Hail protection

Impact-Resistant Shingles for Colorado Hail

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are rated to resist impact better than standard shingles. For many Front Range homeowners, they are a practical upgrade to consider when it is time for a new roof.

As an Atlas PRO+ Silver Level contractor, we install Atlas impact-resistant shingles, and we also install impact-rated products from TAMKO and GAF.

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On this page:
What Class 4 means
Atlas shingles
Other brands
Project photos
Is it worth it?
Compare
FAQ
The rating explained

What a Class 4 impact rating means

Most impact ratings for shingles come from UL 2218. In that test, steel balls of increasing size are dropped onto the roofing. Class 4 is the top rating, earned when the product holds up to a 2-inch steel ball without cracking. Some shingles are also tested under FM 4473, which uses ice balls.

A rating is a lab result for comparing products. Atlas says it directly in its own technical bulletin: the UL 2218 test is for product comparison, and it does not warrant performance against real-life hail. Large hail can still damage a Class 4 roof. What you get is better odds and a tougher shingle.

Our first recommendation

Atlas impact-resistant shingles

Atlas publishes Class 4 ratings for these lines on its own data sheets.

Atlas StormMaster Shake

A polymer-modified (Core4) laminated shingle rated UL 2218 Class 4 and FM 4473 Class 4, with 3M Scotchgard Protector to resist algae streaks.

Atlas StormMaster Slate

The StormMaster series in a slate-style profile, also rated UL 2218 Class 4 per Atlas's technical bulletin.

Atlas Pinnacle Impact

An architectural shingle made with polymer-modified asphalt, rated UL 2218 Class 4, with Scotchgard Protector and 3M Smog-Reducing Granules.

Color choice, profile and HOA rules all play a part. We bring samples and help you pick the line that fits your home.

More options

TAMKO and GAF

We are a GAF Master Elite residential contractor, and we install TAMKO roofing. Each of these manufacturers makes impact-rated shingles, and we are happy to quote them side by side with Atlas so you can compare look, availability and price.

From recent projects

Impact-resistant roofs we have installed

Atlas Pinnacle Impact and StormMaster Shake roofs, plus TAMKO and GAF projects.

Atlas Pinnacle Impact shingle roof in Pewter with hips and valleys
Atlas Pinnacle Impact shingle roof, Pewter
Close-up of Atlas Pinnacle Impact shingles in Hearthstone at the drip edge
Atlas Pinnacle Impact shingles, Hearthstone
Close-up of Atlas StormMaster Shake shingles in Midnight Lake along a sidewall
Atlas StormMaster Shake shingles, Midnight Lake
TAMKO StormFighter FLEX shingle roof in Rustic Slate with fall trees behind
TAMKO StormFighter FLEX shingle roof, Rustic Slate
GAF Timberline AS II shingle roof in Slate above a deck on a wooded lot
GAF Timberline AS II shingle roof, Slate
An honest look

Pros and cons of impact-resistant shingles

Pros

  • Better resistance to hail than standard shingles
  • Polymer-modified asphalt is designed to absorb impact rather than crack
  • Same look and installation process as a standard architectural roof

Cons

  • Costs more than a standard shingle
  • Not hail-proof; very large hail can still cause damage
  • Colors and profiles may be more limited than standard lines
Other hail-resistant roofs

How they compare to other roofing

Stone-coated steel

Lightweight steel panels with a stone granule finish. Higher cost, and Westlake Royal lists a Class 4 hail rating on the Cottage Shingle we install.

Stone-coated steel roofing

Metal vs. shingles

How metal and shingle roofs compare for cost, hail and appearance in Colorado.

Read the comparison

Roofing materials for Denver weather

A broader look at roofing materials for hail, wind, sun and snow.

Read the guide

Common questions

Impact-resistant shingle FAQ

Are impact-resistant shingles hail-proof?

No. They resist impact better than standard shingles, but large hail can still damage them. Atlas notes that its lab ratings are for product comparison.

Do they look different from regular shingles?

Not really. Atlas StormMaster and Pinnacle Impact look like architectural shingles, and StormMaster Slate gives a slate-style look.

Can I choose impact-resistant shingles for my next roof?

Yes. We can quote Class 4 options side by side with standard shingles so you can see the price difference before you decide.

Start with a clear assessment

Find out if Class 4 shingles fit your roof

We will inspect the roof, document what we find and explain your options in plain language. Inspections are free. Call (303) 808-0687 or send us a note through our contact page.

Contact Blue Peaks
Call (303) 808-0687