If you live in a hail-prone area like Colorado Springs, you’ve probably asked: “Are architectural shingles impact resistant?”
The short answer: some are—but many aren’t nearly as durable as homeowners expect.
And that misunderstanding can cost you thousands when the next storm hits.
If you’ve ever dealt with roof hail damage in Colorado Springs, you know how unpredictable the results can be—some roofs hold up surprisingly well, while others need full replacement after a single storm.
If you’ve ever wondered what hail actually does to your roof—and why some shingles fail while others hold up—take a look at our guide to hail damage roofing in Colorado Springs.
After inspecting roofs following major hailstorms, we’ve seen firsthand how different shingles perform under real conditions. The results aren’t always what the packaging—or even your insurance company—might lead you to believe.
Let’s break it down so you can make a smarter decision before your next roof replacement.
Are Architectural Shingles Impact Resistant?
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional shingles) are not automatically impact resistant.
They are:
- Thicker than basic 3-tab shingles
- More durable in general
- Designed for better wind resistance and appearance
But here’s the key point:
👉 Most architectural shingles are NOT rated for serious hail impact.
Only shingles that meet specific testing standards—typically Class 4 impact resistant roof shingles—are designed to handle significant hail without cracking or failing.
So if you’re assuming your “upgraded” architectural shingles will protect your home from hail… that’s a risky assumption.
What Are Class 4 Impact Resistant Roof Shingles?
When you hear the term Class 4 impact resistant roof shingles, it refers to the highest rating under UL 2218 testing standards.
In simple terms:
- Steel balls are dropped on the shingle to simulate hail impact
- Class 4 shingles resist cracking and structural damage
- Lower-rated shingles (or unrated ones) often fail this test
But here’s where it gets interesting…
👉 Even among Class 4 impact resistant shingles, performance can vary.
We’ve seen:
- Some brands hold up extremely well
- Others show granule loss, bruising, or early failure
- A few perform barely better than standard shingles
So the rating matters—but the manufacturer and product design matter just as much.
Are Impact Resistant Shingles Worth It?
This is one of the most common questions we get:
“Are impact resistant shingles worth it?”
In many cases, yes—but only if you choose the right product.
When they ARE worth it:
- You live in a hail-heavy region (like Colorado Springs)
- You want to reduce long-term repair/replacement costs
- You plan to stay in your home for several years
- You choose a proven, high-performing Class 4 product
When they might NOT be worth it:
- You choose based on price alone
- You assume all impact resistant shingles perform the same
- You’re relying solely on an insurance discount to justify the upgrade
👉 Bottom line: The wrong “impact resistant” shingle can give you a false sense of security.
If you’re not sure how your current roof held up after the last storm, it’s better to find out now than after the next hailstorm exposes a bigger problem.
A professional hail damage roof inspection in Colorado Springs can help identify hidden damage, evaluate your shingles, and give you a clear picture of what condition your roof is really in.
The Truth About Impact Resistant Shingles and Insurance Discounts
Yes, many insurance companies offer an impact resistant shingles insurance discount.
But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize:
- The discount is often modest
- It doesn’t guarantee your roof won’t be damaged
- Insurance still may not cover cosmetic or partial damage
- Some policies are becoming more restrictive over time
So while the discount is a nice bonus, it shouldn’t be your primary reason for choosing impact resistant roof shingles.
👉 Your real goal should be performance in an actual hailstorm—not just a line item on your policy.
A Real-World Look: Not All Impact Resistant Shingles Perform the Same
After major hail events, we regularly inspect roofs with:
- Standard shingles
- Architectural shingles
- Class 4 impact resistant shingles
And here’s the honest truth:
We’ve seen impact resistant shingles that:
- Performed extremely well with minimal damage
- Held up “okay” but still needed repairs
- Failed almost completely—just like standard shingles
That’s why doing your research matters.
How to Choose the Right Impact Resistant Roof Shingles
If you’re considering an upgrade, here’s what actually makes a difference:
1. Look Beyond the Label
“Impact resistant” is not enough. Ask:
- Is it Class 4 rated?
- How does it perform in real-world conditions?
2. Ask for a List of Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
Not all brands are equal. A contractor should be able to walk you through a list of Class 4 impact resistant shingles and explain how they perform in real-world conditions—not just what the brochure says.
If you want a real-world example, we’ve written an article about my favorite asphalt shingle, the CertainTeed Northgate. It’s a class 4 impact resistant shingle and has held up to several hail storms in Colorado Springs.
3. Work With a Contractor Who Has Storm Experience
Any roofer can install shingles.
But not all roofing contractors have experience evaluating hail damage—and that can make a big difference in how your roof performs over time.
When comparing roofing contractors in Colorado Springs, Colorado, it’s important to choose someone who has inspected roofs after real hailstorms, not just installed new ones.
A contractor with storm experience knows:
- What actually holds up
- What fails early
- What’s worth the investment
4. Think Long-Term, Not Just Upfront Cost
Cheaper shingles often mean:
- More repairs
- Faster replacement
- Higher lifetime cost
Final Thoughts: Don’t Assume—Verify
So, are architectural shingles impact resistant?
Sometimes—but not by default.
And even when shingles are labeled impact resistant, performance can vary more than most homeowners expect.
If you’re replacing your roof in a hail-prone area, take the time to:
- Understand your options
- Compare real performance—not just marketing claims
- Choose a product that’s proven to last
Need Help Choosing the Right Shingle?
If you’re not sure which shingles will actually protect your home, we can help.
We’ve evaluated roofs across multiple hailstorms and can walk you through:
- The best-performing impact resistant roof shingles
- What to avoid
- What makes sense for your home and budget
👉 Schedule a roof inspection or contact us here
FAQ: Impact Resistant Shingles and Hail Protection
Are architectural shingles impact resistant?
Not all architectural shingles are impact resistant. While they are thicker and more durable than basic 3-tab shingles, most are not designed to withstand significant hail impact unless they have a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
If hail protection is your goal, you’ll want to look specifically for Class 4 impact resistant roof shingles, not just standard architectural shingles.
What are Class 4 impact resistant roof shingles?
Class 4 impact resistant roof shingles are the highest-rated shingles for hail resistance under UL 2218 testing standards.
They are designed to:
- Resist cracking from hail impact
- Maintain their structural integrity
- Reduce the likelihood of insurance claims after storms
However, even within Class 4 ratings, performance can vary depending on the manufacturer and product design.
Are impact resistant shingles worth it?
In hail-prone areas like Colorado, impact resistant shingles are often worth the investment—but only if you choose the right product.
They can:
- Reduce damage during hailstorms
- Extend the life of your roof
- Lower long-term repair costs
But not all impact resistant shingles perform equally, so it’s important to choose based on real-world performance, not just marketing claims.
Do impact resistant shingles qualify for an insurance discount?
Yes, many insurance companies offer an impact resistant shingles insurance discount for homes with Class 4 rated shingles.
However:
- Discounts vary by provider
- Savings are usually modest
- They don’t guarantee your roof won’t be damaged
It’s best to view the discount as a bonus—not the main reason to upgrade.
Is there a list of Class 4 impact resistant shingles?
Yes, many manufacturers offer Class 4 rated shingles, but performance can differ significantly between products.
Instead of relying on a generic list of Class 4 impact resistant shingles, it’s better to:
- Compare specific products
- Look at real-world performance
- Talk to a contractor with hail damage inspection experience
This helps ensure you’re choosing a shingle that actually performs well in your area.
But asphalt shingles aren’t the only class 4 impact resistant roofing material. If you want to watch a short video about other options, I made a whole video about other roofing materials that resist hail.
How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. Signs can include:
- Bruising or soft spots on shingles
- Granule loss
- Cracks or fractures
The most reliable way to know is to have a professional inspection—especially after a major storm.