Oh Hail No! How to Protect Your Home from the Next Big Storm With Class 3 or Class 4 Shingles

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April 15, 2026 was a loud reminder that Northeast Ohio weather doesn’t play around. From the golf ball-sized hail that slammed Solon and Cuyahoga County to the EF-1 tornado that touched down in NE Ohio just a couple of weeks ago, our homes are taking a literal beating.

If you were listening to the “thud” of ice on your roof from the storm, you aren’t alone—and you aren’t imagining things. Recent reports show that the frequency and intensity of these “severe convective storms” are on the rise, with damaging hail events projected to increase by up to 75% in the coming years. When the sky turns green, the best defense for your home is a roof built for impact. Here is what you need to know about the GAF Class 3 vs. Class 4 shingles we install at Campo Roof to armor up your home!

Understanding Shingle Impact Resistance: Class 3 and Class 4

Roofing shingles are ranked from Class 1 to Class 4 based on their ability to withstand the kind of impact we just saw yesterday. To determine these ratings, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) uses the UL 2218 standard, which involves dropping steel balls of varying sizes twice onto installed shingles from specific heights.

The goal is simple: the backside of the shingle must show zero evidence of tearing, cracking, or fracturing.

Impact Resistance Rating Table

Rating	Steel Ball Size	Drop Height
Class 1	1.25 inches	12 feet
Class 2	1.50 inches	15 feet
Class 3	1.75 inches	17 feet
Class 4	2.00 inches	20 feet

Class 3 Shingles: They Provide Reliable Performance

Are Class 3 shingles impact resistant? Absolutely. While Class 4 is the highest possible rating, Class 3 shingles meet the standard for moderate hail impacts. They offer a perfect balance for Cleveland homeowners looking for both affordability and professional-grade protection.

The GAF Class 3 Lineup:

Manufactured with a fiberglass mat core and resilient asphalt, GAF Class 3 options include:

• Timberline HDZ® and UHDZ®
• Camelot II®
• Slateline®

Why choose Class 3? They typically have a lifespan of 20–30 years. They are a solid choice if you want a roof that far outperforms a standard shingle but fits a more moderate budget.

Class 4 Shingles: The “Tornado-Resistant” Standard

GAF Class 4 shingles represent the highest certified level of protection. They are made with SBS polymer-modified asphalt, which gives them a “rubberized” quality. This allows the shingle to flex and absorb energy rather than cracking when hit by large hail.

The GAF Class 4 Lineup:

• Timberline® AS II
• Grand Sequoia® AS

Why choose Class 4? These are designed for high-risk zones. In fact, Timberline® AS II shingles meet the UL Class F wind rating—the highest possible. When installed with the required accessories, they are eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, which offers infinite wind speed protection. After seeing what a tornado can do to a neighborhood, that peace of mind is priceless.

The Bottom Line: Costs, Benefits, and Your Insurance

Choosing between Class 3 and Class 4 usually comes down to three factors:

• Insurance Discounts: Many providers in Ohio offer significant premium reductions for Class 4 roofs—sometimes between 10–25%.
• Longevity: Class 4 shingles typically exceed a 30–35 year lifespan because they resist surface granule loss much better than standard materials.
• Upfront Investment: Class 4 shingles generally cost 10–20% more than Class 3. However, with Cleveland storms becoming more frequent and severe, that extra investment often pays for itself by avoiding a full replacement the next time the sirens go off.

Making the Right Choice

The recent hail storm was a warning. Whether you choose the reliable protection of Class 3 or the premium “armor” of Class 4, the most important part of your roof is the team that stands behind it.

The Bottom Line

If you’re worried about what the hail did to your shingles, don’t guess. Have Campo Roof take a proper look to ensure your home is ready for whatever the Lake Erie sky throws at us next. Ready to move forward? check out our services to repair storm damage today!