Class 4 Roof Certificate Guide for Insurance Discounts and Impact Resistance

The Class 4 Roof Certificate Explains How Impact-Resistant Roofing Reduces Hail And Wind Damage And May Lower Insurance Premiums. This Guide Covers What A Class 4 Rating Means, How To Obtain A Certificate, Costs, And How Insurers Use It.

Topic	Quick Summary
What Class 4 Means	Highest Impact-Resistance Rating For Roofing Materials (UL 2218 / FM 4473)
Typical Benefits	Insurance Discounts, Lower Claim Frequency, Better Resale Value
How To Get Certificate	Laboratory Test Records Or On-Site Inspection By Certified Inspector
Validity	Usually Permanent For Material Rating; Insurance Acceptance Varies

What Is A Class 4 Roof Certificate?

A Class 4 Roof Certificate Documents That A Roof Or Roofing Material Has Been Rated For Maximum Impact Resistance Under Recognized Test Standards such as UL 2218 or FM 4473. The certificate may come from a product manufacturer, a laboratory test report, or an on-site inspection verifying the installed product matches the tested assembly.

Standards And Testing Methods

Two common standards define Class 4 performance: UL 2218 (Impact Resistance Test for Prepared Roof Covering Materials) and FM 4473/FM 4474 (Factory Mutual impact tests). UL 2218 uses steel balls dropped from set heights to simulate hail; Class 4 means the sample shows no tearing, splitting, or cracking.

Why Class 4 Matters For Homeowners And Insurers

Class 4 roofing reduces the likelihood of hail-related damage and may perform better in severe weather. Insurers often offer premium credits or deductible reductions for homes with certified Class 4 roofing because these roofs tend to produce fewer and smaller claims.

Which Roofing Materials Can Be Class 4?

Many roofing products can achieve Class 4, including metal panels, impact-resistant asphalt shingles, polymer-modified membranes, and certain tile or slate products tested as an assembly. The rating applies to the tested sample; not all products or installations of the same material automatically qualify.

How To Obtain A Class 4 Roof Certificate

There Are Three Common Paths To A Certificate: manufacturer test reports, third-party laboratory reports, or an on-site inspection verifying an installed system matches a tested assembly. Homeowners should collect official test reports and installation documentation to present to inspectors or insurers.

Manufacturer Or Laboratory Documentation

Manufacturers provide test reports showing UL 2218 or FM compliance. These reports include product identification, test dates, and lab data and may serve as proof when filed with insurers if the installed system matches the tested product and assembly.

On-Site Inspection And Certification

Some insurers or local programs require a certified roofing inspector to verify the installation. Inspectors check product labels, shingles, flashing, fasteners, and underlayment to ensure installed materials match tested assemblies and then issue a certificate or inspection report.

Documentation Homeowners Should Keep

To Secure A Class 4 Certificate Or Insurance Credit, Keep The Following:

• Manufacturer test reports (UL 2218 / FM 4473)
• Invoice and installation records
• Product labels and sample photos
• Inspector reports or certificates

How Insurers Evaluate Class 4 Certificates

Insurers Review Documentation To Confirm That The Installed Roof Matches The Tested Assembly And That The Certificate Or Report Is Genuine. Some insurers accept manufacturer lab reports, others require an on-site certified inspection or evidence the installation occurred before a claim or policy issuance.

Typical Insurance Discounts And Program Requirements

Discounts Vary Widely By Carrier And State; typical reductions range from 5%–35% on dwelling coverage for verified impact-resistant roofing. Requirements often include maintaining the roof, meeting local building codes, and sometimes providing photos or inspection reports upon renewal.

Cost Factors For Obtaining A Certificate

Costs Depend On Whether A New Roof Is Needed, The Type Of Roofing, And Inspection Fees. Certified impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing cost more up front but may be offset by lower insurance premiums and fewer repairs after hail events.

Installation Best Practices To Maintain Certification

To Ensure Performance, Follow Manufacturer Installation Guidelines And Local Code Requirements. Improper flashing, fasteners, or underlayment can void expected impact performance even if materials are Class 4. Retain installation photos and contractor warranty documents.

Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

Homeowners Often Assume A Material Rating Transfers Automatically; it does not. Unverified installations, mixed materials, or altered assemblies can prevent insurance credit. Verify product batch numbers and ensure contractors follow the tested assembly.

When A Certificate May Be Denied Or Challenged

Insurers May Reject Certificates If Documentation Is Incomplete, The Roof Installation Differs From The Tested Sample, Or The Certificate Is Not From A Recognized Lab. Keeping clear, dated records and securing inspections from accredited inspectors reduces disputes.

How Long Does A Class 4 Certificate Last?

The Material Rating From A Laboratory Is Permanent For That Sample, But Insurer Recognition Varies. Some carriers accept permanent material ratings indefinitely; others require periodic re-inspection or proof that the roof remains in good condition. Confirm the insurer’s policy on certificate validity at policy issuance.

State And Local Considerations

Regions Prone To Hail Or Hurricanes, Like Parts Of The Midwest And Southeast, May Have Specific Programs Or Incentives. Local building code, community programs, or state-run mitigation initiatives can influence how certificates are recognized and what credits are available.

Steps To Get An Insurance Discount Using A Class 4 Certificate

1. Collect Manufacturer Test Reports And Product Labels.
2. Obtain Installation Records And Photos From The Contractor.
3. Hire A Certified Inspector If The Insurer Requires On-Site Verification.
4. Submit Documentation To The Insurance Company Or Agent.
5. Follow Up To Confirm Credit Applied To Premiums.

Questions To Ask Contractors And Inspectors

Ask Contractors If The Product Has UL 2218 Or FM Testing For Class 4 Rating, Whether The Installation Matches The Tested Assembly, And For Proof Of Batch Numbers and Warranties. Ask Inspectors About Certification Credentials, Typical Fees, And Report Turnaround Time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does A Class 4 Rating Mean A Roof Is Hailproof?

No. A Class 4 Rating Means High Impact Resistance But Does Not Guarantee Immunity To All Hail Or Wind Damage. Severe storms can still cause damage, especially to components not covered by the rating.

Can An Older Roof Be Evaluated?

Yes, if the installed materials can be matched to a tested assembly and documented. Some insurers require an on-site inspection to confirm the old roof’s material and installation integrity. Original manufacturer documentation helps substantiate claims.

Is UL 2218 The Only Accepted Test?

Not Always. Many insurers accept FM tests or other recognized laboratory results. Confirm with the insurer which test standards they recognize before investing in upgrades.

Resources And Where To Verify Test Reports

Homeowners Can Verify UL 2218 Listings On The UL Directory Or Check Manufacturer Technical Data Sheets For FM Approvals. Insurance agents, local building departments, and accredited roofing associations can also help validate documentation and inspector credentials.

Final Practical Tips For Homeowners

Maintain Clear Records, Take Installation Photos, And Keep Manufacturer Labels Intact. Proactively discuss certificate requirements with the insurer before roof selection or installation to optimize eligibility for discounts and to avoid later documentation disputes.