Don't know if it applies to you are not, but we get lots of hail where I live. After buying a new house in 2007 and putting 3 new roofs on in less than 5 years, then I spent the extra money and went with a class 4 shingle. Since that time, we've had several hail storms and nearly all of my neighbors have had new roofs at least once or twice (some more), but every time after a storm I've had mine inspected and it's in perfect shape.