What Are Class 4 Shingles? A Minnesota Homeowner’s Guide
If you own a home in the Twin Cities, you already know what our hail seasons can do to a roof. Class 4 shingles are the toughest impact rating a shingle can earn, and for Minnesota homeowners they are worth understanding before your next roof replacement.
What Does “Class 4” Actually Mean?
Class 4 refers to the highest rating in the UL 2218 impact-resistance test. In that test, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped from 20 feet onto the shingle — roughly simulating the energy of large hail. If the shingle does not crack or split on the front or the back, it earns a Class 4 rating. Class 1 is the lowest rating (smaller ball, less energy), and Class 4 is the highest.
Why Class 4 Matters in Minnesota
The Twin Cities metro sees hail nearly every year, and storms like the ones that have hit Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Ramsey County can shorten the life of a standard shingle. Impact-rated shingles are engineered with tougher mats and modified asphalt (often SBS polymer-modified, sometimes called “rubberized” asphalt) so they flex instead of cracking when hail hits.
One Class 4 option we install often is Malarkey Legacy®, a rubberized polymer-modified shingle that stays flexible in Minnesota cold. Northern Exteriors is a Malarkey Certified Pro Contractor, which means our crews are trained on Malarkey products and installation, and when Legacy is installed as a complete qualifying Secure Choice™ roof system (with at least three Malarkey accessories) we can offer enhanced Pro warranty protection on top of the standard limited lifetime coverage. We will tell you up front whether your scope qualifies. See our Malarkey roofing guide for Minnesota homeowners for colors, Vista vs. Legacy and warranty details.
One detail worth knowing if your current roof is wood shake, like the one above: shakes sit thicker than modern shingles, so the step flashing along your sidewalls can end up visible once the new roof is on. Here is how we handle exposed step flashing after a cedar shake tear-off.
Can Class 4 Shingles Lower My Insurance Premium?
Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with Class 4 impact-resistant roofs, because those roofs generate fewer hail claims. The discount amount varies by insurer and policy, and some carriers apply conditions such as cosmetic-damage exclusions. The honest answer: ask your insurance agent what your specific carrier offers before you buy. We are happy to provide the product documentation your agent will ask for.
The Trade-Offs, Honestly
Class 4 shingles cost more up front than standard architectural shingles. “Impact resistant” also does not mean “hail proof” — a severe enough storm can damage any roof. And if your policy includes a cosmetic-damage exclusion, some kinds of hail marks may not be covered. A good contractor should walk you through all of this before you sign anything. Shingles are also only the top layer — our felt vs. synthetic underlayment comparison covers what belongs underneath.
Is a Class 4 Roof Right for Your Home?
If you plan to stay in your home for years, live in a hail-prone part of the metro, or your insurer offers a meaningful discount, Class 4 shingles are often worth a serious look. If you are unsure what is on your roof now or whether it has existing hail damage, Northern Exteriors offers free roof inspections across Washington, Ramsey, Dakota, and Wright Counties. Family-owned since 2001, MN License #BC297099. Call 651-230-5103 or request a free estimate and we will give you a straight answer. More homeowner guides like this one live on our roofing and siding blog.
Related from Northern Exteriors
Thinking about impact-resistant shingles for your own home? See what a Woodbury MN roof replacement involves, or book a free hail damage roof inspection.
