Shingle Impact Class Ratings Explained – Protecting Your Bolingbrook Home from Hail

Living in Will and DuPage counties, hail is an unfortunate reality. When a storm hits, the difference between a damaged roof and a secure home often comes down to one thing: the Impact Class Rating of your shingles.

At Saltsider Construction, we believe an informed homeowner is a protected homeowner. We want you to understand exactly what you are putting on your roof. While many contractors will install the bare minimum to save on costs, we focus on high-performance materials that can withstand the severe weather of the Midwest. This guide explains how shingles are rated and why choosing the right class is critical for your home's longevity.

Why Impact Ratings Matter in Illinois

Not all shingles are created equal. "Architectural" refers to the look of the shingle, not necessarily its strength. Without a verified impact rating, your roof may look great but fail during the first hailstorm of the season.

Why Saltsider Construction prioritizes Impact Ratings:

Hail Defense: Impact-rated shingles are engineered to prevent cracking and granule loss when hit by hailstones.
Insurance Savings: Because they reduce the risk of claims, many insurance providers offer significant discounts (often 20% or more) on premiums for homes with Class 4 shingles.
Longer Lifespan: A stronger shingle resists daily wear and tear better, extending the life of your roof investment.

Real Stories from

Protected Homes

Don’t just take our word for it. See what your neighbors are saying about the Saltsider difference. We are proud to be a 5-Star Google Reviewed company!

"Corey was awesome-great communicator, did a great job and offered his services for a very fair price. Will use again, highly recommend."

Ryan F.

★★★★★

"Amazing company to work with and very affordable with prices that are hard to beat. Cory was very knowledgeable and communicated to us what would be going on with the siding of our home."

Doug K.

★★★★★

"Great customer service and knowledgeable. Arrived within an hour of being contacted."

Christina Z.

★★★★★

"We needed help clearing ice and snow from our gutters and roof. Corey came out and was very helpful. He communicated the price and helped us understand what the conditions were. It was a good experience all around."

Michael B.

★★★★★

"Corey did a fantastic job! Fast, knowledgeable, and a grear price!"

Sarah L.

★★★★★

"I contacted Corey about getting my gutters cleaned. He answered very promptly, and was able to service me the same day. He arrived on time, and did a quick and professional job. I will definitely use him again for future work."

Ryan F.

★★★★★

"Corey did a great job on our siding repair. He really knows his stuff and took the time to explain everything without trying to upsell."

Doug K.

★★★★★

"Years of experience in the field, honesty, fair prices, along with a connection to the neighborhood convinced me to use Saltsider and I’m glad for it! Corey was able to clear my gutters and remove the impacted sludge from the downspouts for a great price. He inspected my roof and gave me a clear overview of his findings including an email summary. I will use them again and refer to everyone."

Christina Z.

★★★★★

"Corey is very pleasant and professional. Performed fantastic job gutter cleaning and will have him on speed dial for refurbishing."

Michael B.

★★★★★

"Corey did a great job on our siding repair. He really knows his stuff and took the time to explain everything without ever trying to upsell or talk down. Truly appreciated his professionalism and straightforward approach."

Sarah L.

★★★★★

Who Needs Impact Rated Shingles?

In short: Everyone in Illinois.

Homeowners: Protecting your investment from unpredictable weather.
Insurance Conscious Owners: Looking to lower monthly premiums.
Long-Term Residents: Wanting a roof that won't need replacement after the next big storm.

The 4 Main Impact Classes

Shingles are tested by independent laboratories like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and ASTM International. They drop steel balls from varying heights to simulate hail impact. Here is how the classes break down:

1. 3-Tab Shingles (Outdated)

The Rating: Low to None.
The Verdict: These are the old, flat shingles you rarely see on modern homes. They are highly susceptible to wind and hail damage. We recommend replacing these immediately.

2. Non-Impact Rated Architectural Shingles

The Rating: None.
The Verdict: These look like quality shingles but lack the engineering to withstand impact. Many "storm chasers" install these to maximize their profits, leaving you vulnerable.

3. Class 3 Impact Rated

The Rating: Standard.
The Verdict: These shingles can withstand minor hail without functional damage. They are the "standard" offering for many reputable companies.

4. Class 4 Impact Rated (The Gold Standard)

The Rating: Premium / Highest Available.
The Verdict: These shingles are tested to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball (about the size of an egg) without cracking. They offer the highest level of protection available for asphalt roofing.

The Saltsider Difference: Quality Comes Standard

This is where we stand apart. At Saltsider Construction, we believe you shouldn't have to pay extra for peace of mind.

We include Class 4 Impact Rated Shingles as a STANDARD feature on all our roof replacements.

While other companies treat Class 4 as an expensive upgrade, we provide it at no additional cost. We keep our overhead low so we can give you the best protection possible without the premium price tag.

How Ratings Are Tested (ASTM & UL)

It’s not just a marketing term; it’s science.

Impact Testing: The "steel ball drop" test determines if the shingle mat cracks or tears upon impact.
Wind Ratings: Most of our shingles are also rated for winds up to 130 mph, ensuring they stay put during severe gales.
Fire Ratings: Asphalt shingles generally carry a Class A fire rating, the highest available for fire resistance.

Benefits of Choosing Class 4

Durability: Rubberized polymers in the asphalt make the shingle more flexible and resistant to cracking.
Value: Increases the resale value of your home.
Peace of Mind: Sleep soundly knowing your roof is armored against the elements.

Do You Have the Right Protection?

If your roof is over 10 years old, or if you aren't sure what was installed, you might be at risk.

Granule Loss: Finding "sand" in your downspouts?
Visible Dents: Can you see bruise marks on your shingles?
High Insurance Premiums: Are you missing out on discounts?

Affordable Financing for Premium Protection

Upgrading your roof is a smart financial move. We partner with Acorn Finance to help you get the Class 4 protection you need with payments that fit your budget.