Published 2026-10-20 · Kansas City roofing guide
In short
Architectural shingles are the standard; Class 4 impact-rated shingles resist hail better and may earn insurance credits.
Comparison
| 3-tab | Architectural | Class 4 impact-rated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Flat, uniform | Dimensional | Dimensional |
| Wind rating | Lower | Higher | Higher |
| Hail resistance | Low | Moderate | Best of the three |
| Typical life | Shorter | Longer | Longer |
What Class 4 means
Class 4 is the highest rating under the UL 2218 impact test, where steel balls are dropped on shingles to simulate hail. It does not mean hail-proof, but these shingles resist cracking better than standard ones.
Insurance angle
Some insurers offer premium credits for Class 4 roofs. Ask your agent before choosing, and keep the product documentation after installation.
Questions
Are 3-tab shingles still installed?
Less often. Most homeowners and roofers now choose architectural or impact-rated shingles.
Do impact-resistant shingles look different?
Most look like regular architectural shingles.
