Finding a shingle you can trust

By Alberta Allied Roofing Association. 

Many different areas have seen an increase in extreme hail events. Learn about the different shingles designed to withstand these storms. 

A roof’s first and foremost job is to protect the rest of the home and the inhabitants. As climate change continues to become an increasingly critical issue, we have seen a rise in extreme weather events, like hail, that test the protective nature of roofs. Experts report that hail, while rarer than sleet, heavy rain and wind, is one of the more dangerous weather conditions for a roof; and often costs more to repair. But there are many manufacturers out there designing shingles to lower the risk and cost in the case of a storm. Here at Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA), we have seen the damage of hail firsthand and want to help you choose the right shingle for your home! 

Alberta, Canada: An example of severe weather strikes 

In 2021, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (ICB) put out a bulletin warning homeowner about an uptick in hailstorms. From 2010 to 2020, severe weather events hit Alberta more than any other region in Canada. Hail damage claims can be costly — running into the billions. Impact-resistant, class 4-rated shingles are the gold standard for protecting homes and their inhabitants. 

Proven protection against hail 

Shingles are the first line of defense against the elements. Contractors and homeowners quickly realized shingles are not created equal. In 1966, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed an industry-standard testing protocol — UL 2218 — designed to mimic the impact of hail or other objects, then rated accordingly. 

• Class 1: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 1.25 diameter steel ball 
• Class 2: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 1.50 diameter steel ball 
• Class 3: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 1.75 diameter steel ball 
• Class 4: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 2.00 diameter steel ball 

Roofing products rated class 4 are the best protection against hail. These materials are proven to hold up in harsh conditions. But that’s just a baseline for many companies. Manufacturers have developed their own specialized technology to safeguard against extreme heat and cold, mold and algae and fire, all with an eye on curb appeal. 

Roofing materials have become high-tech 

As weather events become more extreme and material costs and insurance go up, companies have turned to technology to help set them apart from competitors. And Albertans are reaping the benefits. The Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) works with suppliers and manufacturers that have stepped up their shingle game. 

GAF: Multi-talented performance 

GAF’s Timberline® ArmorShield II shingles are not only Class 4 impact resistant, but they also help protect your roof from wind uplift and algae discoloration! Other features include:  

• 5-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty 
• 15-year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty 
• Layerlock™ technology that creates a StrikeZone™ nailing area which provides up to 99.9% nailing accuracy.  

Designed using GAF’s proprietary SBS-modified asphalt formulation, all of these shingles pass UL’s toughest impact-resistance test — UL 2218 Class 41. That means they can really take a punch from Mother Nature.  

Malarkey: Performance, sustainability and style 

Malarkey’s Legacy shingle features a proprietary industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt for superior performance. These best-in-class shingles feature: 

• Rubberized shingles that respond better to varying and extreme weather 
• Synthetic rubber polymers add pliability and resilience to resistant impact and tears 
• Legacy® Scotchgard™, featuring Scotchgard Protector™, resists algae and helps prevent streaks 
• Enhanced durability and less waste, thanks to upcycled materials 
• ‘Your Choice’ warranty that allows homeowners flexibility to choose 

Designed in the popular architectural style and made with the industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt, Legacy® shingles deliver superior all-weather resilience, a Class 4 hail impact rating and include granules that help clean the air of emission pollutants. 

Euroshield: Your roof – covered in style 

Years of research and development have led to the creation of Euroshield’s unique formula, containing approximately 95% recycled materials, for the production of the world’s finest synthetic roofing products available on the market today. Highlights include: 

• Four unique and aesthetically pleasing shingle designs available in a variety of colors 
• Sound deadening and insulating capabilities 
• Durable, walkable, affordable and long lasting 
• Maintenance free roofing that adds value to your home 
• Hail warranty and transferable limited lifetime warranty 

All Euroshield® rubber roofs have achieved the highest rating, UL2218 Class 4 for Impact and are Listed and Labelled with QAI Labs (an accredited testing facility for the U.S. and Canada). 

CertainTeed: Strength plus style 

CertainTeed has developed NorthGate ClimateFlex. Highlights of these class 4 shingles include: 

• Polymer-blended asphalt 
• Offer the highest industry-rated enhanced protection against weather extremes 
• Algae-resistant thanks to StreakFighter 
• Comes with a lifetime limited warranty. 
• Multiple color palettes available 

They also created NailTrak, which helps ensure shingles are correctly installed and industry-leading Quadro-Bond adhesive. CertainTeed’s designer shingles come in a variety of colors to help provide long-lasting curb appeal. Design a roof today with CertainTeed’s ColorView visualizer. 

BP Canada: Proven performance 

As part of BP’s Weather-Tite Technology, Vangard 42 IR shingles were created specifically to protect against a roof’s number one enemy — hail. Highlights of this 42-inch laminate shingles include: 

• Proprietary new generation polymer modified asphalt (SBS compound) 
• Protected from UV degradation 
• Resilient under weather extremes and stress 
• Water infiltration resistant 
• High wind and limited lifetime warranties 

Vanguard shingles are offered in five colors and composed of an ultra-strong fiberglass mat coated on both sides with elastomeric modified asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. The patented SBS compound significantly increases the shingle’s ability to retain its integrity under stress. There is also a BP’s visualization tool that lets people design the perfect roof. 

How do you know if you have class 4 shingles? 

Unfortunately, you can’t determine the class of a shingle by looking at it. For homeowners, it is key to work with a contractor that they trust. For contractors, the same is true for manufacturers. By working together, you all should be able to determine the right product for your roof. AARA can connect homeowners with professionals who are not only knowledgeable but certified to properly install class 4-rated roofing materials. This is worth the time and cost; when not installed correctly, a roof could fail during a severe weather event, elevating the risk to the family within the home. 

Original article and photo source: Alberta Allied Roofing Association