What Class 3 and Class 4 mean
Shingles are impact-rated under a lab test called UL 2218, where steel balls are dropped onto the shingle to see if it cracks.
| Rating | Test |
|---|---|
| Class 3 | Survives a 1.75" steel ball dropped from 17 feet |
| Class 4 | Survives a 2" steel ball dropped from 20 feet, the highest rating |
The GAF shingles we install
- GAF Timberline HDZ: Class 3 impact rating, the go-to architectural shingle.
- GAF Timberline UHDZ: a thicker, premium shingle. The UltraMat version carries a Class 4 rating.
- GAF Timberline AS II: Class 4, made with SBS-modified (rubberized) asphalt that flexes on impact.
Why it matters on the Front Range
Hail is part of life here. Colorado Springs and Falcon have each seen 1-inch-or-larger hail on 29 days since 2023, according to National Weather Service reports. See the full hail history for your town.
Some insurance companies offer a discount for Class 4 roofs. Ask your agent whether yours does and how much it would be.
Upgrading during an insurance claim
If your roof is being replaced through insurance, the claim pays for a roof like the one you had. You can choose to upgrade to an impact-resistant shingle and pay the difference. We'll show you the price difference in writing before anything is ordered.
Impact-resistant isn't hail-proof. Very large hail can still damage any roof. Class 4 shingles are built to hold up better, not to be indestructible.