In the U.S., hailstorms cause billions of dollars in property damage annually. In 2024, damaging hail affected more than 500,000 homes, with a combined reconstruction cost of $160 billion. Almost half of all residential insurance claims are related to hail damage, most involving roofs. As a homeowner, it's important to know your risk level and protect your home with the best roofing.
Roof shingles are ranked from Class 1 to Class 4 regarding their impact resistance, with Class 3 and Class 4 being the most effective at withstanding hail damage. When comparing Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles, an understanding of performance, costs, and possible insurance benefits can help you make the right choice for your home.
Understanding Shingle Impact Resistance Classifications
Roofing shingles are tested for their degree of impact resistance by simulating the impacts of hail and then recording and classifying the results. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global testing and certification agency, developed the UL 2218 standard, which uses steel balls of varying sizes dropped twice on installed shingles from specific heights. The shingles are then examined for signs of visible cracking. Depending on when or if cracking is observed, the shingles are ranked from Class 1 through 4, with Class 4 being the highest rating.
The following table shows the UL 2218 impact resistance rating requirements for shingles in Class 1 through Class 4:
Class 1 is tested with a drop height of 12 ft with a steel ball size of 1.25in
Class 2 is tested at a drop height of 15 ft with a steel ball size of 1.5in
Class 3 is tested at a drop height of 17 ft with a steel ball size of 1.75in
Class 4 is tested at a drop height of 20 ft with a steel ball of 2.0 in
In order to pass all tests, the backside of the shingle can not show any visible evidence of tearing, cracking, or fracturing.
Are Class 3 shingles impact resistant?
Since Class 4 is the highest rating, are Class 3 shingles also considered to be impact resistant? Absolutely.
Although almost two-thirds of the U.S. is susceptible to hailstorms, they tend to vary in strength and severity depending on location. FEMA has established a National Risk Index Map that rates a community's relative risk for hail when compared to the rest of the United States. In evaluating Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles, Class 3 meets the standard for moderate hail impacts, thus offering homeowners in those areas of the country a balance of both affordability and protection.
Class 3 Roof Shingles: Specifications and Performance
GAF Class 3 shingles are manufactured with a fiberglass mat core, a resilient asphalt coating, and a granular surface and are designed to absorb the shock of moderate hail impacts.
GAF makes a variety of UL 2218 Class 3 certified shingles, including the following:
- Timberline HDZ®
- Timberline HDZ® RS
- Timberline UHDZ®
- Camelot II®
- Woodland®
- Slateline®
- Grand Sequoia®
To earn the Class 3 rating, these shingles have withstood the impact of a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 17 feet without cracking. For your roof, this translates to greater protection and a longer roof lifespan than with standard shingles.
GAF Class 3 shingles are recommended if you live in a moderate hail zone, are looking for affordability as well as performance, and appreciate the range of aesthetic choices offered by the GAF Class 3 product line.
Class 4 Shingles: Premium Protection
GAF Class 4 shingles represent the highest certified level of impact resistance. They meet the Class 4 requirements of UL 2218, meaning they were subjected to a 2-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 20 feet without cracking.
GAF Class 4 shingles are made with Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) polymer-modified asphalt, with a reinforced fiberglass core and a granular surface. This combination contributes to their enhanced strength and flexibility, which helps them bend without breaking and resist puncture damage or loss of surface granules.
The GAF Class 4 roofing shingles that meet this standard are:
- Timberline® AS II
- Grand Sequoia® AS
GAF ArmorShield® series shingles are recommended for high-risk hail zones. Because wind is also a factor in areas with severe storms, they offer excellent wind performance, meeting UL Class F, the highest possible wind rating.
When installed with the required combination of GAF accessories, Timberline® AS II shingles are eligible for a 15-year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, with an infinite wind speed protection option.
Class 3 vs. Class 4 Shingles: A Comparison
Here are the main points to consider in comparing Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles:
Construction
- GAF Class 3 shingles are made of a thicker asphalt formulation than standard shingles and incorporate a fiberglass mat core for extra strength.
- GAF Class 4 shingles, due to their SBS-modified asphalt construction and reinforced fiberglass mat core, are thicker, heavier, and more resilient than Class 3 shingles.
Durability and Lifespan
- Both GAF Class 3 and Class 4 shingles carry a Lifetime Limited Warranty on manufacturer's defects and a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty, ensuring that your roof remains not only durable but beautiful for many years to come. They are UL Class A fire-resistant, Florida Building Code approved, and Texas Department of Insurance listed.
- GAF Class 3 shingles typically have a lifespan of 20–30 years.
- The lifespan of GAF Class 4 shingles typically exceeds 30–35 years.
Insurance Benefits
- Insurance providers in certain locations may offer discounts for certified Class 3 and Class 4 shingle roofs. Typical Class 3 discounts can range from 5–10%, while Class 4 shingles may qualify for 10–25% premium reductions.
- Discounts, if offered, will vary by insurance provider and location.
- To verify eligibility, consult with your insurance company. If your home qualifies, you will be asked to provide documentation from your roofing contractor and possibly a detailed report from a certified roofing inspector.
Cost Analysis and ROI
- Class 3 shingles have a lower upfront cost than Class 4 shingles, provide reliable protection in moderate hailstorm locations, and could result in savings on your homeowners' insurance.
- Class 4 shingles represent a higher initial investment, typically costing about 10–20% more than Class 3 shingles. If you live in a high-risk hailstorm region, the additional cost could be outweighed by the potential long-term benefits of fewer repairs, a longer roof lifespan, more substantial insurance discounts, and increased home resale value.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles for your home is an important decision that will depend on:
- Climate Zone: Class 4 is recommended for high-risk hail zones. Class 3 is suitable for moderate- to relatively low-risk zones.
- Budget: Class 3 shingles offer moderate protection for a lower cost. Class 4 premium protection offers potential long-term savings that could offset the higher initial investment.
- Insurance: Class 4 may qualify for higher insurance discounts than Class 3.
- Local Codes: Some jurisdictions in high-risk areas may require Class 4 shingles.
Since an impact resistant roof is only as good as the quality of its installation, GAF recommends choosing a GAF Master Elite® contractor* to install your Class 3 or Class 4 shingle roof. Master Elite® contractors go through rigorous training and certification and can offer extended warranties for your roof. They can advise you on the best roofing for your location, budget, and code requirements.
Learn more about GAF impact-resistant roof products or find a certified Master Elite® contractor here.
*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.
