Roof Impact Resistance Ratings

While class 4 is the highest rating for impact resistance there are also lower ratings a shingle can receive such as class 3 and class 2.

Roof impact resistance ratings.

The benefits of northgate s sbs modified formula include a class 4 impact resistance rating the industry s highest superior weatherability and improved granule adhesion which make this arguably the most durable shingle in the industry. Impact resistant roofing materials that have been tested to stand up to severe hailstorms. Summarizing the result we would be looking at for a class 3 roof is earned if the sample does not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a 1 75 inch diameter steel ball. It s based on dropping a 2 steel ball from 20 onto the top of a shingle to see whether the shingle cracks.

Class 4 materials are those proven to have the highest resistance to damage caused by hail for instance. The weakest material receives a rating of one and the material that can absorb the most impact enjoys a 4 rating. Roof coverings must be tested and approved by underwriters laboratories ul or factory mutual fm and be rated as a class 1 2 3 or 4. Does not have a class 4 impact resistance rating.

After performing the test roofing manufacturers would be scored based on the resistance of the material getting a rating from 1 least hail resistant to 4 most hail resistant. What is impact resistant roofing. Gaf ir shingles pass class 4 see illustration below the highest rating possible. They are associated with the ul 2218 impact test which involves dropping a two inch steel ball from 20 feet high onto the shingle and examining whether the shingle cracks or not.

Class 1 class 2 class 3 and class 4. If you re considering using iko shingles on the advice of your roofing contractor it could be a decent choice but you may want to look into a higher rated. Resistance to impact is identified by classes. Most roofing material with a class 4 impact rating is considered impact resistant roofing.

Roofing materials are rated based on their ability to absorb high impact contact from hail or flying debris. Gaf ir shingles meet the highest impact resistance rating. Ul standard 2218 describes a series of tests which involve dropping steel balls from various heights onto roofing materials and then measuring whether the material cracks. The ul 2218 impact test was developed in conjunction with insurance industry leaders.

The difference between the ratings is that class 3 shingles withstand a smaller steel ball dropped from a lower height and likewise for class 2. In an effort to cut back on claims insurance companies have started to offer incentives for homeowners choosing to install impact resistant roofing. The roofing materials that show the greatest resistance earn a class 4 rating. Those with the least resistance earn a class 1 rating.

Aging or similar effects on the impact resistance of prepared roof covering materials. If you live in an area that s prone to hail this is the shingle you need. When it comes to shingles class 4 shingles are the highest classification you can get when it comes to hail damage resistance.