If you have lived in Colorado for more than a year or two, you have probably had a conversation about hail damage. Maybe it was with a neighbor who just got their roof replaced. Maybe it was with your insurance agent who mentioned something about impact resistant shingles. Or maybe it was after you watched a storm shred your roof and realized there has to be a better option.
There is. They are called Class 4 impact resistant shingles, and they have become one of the most popular roofing choices in Colorado for very good reasons.
Let us break down what they are, how they are tested, what they cost, and whether they make sense for your home.
What Does "Class 4 Impact Resistant" Actually Mean?
Impact resistance in roofing shingles is measured using a standard test called UL 2218. In this test, steel balls of increasing size are dropped onto shingles from a set height to simulate hail impact. The shingles are then inspected for cracks, tears, or fractures.
There are four classifications.
Class 1 shingles withstand a 1.25 inch steel ball drop. Class 2 shingles withstand a 1.5 inch steel ball drop. Class 3 shingles withstand a 1.75 inch steel ball drop. Class 4 shingles withstand a 2 inch steel ball drop.
Class 4 is the highest rating available. A 2 inch steel ball is roughly the size of a golf ball, which is one of the most common hail sizes reported during Colorado's severe storms.
To earn a Class 4 rating, the shingle must survive two direct hits in the same spot without cracking or splitting. That is a serious test, and not every shingle on the market can pass it.
How Are Class 4 Shingles Different From Standard Shingles?
The key difference comes down to engineering. Class 4 shingles use a modified blend of materials that gives them significantly more flexibility and impact absorption compared to standard architectural shingles.
SBS Modified Asphalt
Most Class 4 shingles are made with SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) modified asphalt. Think of SBS as a rubber like polymer that gets blended into the asphalt during manufacturing. This gives the shingle a more flexible, resilient quality that allows it to absorb impact without cracking.
Standard shingles use oxidized asphalt, which is harder and more brittle. When hail hits an oxidized asphalt shingle, the force can crack the mat underneath, compromise the waterproofing, and accelerate deterioration. SBS modified shingles flex on impact and bounce back.
Reinforced Mat and Granule Adhesion
Class 4 shingles also tend to have heavier fiberglass mats and better granule adhesion. The granules on your shingles are not just for looks. They protect the asphalt from UV degradation. When hail knocks granules loose, it exposes the asphalt underneath and shortens the life of the shingle.
Better granule adhesion means the shingle holds onto its protective layer longer, even after repeated hail exposure.
The Insurance Discount: This Is Where It Gets Interesting
Here is the part that gets Colorado homeowners really excited. Most insurance companies in Colorado offer a premium discount when you install a Class 4 impact resistant roof. The discount varies by insurer and policy, but it typically ranges from 15% to 35% off your annual premium.
Let us do some quick math. If your annual homeowner's insurance premium is $3,000 and you receive a 25% discount for installing a Class 4 roof, that saves you $750 per year. Over the life of a 30 year roof, that is $22,500 in savings.
The upfront cost difference between Class 4 and standard shingles is typically 10% to 20% more. On an average roof replacement in the Denver metro area, that might be an extra $1,500 to $3,000. When you compare that against the insurance savings alone, the math is overwhelmingly in favor of Class 4 shingles.
And that does not even account for the reduced likelihood of needing a full roof replacement after the next hailstorm.
Popular Class 4 Shingle Products in Colorado
Not all Class 4 shingles are created equal. Here are some of the most popular options we install at Gates Enterprises shingle options.
GAF Timberline HDZ and Timberline AS II
GAF's Timberline line is the best selling shingle in North America. The Timberline HDZ offers a Class 4 option with excellent wind resistance (up to 130 mph). The newer Timberline AS II (ArmorShield) is specifically engineered for impact resistance and carries a Class 4 rating standard.
CertainTeed Landmark IR
CertainTeed's Landmark Impact Resistant shingle uses their proprietary StreakFighter technology to resist algae staining while delivering Class 4 impact performance. It comes in a wide range of colors and blends beautifully with Colorado's architectural styles.
Malarkey Vista AR
Malarkey is a Pacific Northwest manufacturer that has gained a strong following in Colorado. Their Vista AR shingle uses NEX polymer modified asphalt for Class 4 performance and includes Scotchgard protector for algae resistance.
Owens Corning Duration FLEX
The Duration FLEX uses SBS modified asphalt and carries a Class 4 rating. It also comes with Owens Corning's SureNail technology, which provides a reinforced nailing zone for better wind resistance.
As a quadruple certified contractor (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed Shingle Master Pro, Malarkey, and Emerald Premium), Gates Enterprises can install any of these products with the highest available manufacturer warranty our certifications. That flexibility allows us to recommend the best product for your specific situation rather than pushing whatever brand we happen to carry.
Do Class 4 Shingles Really Hold Up in Colorado Storms?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is that no shingle is completely hail proof.
Class 4 shingles are designed to withstand impacts equivalent to a 2 inch diameter hailstone. Most hailstorms in Colorado produce stones in the 1 to 2 inch range, which is exactly where these shingles perform best.
However, Colorado occasionally produces severe storms with hailstones exceeding 2 inches. In those rare events, even Class 4 shingles can sustain damage. But the damage is almost always less severe and less widespread than what a standard shingle would experience in the same storm.
We have seen this play out firsthand on thousands of roofs across the Front Range. Neighborhoods where some homes have Class 4 shingles and others have standard shingles tell the story clearly. After a significant hailstorm, the standard shingle roofs often need full replacement while the Class 4 roofs come through with minimal or no damage.
What About Appearance? Do They Look Different?
This is a common question, and the answer will make you happy. Modern Class 4 shingles look identical to their standard counterparts. The impact resistance comes from the material composition, not from adding bulk or changing the profile.
You get the same dimensional look, the same color options, and the same curb appeal. Your neighbors will not know you have an impact resistant roof unless you tell them. And you probably will tell them, because you will be pretty pleased with your decision after the next hailstorm.
Are Class 4 Shingles Worth It in Colorado? Absolutely.
Let us add it all up. You get superior hail protection in the most hail prone state in the country. You get a significant insurance premium discount every single year. You get reduced risk of needing a full replacement after storms. You get the same beautiful appearance as standard shingles. And you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your roof can handle what Colorado throws at it.
For Front Range homeowners, Class 4 impact resistant shingles are not a luxury. They are a smart investment that pays for itself.
Ready to Upgrade to a Class 4 Roof?
Whether you are replacing storm damage or proactively upgrading your roof, Gates Enterprises can help you choose the right Class 4 shingle for your home and budget. With over 7,200 roofs completed and quadruple manufacturer certification, we bring expertise and options that no other Colorado roofer can match.
Call us at (720) 766-3377 or schedule a free roof inspection online schedule a free inspection. We will assess your current roof, discuss your options, and give you a straightforward quote with no pressure and no gimmicks.