Roofing Glossary

Impact Rating (Class 4 Shingles)

Impact rating classifies a shingle's resistance to hail damage, with Class 4 the highest rating under the UL 2218 test. Class 4 shingles are engineered with reinforced mats or polymer-modified asphalt to survive impacts that would fracture standard shingles.

The practical difference shows up after hailstorms: Class 4 roofs bruise and crack far less, which means fewer insurance claims and longer service life in hail country. Some insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs — worth asking your agent about, since the discount can offset the higher material cost over time.

Class 4 does not mean hail-proof. Large hail can damage any roof; the rating means the shingle resists a standardized impact test, not every storm nature produces.

Why It Matters

In hail-prone areas, Class 4 shingles are one of the few upgrades with a direct financial payback through fewer claims and possible insurance discounts. Get any discount confirmed in writing from your insurer before counting on it.

A Maryland Note

Central Maryland's spring thunderstorm hail makes Class 4 worth considering here — especially if you have filed hail claims before.

Questions about your own roof? Request a free estimate or call Nucci Brothers Roofing at (301) 458-1003.