Class 3 vs Class 4 Shingles: What Texas Homeowners Need to Know
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth or Central Texas area, you already know hail is not a matter of “if.” It’s “when.” When it’s time to replace a roof, many homeowners hear “Class 3” and “Class 4” and assume it’s a marketing label.
It’s not. They’re very real and very important.
These classes refer to impact-resistance testing, and understanding the difference helps you choose the right roof for your home, your budget, and how storms actually hit your neighborhood.
What “Class 3” and “Class 4” actually mean
Most of the time, “Class 3 vs Class 4” is referring to the UL 2218 impact rating. In simple terms, it’s a standardized test that measures how well a roofing material holds up when struck by an object similar to hail impact.
Here’s the straightforward breakdown:
Class 3 is tested at a lower impact level than Class 4
Class 4 is the highest impact rating commonly available for asphalt shingles
That difference may sound small, but in real storms, the jump in performance can matter, especially when hail comes in larger, harder, and wind-driven.
A reality check about hail ratings
Impact ratings are helpful, but they are not a guarantee that hail will never damage your roof.
Real hail varies in density, shape, wind speed, wind direction, roof slope, roof temperature, and the age of the shingle. Even strong products can take cosmetic hits, and under the right conditions, functional damage can still happen.
The goal is not “hail-proof.” The goal is better odds and less damage over time.
When Class 3 shingles make sense
Class 3 shingles can be a strong middle ground when you want better durability than a standard architectural shingle, without stepping into the top tier.
Class 3 is a good fit if:
You want an upgrade over basic shingles but need to stay cost-conscious
Your area tends to get smaller hail more often than severe hail
You plan to sell in the next few years and want a meaningful improvement without overspending
When Class 4 shingles are worth it in DFW
If you’ve been through multiple hail seasons in North Texas, you already know why Class 4 keeps coming up. In many parts of DFW, it’s often the best long-term value for homeowners who want the strongest impact rating available in an asphalt shingle.
Class 4 is a good fit if:
Your neighborhood gets frequent hail events, or you’ve filed a claim before
You plan to stay in the home and want to reduce repair cycles over time
You want the highest impact rating available for asphalt shingles
Many Class 4 products also use enhanced asphalt blends designed to improve flexibility and impact performance.
Cost: what to expect
Impact-resistant shingles usually cost more than standard architectural shingles. How much more depends on the brand, the shingle line, and the total roofing system being installed.
The better question is not “what is the cheapest roof?” It’s “what roof gives me the best value for how storms hit my ZIP code?”
Insurance discounts: can Class 4 save you money?
Sometimes, yes. Some insurers offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing, but it depends on your carrier, your policy, and the specific product being installed.
Two important points:
Discounts are not automatic
You need the right documentation, and your insurer must recognize the rating
Before you choose a shingle, it’s smart to call your agent and ask what qualifies and what the discount would actually be.
How we recommend choosing between Class 3 and Class 4
Here’s the simple framework we use with homeowners:
Look at your storm history
If your area has been repeatedly hit with severe hail, Class 4 usually makes sense.Decide what “value” means for you
Class 3 can lower upfront cost. Class 4 often improves long-term durability and may provide insurance benefits.Choose the full system, not just the shingle
Underlayment, ventilation, flashing, ridge caps, and workmanship matter just as much as the shingle rating.
