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How Are Asphalt Shingles Rated? A Comprehensive Guide by S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S., offering durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. But not all asphalt shingles are the same—each type is rated based on performance, lifespan, and weather resistance. Understanding how asphalt shingles are rated can help homeowners make informed decisions when choosing the right roofing material.
At S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC, an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor serving Youngstown, Ohio, we specialize in installing high-quality asphalt shingles that provide superior protection for your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the different rating systems for asphalt shingles, including impact resistance, wind resistance, fire ratings, and longevity.
Why Asphalt Shingles?
Before diving into ratings, let’s briefly look at why asphalt shingles are the go-to choice for many homeowners:
✅ Affordability – Asphalt shingles are cost-effective compared to metal, slate, or tile roofing.
✅ Variety of Styles & Colors – Available in a range of colors and designs to complement any home.
✅ Durability – Modern asphalt shingles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
✅ Ease of Installation & Maintenance – Simple installation and low maintenance requirements.
✅ Energy Efficiency – Many asphalt shingles are now engineered to reflect heat and improve home energy efficiency.
Now, let’s explore how asphalt shingles are rated based on key performance factors.
1. Wind Resistance Ratings
High winds can cause serious roof damage, especially in Ohio, where storms, high winds, and even occasional tornadoes occur. Asphalt shingles are rated for wind resistance by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Wind Resistance Rating Classes
🌀 Class D: Withstands winds up to 90 mph
🌀 Class G: Withstands winds up to 120 mph
🌀 Class H: Withstands winds up to 150 mph
At S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC, we recommend using Class H shingles for homes in high-wind areas. Owens Corning shingles, for example, offer superior wind resistance when installed with proper starter strips and fastening techniques.
2. Impact Resistance Ratings (Hail Resistance)
Hail is a major cause of roof damage in Ohio. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles can prevent costly damage from hail and falling debris. The UL 2218 rating system is used to measure shingle impact resistance, with Class 4 being the highest rating.
UL 2218 Impact Resistance Ratings
🛑 Class 1: Withstands impact from a 1.25-inch steel ball dropped from 12 feet
🛑 Class 2: Withstands impact from a 1.5-inch steel ball dropped from 12 feet
🛑 Class 3: Withstands impact from a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet
🛑 Class 4: Withstands impact from a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are the best choice for homeowners in areas prone to severe storms and hail. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with Class 4-rated roofing.
🚨 Pro Tip: Owens Corning Duration Storm® shingles provide excellent Class 4 impact resistance and are a great option for Ohio homeowners!
3. Fire Ratings for Asphalt Shingles
Fire resistance is another crucial factor in shingle ratings. Asphalt shingles are tested under the ASTM E108 or UL 790 standards and are classified into three categories:
🔥 Class A: The highest level of fire resistance, offering excellent protection against severe fire exposure.
🔥 Class B: Provides moderate fire resistance.
🔥 Class C: Offers minimal fire resistance.
Most modern asphalt shingles, including Owens Corning shingles, are Class A rated, ensuring the highest level of fire protection for your home.
4. Longevity and Durability Ratings
Asphalt shingles come with different lifespans, typically ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on the type:
🔹 3-Tab Shingles (20-25 years): The most affordable option, but less durable.
🔹 Architectural Shingles (30-50 years): More durable and aesthetically appealing, making them a popular choice.
🔹 Luxury Shingles (50+ years): The highest-quality asphalt shingles, offering maximum durability and design variety.
Manufacturers often back their shingles with warranties, such as limited lifetime warranties on architectural and luxury shingles.
At S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC, we install Owens Corning Duration® shingles, which feature a Limited Lifetime Warranty, ensuring your roof lasts for decades!
5. Energy Efficiency Ratings (Cool Roof Technology)
With rising energy costs, homeowners are looking for energy-efficient roofing materials. The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is used to measure how well shingles reflect heat.
☀️ ENERGY STAR®-Rated Shingles: Reflect more sunlight and reduce heat absorption, leading to lower cooling costs.
☀️ Cool Roof Technology: Uses specially designed granules to reflect more heat and UV rays.
Owens Corning’s Cool Roof Collection features ENERGY STAR®-certified shingles, making them a great choice for energy-conscious homeowners.
6. Moisture and Algae Resistance Ratings
Over time, moisture buildup can lead to mold, mildew, and algae growth on shingles, especially in humid climates. Look for shingles with:
🌱 Algae-Resistant Technology: Prevents black streaks caused by algae buildup.
🌧️ Moisture-Resistant Features: Special coatings to resist moisture damage.
Owens Corning shingles are designed with StreakGuard® Algae Resistance Protection, keeping your roof looking great for years!
Which Asphalt Shingles Are Best for Ohio Homes?
When choosing asphalt shingles for your home, consider the weather conditions in Ohio, including:
✔️ Strong winds – Choose Class H wind-resistant shingles.
✔️ Hail and storms – Opt for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles.
✔️ Energy savings – Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified shingles.
✔️ Moisture resistance – Select algae-resistant shingles to prevent streaking.
For the best protection and curb appeal, we recommend Owens Corning Duration® and Duration Storm® shingles, which provide top-tier durability and weather resistance.
Why Choose S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC for Your Asphalt Shingle Roof?
At S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC, we take pride in offering high-quality asphalt shingle roofing services in Youngstown, Ohio, and surrounding areas. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we ensure expert installation, long-lasting protection, and industry-leading warranties.
Here’s why homeowners trust us:
🏠 Expert Roofing Installation – Proper installation is crucial for ensuring shingle performance.
🔨 Top-Quality Materials – We use Owens Corning’s top-rated shingles for durability and beauty.
💰 Affordable Pricing & Financing – Competitive rates with flexible payment options.
📞 Free Roof Inspections & Estimates – No-obligation assessments for your roofing needs.
🛡️ Industry-Leading Warranties – Protect your investment with long-term warranties.
Get a Free Roofing Quote from S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC Today!
Whether you’re looking to install a new asphalt shingle roof or need repairs and replacements, trust S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC to get the job done right.
📞 Call us today for a FREE roof inspection!
🌐 Visit our website to learn more about our asphalt shingle options.
🔹 Protect your home with the best-rated asphalt shingles – Contact us today! 🔹
