local roofer can help you find one that’s best for you.

When To Choose A Class 4 Roof

With all this in mind, you’ll need to consider if a class 4 roof is what you need. You have a lot of options when it comes to roof replacement, so getting it right is important. 

The most important question to ask is whether you get more hail storms than other parts of the country. Even if you don’t live in these states and you see a lot of inclement weather, then a class 4 roof is worth considering. They can help resist severe weather that leads to debris being blown onto your roof, so they are a good option in many cases.

The Benefits Of Class 4 Roofing

If you’re still considering whether to get class 4 impact-resistant roofing, then it’s helpful to know the benefits. There are many reasons why you may want to look into having them installed on your roof. 

• Save money on your insurance: One benefit of getting a class 4 roof that you may not have considered is savings on your premiums. As you’ll have a roof that’s far harder against impact and the elements, many insurers will consider that lower risk and so lower those insurance premiums for you. You’ll want to get in touch with your home insurance company and ask them about any discounts you’d get if you have this roof installed. You’d be surprised at how much it will lower those rates. 
• Reduce the repairs needed on your roof: Over time, every roof is going to need repair. How many repairs, though, will depend on the weather in your area and the type of roof you have installed. If you have a class 4 roof installed, then you’ll be able to reduce the number of repairs you need to be done. As the shingles are impact resistant, you’ll need to replace shingles much less frequently. 
• Extend your roof’s lifespan: You’ll want your roof to last as long as possible when you have it installed. After all, it’s an expensive job. With a class 4 roof, you’ll find that it’ll last longer as it takes a lot longer for it to see the damage, thanks to the elements. That means you won’t need to replace your roof until much later. 

A class 4 roof is a great idea for many homes. If you live in an area that sees a lot of hail or debris being blown onto your roof during storms, then you’ll want to look at having one installed. You’ll soon see the difference they make.