Materials & Shingles · FAQ

Do Class 4 shingles really last longer than standard architectural?

In hail country, yes — measurably. The polymer-modified mat in Class 4 shingles resists granule loss from hail strikes that would degrade a standard architectural shingle’s UV protection. Trill has pulled standard architectural shingles after eight to ten years of Illinois weather showing 40 to 50% granule loss in hail-exposed areas. Class 4 from the same period typically shows 15 to 25% loss.

That difference matters because granules are the shingle’s sunscreen. Once they’re gone, the asphalt mat degrades fast. Class 4 shingles in Madison County reliably hit their 30-year mark; standard architecturals more often need replacement at 18 to 22 years on hail-exposed slopes.