Class 4 Impact Resistance: Do You Really Need It in Washington County?

If you have lived in Mahtomedi, Stillwater, or Lake Elmo for more than a few years, you know the drill. The sky turns a bruised shade of purple, the sirens wail, and suddenly your roof is being pelted with ice.

In Washington County, hail isn’t a “freak accident”—it is a regular seasonal event.

After a storm, you might see neighbors getting their roofs replaced. But when it comes time to choose your own shingles, you will hear a specific term thrown around: “Class 4 Impact Resistance.”

These shingles cost more than standard “builder-grade” options.¹ The question is: Are they worth the extra investment?

At Roofing MPLS, we believe that for Minnesota homeowners, the answer is almost always yes—not just for the protection, but for the math.

The Steel Ball Test: What Does “Class 4” Mean?

“Class 4” isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it is a technical classification based on the UL 2218 Impact Test.²

To earn this rating, independent labs drop a 2-inch steel ball (about the size of a pool ball) from 20 feet in the air directly onto the shingle—twice in the same spot.³

Class 3 or Lower: The shingle cracks, tears, or shows evidence of granule loss on the backside.
Class 4: The shingle shows no evidence of tearing or cracking on the backside.⁴

If a shingle can survive a steel ball drop, it can likely survive the golf-ball-sized hail that frequently hits the Twin Cities.

The “Secret” Discount: Paying for Itself

Here is the part most contractors forget to mention: Your insurance company wants you to buy this roof.

Hail claims cost insurance companies billions. To encourage homeowners to upgrade, many major carriers (State Farm, Allstate, Travelers, etc.) offer significant annual premium discounts if you install a Class 4 Impact Resistant roof.⁵

The Savings: Discounts typically range from 15% to 25% off your annual premium.
The Math: If you save $300-$500 a year on insurance, a Class 4 roof can often pay for its own upgrade cost in just 3 to 5 years. After that, the savings go straight to your pocket.

Check our Minneapolis roofing budget guide to see how these long-term savings factor into your overall project cost.

The Heavy Hitters: Who Makes the Best Class 4?

Not all impact-resistant shingles are created equal.⁶ Some just add a mesh backing to a standard shingle. Others, like the ones we recommend, fundamentally change the chemistry of the asphalt.

1. Atlas StormMaster® Shake (Core4™ Technology)⁷

Atlas has been a pioneer in this space. Their StormMaster® Shake shingles feature Core4™ Enhanced Polymer Technology.

Why it works: They use a rubberized polymer blend that allows the shingle to flex and absorb energy rather than shattering.⁸
The Bonus: They also come with the highest wind warranty in the industry (up to 150 mph) and 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector to prevent those ugly black algae streaks.⁹

2. Malarkey Legacy® (The Rubberized Standard)

If you ask roofing nerds what they would put on their own house, many will say Malarkey Legacy®.

Why it works: Malarkey modifies their asphalt with upcycled rubber from used tires and plastic bags.¹⁰ This NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt is incredibly rubbery.¹¹+1
The “Bounce” Effect: When hail hits a Malarkey shingle, it often bounces off without dislodging granules. Less granule loss means your roof lasts longer, even after a storm.¹²

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you are flipping a house and moving next year, a standard Class 3 roof might be fine.

However, if you plan to stay in your Mahtomedi home for the next decade, a Class 4 roof is a financial “no-brainer.”

You get a better roof: It won’t leak when the next storm hits.
You lower your bills: The insurance savings add up every single year.¹³
You increase resale value: “Impact Resistant Roof” is a major selling point for future buyers in hail-prone Minnesota.¹⁴

Want to check your eligibility?

Call your insurance agent today and ask: “What is the discount for a UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistant roof?”

Once you get the number, call Roofing MPLS at +1 612-246-7079. We can install both Atlas and Malarkey systems that qualify for the maximum discount.