Wind Ratings - What Are They?

If you live in hurricane country or a high wind area, you probably know that wind ratings on a roof shingle are important. If you live in a moderate climate, it is also important that you understand how wind ratings impact the cost and performance of the product you purchase.

What Are Roof Shingle Wind Ratings?

Roof shingle wind ratings are based on impact testing done with steel balls simulating 90-mph hailstones of varying sizes. Shingle products with the highest impact resistant are called Class 4 and those with the lowest are in Class 1. By rating materials from Class 1 through 4, based on their resistance to high impact, consumers can choose what is most appropriate for where they live. A customer in California, for example, would likely choose a Class 1 roof, while a customer in Florida, because of the history of hurricanes, would choose a Class 4.

Who Assigns Roof Shingle Wind Ratings?

Historically, two agencies determined quality ratings: (1) Universal Laboratories (UL), and (2) The Institute of Home and Business Safety. In 1996, the two groups joined forces to establish and enforce uniform roof shingle standards. The resulting impact test is known as UL 2218. By UL 2218 standards, Class 4 shingles can sustain a double hit in the same spot and retain their integrity.

Which Types of Roof Shingles Have the Highest Ratings?

There are five kinds of roof materials that have the highest rating of Class 4: (1) aluminum, (2) copper, (3) plastic, (4) resin, and (5) modified asphalt.