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Class 4 Shingles

Impact-Resistant Shingles: Are They Worth It? (2026)

Class 4 shingles cost more upfront. But the insurance discount math is compelling — especially in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Updated April 2026  ·  RoofCallNow.com
(844) 437-2076 — Free Estimate
Bottom lineClass 4 impact-resistant shingles cost $1,500–$3,000 more than standard architectural shingles on a typical home. In states with significant hail exposure, homeowner’s insurance discounts of 15–30% annually can pay back the upgrade in 3–5 years. If you’re in the hail belt, the upgrade almost always pencils out.

What “Class 4” Actually Means

Impact resistance is rated by the UL 2218 standard, which tests shingles by dropping steel balls of different sizes from specific heights. Class 1 is the lowest rating; Class 4 is the highest. A Class 4 shingle must withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking.

Standard architectural shingles are not Class 4 rated and will show damage from moderate hail that Class 4 shingles would survive undamaged.

Cost Comparison

Home sizeStandard arch. shinglesClass 4 upgrade premiumInsurance discount payback (20%)
1,500 sq ft home$8,000–$13,500+$1,200–$2,0003–5 years
2,000 sq ft home$10,500–$17,000+$1,500–$2,5003–5 years
2,500 sq ft home$13,000–$21,000+$1,800–$3,2004–6 years

Insurance Discounts by State

Always verify before committingDiscounts vary significantly by carrier and policy. Get the exact discount in writing from your insurance company before finalizing your shingle selection.
StateTypical insurance discountAnnual savings ($250K home)Upgrade payback
Colorado20–30%$300–$600+3–5 years
Texas15–30%$250–$550+3–6 years
Kansas / Oklahoma15–25%$200–$4504–7 years
Missouri / Nebraska10–20%$150–$3505–9 years
Illinois / Iowa5–15%$75–$2508–15 years
Southeast / CoastalVaries (wind focus)VariesVaries

Get the exact number for your roof

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Top Class 4 Shingle Products (2026)

GAF Timberline ArmorShield II

GAF’s Class 4 rated architectural shingle. Most popular Class 4 product by installation volume. Qualifies for GAF’s enhanced warranty when installed by Master Elite contractors.

Owens Corning Duration STORM

OC’s Class 4 rated architectural shingle. SureNail Technology for superior wind resistance. Qualifies for OC’s Platinum Protection warranty with certified contractors.

CertainTeed Landmark IR

CertainTeed’s impact-resistant option. SureStart Protection warranty through certified SELECT ShingleMaster contractors.

Pro Move: Call Your Insurer Before Signing

Get the exact discount in writing from your insurance company before finalizing your shingle selection. Discounts vary widely by carrier — some offer 25–30% for Class 4, others offer nothing. If your current carrier offers a small discount, ask an independent agent to run quotes from competing carriers. The discount difference alone can be worth shopping your policy.

Class 4 Shingles Available in Your Area

Free estimate with pricing for both standard and Class 4 impact-resistant shingles.

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