Understanding Shingle Ratings: Class 1–4, A–C, and H–F Explained
Choosing the right shingles for your West Texas home involves more than just picking a color. Shingles are rated for their resistance to impact, fire, and wind—all major concerns in Abilene and the Big Country. Knowing what each class means can help you protect your home from hail, wildfires, and high winds, all while potentially lowering your insurance premiums.
At Bunton Roofing, we help homeowners choose the right roofing materials with the right performance ratings for our local climate.
What Are Impact Resistance Ratings? (Class 1–4 Shingles)
Impact resistance is measured by how well shingles stand up to hail or flying debris—crucial for storm-prone regions like West Texas.
UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test
Shingles are rated based on the UL 2218 standard, where steel balls are dropped onto shingles to simulate hail damage:
Class 1: Minimal impact resistance.
Class 2: Better than Class 1, but not suitable for hail-prone areas.
Class 3: Withstands moderate hail.
Class 4: Highest impact resistance. Withstands large hail without cracking.
💡 Pro Tip: In Abilene, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are a smart investment. They help minimize roof damage and may qualify for insurance discounts.
What Are Fire Resistance Ratings? (Class A–C Shingles)
Fire ratings measure how well shingles resist flames—important in the dry, hot climate of the Big Country.
ASTM E108 Fire Rating System
Shingles undergo a fire exposure test for flame spread, burning embers, and intermittent flames:
Class A: Best fire resistance. Required in many areas.
Class B: Moderate protection.
Class C: Minimal protection against fire.
🔥 Class A fire-rated shingles are the standard for Texas homes and offer critical protection from wildfire risk.
What Are Wind Resistance Ratings? (Class H and F Shingles)
West Texas isn’t just hail country—it’s windy, too. Wind resistance ratings help determine how well your shingles stay in place during high winds.
ASTM D3161 and D7158 Wind Testing
There are two primary test methods for wind resistance:
Class F (from D3161): Shingles can withstand winds up to 110 mph.
Class H (from D7158): Shingles can resist uplift in winds up to 150 mph—the highest available rating.
💨 In areas prone to tornadoes and strong windstorms, Class H wind-rated shingles offer superior holding strength.
Choosing the Right Shingles for West Texas Homes
Here in Abilene and across the Big Country, Bunton Roofing often recommends shingles that are:
Class 4 for impact resistance
Class A for fire resistance
Class H for wind resistance
These high-performance shingles are ideal for the harsh conditions we experience in West Texas—hail, heat, and windstorms alike.
FAQs About Shingle Ratings
What do Class 1–4 shingles mean?
These ratings reflect how well shingles resist impact. Class 4 is the highest rating and the most resistant to hail.
What is Class A fire rating?
Class A shingles have the highest fire resistance and are often required by code in many Texas areas.
What’s the difference between Class F and Class H wind ratings?
Class F: Wind-tested to 110 mph
Class H: Wind-tested to 150 mph
Class H offers the best protection against strong West Texas winds.
Are Class 4, A, and H shingles worth it?
Absolutely. These shingles provide longer-lasting protection, help prevent costly storm damage, and may lower your home insurance premiums.
Can Bunton Roofing install these types of shingles?
Yes! We install impact-resistant, fire-rated, and high-wind shingles for homes throughout Abilene and the Big Country. We’ll recommend the right roofing system based on your needs and your home’s location.
Get the Right Shingles with Bunton Roofing
Need help choosing the best shingles for your home in Abilene or surrounding areas? Bunton Roofing is here to help. We specialize in roofing systems that withstand the toughest West Texas weather.
📞 Call today or request your free estimate to upgrade your roof with high-performance shingles!