Impact-Rated Asphalt Shingles (Class 3 and Class 4)
North Texas sees hail, so impact ratings come up on most replacement conversations. The rating belongs to a tested product, not to a style or a brand.
What this material is
Impact-rated shingles are asphalt shingles built with a reinforced mat, a modified asphalt formulation, or a backing layer that helps the shingle absorb a strike without cracking through. Ratings come from a standardized steel-ball impact test. Class 3 and Class 4 are the two classifications you will see most often, with Class 4 being the highest.
Properties and applications it may suit
- Properties in areas that see repeated hail activity
- Owners who want a tested product rather than a general claim about durability
- Homeowners whose insurance carrier offers a premium consideration for a rated roof, which varies by carrier and policy
- Replacements after hail damage, where the owner wants to change materials at the same time
Appearance and customization
- Most impact-rated products we install are architectural in appearance
- Some designer and luxury shingles also carry a rating; it is confirmed per product
- Color ranges are comparable to non-rated lines from the same manufacturer
- The rating is not visible once the roof is installed, so documentation matters
Installation considerations
- The rating applies to the shingle as installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, including fastening pattern and starter course
- Ridge cap, hip, and starter products are selected from the same system where the manufacturer specifies it
- We record the exact product installed so you have it for your insurer
- Flashings, vents, and pipe boots are not impact rated and remain the details most likely to need future attention
Maintenance considerations
- Rated shingles still need to be inspected after a storm; a rating is not immunity
- Keep your installation documentation with your insurance records
- Clear debris from valleys and gutters so water moves off the roof
- Ask us to look at any area that shows granule loss, bruising, or a soft spot underfoot
Manufacturers and product lines
Product lines JF Roofing installs. Colors and local availability are confirmed before we order, starting from ZIP code 76043 by default. We verify a product's current impact classification against manufacturer documentation before we present it as rated.
- Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration STORM
- TAMKO StormFighter FLEX
- TAMKO HailGuard
These asphalt product lines are supported in our roof visualizer, so you can see colors on a photo of your own home. The visualizer covers asphalt shingles only.
Common questions
- Does a Class 4 shingle mean my roof will not be damaged by hail?
- No. Class 4 is the highest impact classification in a standardized test, not a guarantee against hail damage. Large or wind-driven hail can still damage a rated roof, and vents, flashings, and gutters are not covered by the rating at all.
- Will an impact-rated roof lower my insurance premium?
- Some carriers offer a consideration for a rated roof and some do not. It depends on your carrier, your policy, and your location, so ask your insurer directly. We can give you documentation of the exact product installed.
- How do I know which class a shingle carries?
- The classification is published by the manufacturer for each specific product. We confirm it against current manufacturer documentation before recommending a product, and we will show you where the rating comes from.
Talk through impact-rated shingles on your property
We will look at your roof, explain what the system would involve here, and answer your questions before you decide.
Educate. Facilitate. Add value.