CertainTeed Landmark shingles are commonly listed with a Class A fire rating and a Class 3 impact-resistance rating. Their wind performance is described through wind ratings, installation requirements, and warranty terms rather than one universal “class.” Because ratings can vary by product version and certification, homeowners should confirm the exact Landmark shingle and installation details before comparing products or making an insurance or code decision.
Quick Answer: CertainTeed Landmark Shingle Classes
For the standard CertainTeed Landmark architectural asphalt shingle, the short answer is typically Class A for fire resistance and Class 3 for impact resistance. “Class” can mean different things in roofing, however, so those ratings do not describe every aspect of shingle performance.
- Fire: Class A is the highest classification in the common roofing fire-rating system.
- Impact: Class 3 indicates a result under the UL 2218 impact-resistance test. It is not the top rating; Class 4 is higher.
- Wind: Wind performance is expressed through test standards, installation conditions, and warranty limits, not a Class 1–4 scale.
These are general product characteristics, not a substitute for the listing or documentation for a particular package, model, or market. Product lines and specifications can change. For a permit, insurance application, or contractor bid, the most reliable reference is the current CertainTeed product data and the applicable certification for the exact shingle being installed.
What “Class” Means for Roofing Shingles
Roofing discussions often use “class” to refer to at least two different test results: fire classification and impact resistance. A person asking what class CertainTeed Landmark shingles are may be asking about either one. Wind performance is also important, but it is generally reported separately.
Fire classification
Roof-covering fire classifications are commonly labeled Class A, Class B, or Class C, with Class A offering the highest level of fire-test performance in that system. Tests evaluate how a roof assembly responds to specified fire exposure. The rating applies to a tested assembly or listed configuration, not necessarily to a shingle in isolation under every possible installation.
Impact-resistance classification
Impact ratings commonly use Classes 1 through 4 under the UL 2218 test. The test involves steel balls dropped from set heights onto a roofing sample to assess damage. A Class 4 result is the highest rating in this scale; a Class 3 result is below it but above Classes 1 and 2. The test is a standardized comparison, not a promise that a roof will never be damaged by hail.
Wind performance
Wind performance may be described using test standards, such as ASTM D7158, and manufacturer wind warranties. These are not the same thing as a fire or impact “class.” A shingle’s resistance to wind depends on the product, fastening pattern, roof design, workmanship, and exposure conditions.
CertainTeed Landmark Fire Rating
CertainTeed lists Landmark shingles with a Class A fire rating in its product information. Class A is generally the strongest roof-covering classification under commonly used fire-test standards. It can be relevant where building codes, local rules, or an insurer requires a particular roof-fire classification.
The rating should not be read as a guarantee that a home is fireproof. Roof fire performance depends on the complete roof assembly and its installation, while embers can also enter through openings or collect in gutters and other areas. Homeowners should follow local code requirements and use the product in the configuration described by its listing and installation instructions.
For project documentation, check the current CertainTeed product data sheet and the applicable code or listing information. If a local official or insurer asks for proof, provide documentation for the installed product rather than relying on a general description of the Landmark family.
Is CertainTeed Landmark Class 3 Or Class 4?
Standard Landmark shingles are commonly identified as UL 2218 Class 3 impact-resistant shingles. That means they have achieved a Class 3 result in the relevant test, not Class 4. Some roofing products marketed specifically for enhanced impact resistance may earn Class 4, but that rating should not be assumed for every shingle that shares a manufacturer or product-family name.
CertainTeed offers multiple shingle products and variations. A product with a name such as Landmark ClimateFlex may have different impact-related specifications from standard Landmark. Likewise, product details can differ by market or change over time. The package label, current technical sheet, and certification record should identify the exact model and its verified rating.
Class 3 does not mean a roof is immune to hail. Real hail damage depends on factors such as hailstone size, density, shape, wind speed, roof slope, temperature, roof age, and installation quality. A standardized impact test helps compare products under controlled conditions; it cannot reproduce every storm or predict whether an insurer will classify a particular event as covered damage.
Landmark Wind Rating And Warranty
Landmark shingles are associated with wind-resistance testing and manufacturer warranty conditions, but there is no single “wind class” equivalent to Class A fire or Class 3 impact. CertainTeed product and warranty documents describe wind limits and conditions for qualifying installations. The applicable terms may depend on the shingle model, required starter products, fastening, roof deck, and whether an enhanced installation method is used.
Some CertainTeed Landmark materials reference wind speeds of up to 110 mph under specified installation conditions, with higher limits—often up to 130 mph—available when stated enhanced installation requirements are met. Those figures are not a guarantee that shingles will withstand every storm at that speed. They are tied to the manufacturer’s terms and should be checked against the current instructions and warranty for the exact product.
Wind performance is also affected by roof geometry, building location, code requirements, and exposure. A contractor should follow the current installation instructions, including the specified number and placement of nails. Incorrect nailing, inadequate ventilation, poor deck condition, and improperly installed starter shingles can undermine performance regardless of a product’s published rating.
How Landmark Ratings Compare
| Performance Area | Common Landmark Specification | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Fire resistance | Class A | Highest category in the commonly used Class A/B/C roof-covering fire classification. |
| Impact resistance | Class 3 for standard Landmark listings | UL 2218 test result; Class 4 is the highest impact class. |
| Wind | Specified through test results, installation conditions, and warranty terms | Not a numbered Class A–D or Class 1–4 rating; verify model-specific documentation. |
This comparison is a practical overview, not a substitute for the current technical sheet. A shingle’s published specification, warranty coverage, and local building-code approval are related but separate matters.
Why Class 3 Does Not Guarantee Insurance Discounts
Some insurers offer premium credits for qualifying impact-resistant roofing, but eligibility rules vary by state, insurer, policy, and product. An insurer may require Class 4 certification, specific documentation, proof of installation, or an inspection. A Class 3 rating may not meet that company’s criteria.
Homeowners should ask the insurer which test standard and rating it accepts before choosing a roof based on a potential discount. They should also ask whether the credit applies to the whole policy or only a portion of the premium. A product’s impact rating alone does not establish eligibility, and discounts are not guaranteed.
Warranty coverage is another separate issue. A manufacturer’s limited warranty does not necessarily cover hail damage, cosmetic damage, or every repair cost. Review the warranty’s exclusions and conditions, and keep invoices, product labels, and installation records.
How To Verify The Rating On A Specific Landmark Shingle
- Identify the exact product. Record the full name, product variation, and any model or package information. “Landmark” alone may not be enough to distinguish one specification from another.
- Check current CertainTeed documentation. Look up the product’s technical data sheet, installation instructions, warranty, and certification information on CertainTeed’s official website.
- Confirm the test standard. For impact resistance, check whether the stated result is under UL 2218 and whether it is Class 3 or Class 4. For fire, confirm the applicable Class A listing and assembly conditions.
- Match the roof assembly and installation. Verify that the underlayment, deck, fastening pattern, slope, and other specified components meet the listing and local code.
- Ask for written confirmation. A qualified roofing contractor or CertainTeed representative can help identify the right product records. An insurer or building official can confirm what documentation it accepts.
What The Ratings Mean For A Roofing Decision
For many homeowners, a Class A fire rating is an important baseline, while impact resistance and wind terms help compare products for local weather risks. A Class 3 impact rating offers a recognized test result, but it is not the highest available impact class. If hail resistance or an insurance credit is a priority, compare verified Class 4 options and check eligibility before buying.
Wind performance should be evaluated alongside the roof’s design and installation plan. A product’s stated wind limit is useful only when the shingle is installed according to the conditions behind that claim. The contractor should explain the fastening method, accessory products, and warranty requirements in writing.
In short, standard CertainTeed Landmark shingles are generally described as Class A for fire and Class 3 for impact resistance. Wind performance is specified separately. Because names, ratings, and warranty terms can vary, the current documentation for the exact Landmark product is the best source for a final answer.