Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are the highest impact rating shingles carry, and in Richardson (squarely in DFW hail territory) they are the upgrade that most often pays for itself through insurance premium discounts.
Class 4 is a test result, not a marketing label. It refers to the UL 2218 impact standard, where a shingle has to survive a steel-ball strike that approximates severe hail without cracking. Richardson owners get two returns from that: fewer storm-damaged roofs over the life of the system, and a possible break on wind/hail premiums, since many Texas carriers discount homes roofed with Class 4 rated products. Call your carrier for their specific discount before you decide; we put the product rating paperwork in your policy file either way. Every estimate is free and written, every inspection is documented with photos, and we never waive a deductible, because Texas law prohibits it. We are roofers, not public adjusters.
Why Richardson hail makes the case for Class 4
Since 2006, Richardson has logged 36 days with hail an inch or larger within 6 miles of the city, and 12 of those days brought golf-ball-size stones or bigger. Hail at that size showed up in 14 of the last 20 years, and the largest stone on record here measured 3.0 inches on April 20, 2023. That frequency is the whole argument for impact rating: a standard laminate that opens up under one storm becomes a claim, while a Class 4 shingle is built to take the hit. The housing stock adds a second reason. The median home in this Dallas County city was built in 1986, and 44 percent predate 1980, so many roofs are on a later replacement and the original decking deserves a close look during tear-off. Our crews run the same Class 4 installs in Plano and Garland.
THE SYSTEM
Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles, up close.
Class 4 impact-resistant. The standard architectural look over an SBS-modified mat that bruises instead of fracturing.
PUBLIC RECORD
The local record behind Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles in Richardson
How a roof system holds up in Richardson depends on the storms it has to take and the houses it sits on. Here is what the public record shows.
36
Hail days, 1 in.+ since 2006
12
Golf-ball-size hail days
3 in.
Largest stone on record
1986
Median year homes built
Hail near Richardson
NOAA's Storm Events Database lists 36 days since 2006 with hail one inch or larger reported within 6 miles of Richardson. On 12 of those days, the stones were golf ball size or bigger. Hail that size was reported in 14 of the last 20 years. The largest stones on record nearby measured 3 inches (teacup size) on April 20, 2023. The most recent report: 1.75-inch hail on April 27, 2026.
April 20, 2023: 3-inch hail (teacup size)
April 11, 2016: 2.5-inch hail (tennis ball size)
June 13, 2012: 2.5-inch hail (tennis ball size)
September 24, 2023: 2.25-inch hail (hen egg size)
April 6, 2018: 2-inch hail (hen egg size)
How old Richardson homes are
The median home in Richardson was built in 1986, and 44% of the city's 47,960 housing units predate 1980. Many of these houses are likely on their second roof or nearing the point where they need one.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database (hail reports since 2006 within 6 miles of Richardson); U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates. Data pulled September 2026.
Common questions about class 4 impact-resistant shingles in Richardson
Do Class 4 shingles make my roof hail-proof in Richardson?
No. Class 4 is the highest impact rating, not immunity. Large hail can damage any roof. The rating means significantly better resistance to the hail sizes DFW sees most often.
How much do I save on insurance with Class 4 in Richardson?
It varies by carrier and policy. Texas insurers commonly discount the wind/hail portion of premiums for certified Class 4 roofs. Your agent can quote the exact discount; bring the product certification we provide.
Should we match the original material when re-roofing in Richardson?
Not automatically. A roof on its second or third cycle is a chance to rethink: Class 4 asphalt for the insurance math, metal or premium systems where the home and horizon justify them. We quote the honest options against your actual house.
How often does hail hit Richardson?
NOAA's Storm Events Database lists 36 days since 2006 with hail one inch or larger reported within 6 miles of Richardson, including 12 days with golf ball size stones or bigger. Hail that size was reported in 14 of the last 20 years. The most recent report was 1.75-inch hail on April 27, 2026.
How old are most homes in Richardson?
The median home in Richardson was built in 1986, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. 44% of the city's housing units predate 1980 and 21% were built in 2010 or later. Many homes here are reaching the age when original roofs come due.
