Class 3 vs. Class 4 Shingles: The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide for 2025
Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions a homeowner will ever make. Your roof protects everything beneath it—your family, your possessions, and the value of your home itself. That’s why when it comes to shingle selection, many homeowners ask: What’s the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 shingles, and which one is worth the investment?
At Reimagine Roofing, we specialize in helping homeowners across Arizona, New Mexico, New Jersey, Utah, and Florida make informed decisions about their roofs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain impact resistance ratings, compare Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles, analyze costs and benefits, explore insurance implications, and highlight regional considerations for each of our service areas.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which option is best for your home—and how to maximize your investment.
Understanding Shingle Impact Resistance Ratings
Shingles are rated by the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test, which measures how well roofing materials withstand hail and debris. Here’s how it works:
- Steel balls of different sizes are dropped onto shingles from various heights.
- The goal is to simulate hailstones striking a roof.
- Inspectors check for cracks, breaks, or significant damage to the shingle surface.
The rating system is simple:
- Class 1: Withstands a 1¼-inch steel ball dropped from 12 feet (lowest resistance)
- Class 2: Withstands a 1½-inch steel ball dropped from 15 feet
- Class 3: Withstands a 1¾-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet
- Class 4: Withstands a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet (highest rating)
👉 Translation for homeowners: A Class 3 roof provides good protection against moderate hail, but Class 4 is the strongest option available, offering maximum resilience against severe storms.
Class 3 Shingles: The Middle Ground
Advantages
- Affordable: Class 3 shingles are generally less expensive than Class 4, making them attractive for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Variety: They come in a wide range of styles and colors, so curb appeal doesn’t suffer.
- Sufficient in mild climates: In areas with less severe weather, they can perform well for many years.
Drawbacks
- Moderate protection: While durable, they can crack under larger hail impact.
- Shorter lifespan in storm zones: More frequent repairs or replacements may be necessary.
- Insurance savings limited: Some insurers may not offer significant discounts for Class 3 roofs.
Best For
Homeowners in regions with occasional storms but not extreme weather. If your home is unlikely to be battered by large hail or hurricane-level winds, Class 3 shingles may strike the right balance.
Class 4 Shingles: The Premium Choice
Advantages
- Maximum durability: Designed to withstand the harshest hail, wind, and storm conditions.
- Insurance savings: Many carriers offer 15–35% discounts on premiums for homes with Class 4 shingles.
- Longer lifespan: They last longer than Class 3 shingles, reducing long-term costs.
- Resale value: Homes with Class 4 roofs often sell faster and at higher prices because buyers value durability.
- Peace of mind: Less worry about roof damage during severe weather events.
Drawbacks
- Higher upfront cost: Class 4 shingles typically cost 15–25% more than Class 3.
- Installation requirements: To qualify for full warranty benefits, professional installation is usually necessary.
Best For
Homeowners in storm-prone areas—including hail-heavy states like Texas, Colorado, and of course, the service areas Reimagine Roofing covers. If you live in Florida’s hurricane corridor, New Jersey’s Nor’easter path, Utah’s snow country, or Arizona’s monsoon zone, Class 4 is the smart long-term investment.
Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Value
When weighing Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles, cost is often the deciding factor. Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Class 3 Shingles | Class 4 Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower | 15–25% higher |
| Storm Protection | Moderate | Maximum |
| Insurance Discounts | Limited (if any) | 15–35% potential savings |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 20–30 years |
| Repair Frequency | More frequent in severe weather | Less frequent |
| Overall ROI | Lower | Higher |
👉 Key takeaway: If you plan to stay in your home long-term—or if you live in a high-risk weather zone—Class 4 shingles are usually the smarter financial choice.
Insurance Benefits of Class 4 Shingles
One of the biggest advantages of Class 4 shingles is insurance savings. Many insurance providers reward homeowners for installing highly impact-resistant shingles, since they reduce the risk of claims.
- Discounts can range from 15% to 35% depending on the insurer.
- Some insurers only recognize Class 4 shingles as “impact resistant.”
- A roof with Class 4 shingles may help avoid claim denials for “wear and tear.”
Pro Tip: Before upgrading, check with your insurance provider to confirm whether you’ll receive a discount—and how much it will be.
Regional Considerations for Reimagine Roofing Service Areas
Different climates pose different roofing challenges. Here’s how Class 3 and Class 4 shingles perform in our key markets:
Arizona (AZ)
- Threats: Extreme heat, monsoons, dust storms.
- Best Option: Class 4 shingles resist wind-driven rain and flying debris during monsoons, plus they’re built to handle UV exposure better.
New Mexico (NM)
- Threats: Harsh sun, hailstorms, and cold winters in higher elevations.
- Best Option: Class 4 shingles provide protection across the state’s diverse climate zones, from Albuquerque’s hail to Santa Fe’s snow.
New Jersey (NJ)
- Threats: Nor’easters, heavy rain, coastal storms.
- Best Option: Class 4 shingles guard against high winds and flying debris, especially valuable in coastal and inland storm zones.
Utah (UT)
- Threats: Heavy snow, ice dams, hail.
- Best Option: Class 4 shingles resist freeze-thaw cycles and the weight of heavy snow loads.
Florida (FL)
- Threats: Hurricanes, tropical storms, humidity.
- Best Option: Class 4 shingles offer critical protection against hurricane-force winds and flying debris while holding up better in humid conditions.
Real-Life Scenarios: Class 3 vs. Class 4
To illustrate the differences, let’s look at a few examples:
- Phoenix, AZ: A homeowner with Class 3 shingles may face costly repairs after a dust storm with 60 mph winds, while a neighbor with Class 4 shingles avoids damage.
- Miami, FL: During hurricane season, Class 3 shingles risk tearing off in 120 mph winds. Class 4 shingles, though not invincible, significantly improve the odds of your roof holding up.
- Salt Lake City, UT: Class 3 shingles may crack under repeated freeze-thaw cycles, while Class 4 shingles resist splitting and maintain integrity longer.
Maintenance and Longevity
Regardless of shingle class, proper maintenance is essential to maximize roof life:
- Schedule annual inspections—especially before and after storm season.
- Keep gutters clean to prevent water backup.
- Replace damaged shingles promptly.
- Trim overhanging trees to reduce debris impact.
That said, Class 4 shingles require fewer repairs over time, which makes them the lower-maintenance option.
Environmental and Energy Considerations
Both Class 3 and Class 4 shingles are available in cool roof options that reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. This is particularly valuable in Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida, where cooling costs skyrocket in summer.
- Energy savings: Reflective shingles can cut cooling costs by 10–15%.
- Sustainability: Class 4 shingles last longer, meaning fewer tear-offs and less waste in landfills.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Class 3 if: You’re on a tight budget, live in a mild climate, or plan to sell your home soon.
- Choose Class 4 if: You want maximum protection, plan to stay in your home long-term, or live in a storm-prone region.
At Reimagine Roofing, our expert team recommends Class 4 shingles for most homeowners in our service areas, because the combination of durability, insurance savings, and peace of mind outweighs the upfront cost.
Why Trust Reimagine Roofing?
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners across AZ, NM, NJ, UT, and FL protect their homes with impact-resistant roofing solutions. Our difference:
- Free Roof Inspections – Get a clear picture of your roof’s health.
- Fast Quotes – Accurate, no-pressure estimates delivered in under 24 hours.
- Expert Installation – Certified crews who follow manufacturer guidelines for full warranty coverage.
- Local Knowledge – We understand the weather challenges unique to your region.
Take the Next Step
Don’t wait until the next storm to find out your roof isn’t strong enough. Whether you’re leaning toward Class 3 or ready to invest in Class 4 shingles, Reimagine Roofing is here to help.
- 👉 Book a free inspection today
- 👉 Get a quote in under 24 hours
- ✅ Protect your home and save money long-term
Let Reimagine Roofing help you choose the right shingle for your home.
