When shopping for durable roofing in a storm-prone or hail-exposed area, you’ve likely come across the terms Class 3 and Class 4 impact-rated shingles. But what do these ratings actually mean for your roof’s performance — and more importantly, your long-term investment?
At Scaffs India, we don’t just install roofs — we help homeowners make informed, weather-ready choices. Let’s decode the impact rating system and explore how impact-rated shingles can offer peace of mind, durability, and even insurance savings.
🛠️ What Are Shingle Impact Ratings?
Impact resistance ratings are part of the UL 2218 standard, a rigorous testing system developed by Underwriters Laboratories in the U.S. It simulates how shingles respond to falling steel balls (representing hailstones) dropped from specific heights.
Class 1: Survives 1.25″ steel ball dropped from 12 feet
Class 2: Withstands 1.5″ ball from 15 feet
Class 3: Endures 1.75″ ball from 17 feet
Class 4: Survives 2″ steel ball from 20 feet — the highest impact resistance
These tests evaluate whether the shingle cracks, breaks, or fractures under impact.
🧱 Why Class 4 Shingles Are Worth the Upgrade
Class 4 shingles are ideal for Indian homeowners in coastal, high-wind, or hail-exposed areas. Their superior impact resistance translates to:
Less storm damage to your roof
Lower maintenance and replacement costs
Potential insurance premium discounts in some regions
Improved resale value due to durability certifications
Many of our premium designer shingles and architectural shingles fall into the Class 3 or 4 category, depending on manufacturer and build.
🧪 What Makes a Shingle Class 4?
To achieve a Class 4 rating, shingles often include:
Modified asphalt with added rubber-like polymers (e.g. SBS technology)
Laminated layers for shock absorption
Heavy-duty fiberglass matting
Superior granule adhesion for long-term protection
At Scaffs India, we use impact-rated shingles engineered to perform — even in Kerala’s tropical monsoons and coastal winds.
🏠 Where to Use Impact-Rated Shingles
While Class 3 may be sufficient for inland properties with mild weather, Class 4 shingles are highly recommended for:
A-frame cottages in hill stations (view models)
Wooden homes vulnerable to tree impact (explore designs)
Premium homes near coastlines needing long-term roof security
Mudroom cottages where insulation, water protection, and damage control matter (learn more)
🌞 What About UV, Heat, and Solar Options?
Impact resistance doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics or energy efficiency.
Choose our Borja-Tech and Borja-Extrem tiles for ceramic strength and natural UV resistance.
Upgrade to solar-integrated roofing tiles to generate energy while staying protected from hail and debris.
🔩 Don’t Forget: Accessories Matter Too
A shingle is only as good as its installation system. Our accessory products — including underlayments, ridge caps, and ventilation systems — ensure that your impact-rated shingles perform as expected over decades.
🧰 Need Help Choosing the Right Class?
Our experienced team at Scaffs India helps homeowners choose the right impact-rated roofing system based on budget, location, and lifestyle needs.
Visit our services page to book a consultation or explore some of our completed roofing projects to see real-world impact-resistant systems in action.
📞 Get Class 4 Protection That Looks Like Class 1 Luxury
Not all tough shingles look tough. At Scaffs India, we combine aesthetic appeal with technical performance — whether you’re restoring a vintage home or building your dream cottage from scratch.
✅ Contact us for Class 3 and Class 4 roofing quotes
✅ Browse our architectural shingles
✅ Learn more about our designer options
At Scaffs India, we provide comprehensive roof inspection and repair services. Our team will assess the damage and ensure your roof is in top condition. Learn more about our roof repair services.
Scaffs India is your go-to expert for premium roofing shingles in Kerala—combining aesthetics, performance, and protection for every project.We invite you to explore some of the beautiful roofing choices.For more information regarding how IKO Roofing shingles can be used for your roofing project, visit our
contact page link here and get in touch. or call +91 96455 55534.