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Impact-resistant Class 4 shingle roofing completed by the leading Roofing Contractor Bismarck ND
Hail Corridor · Golf Ball Size Impact · Freeze Thaw
Bismarck’s Class 4 Impact-Resistant Roofing Professionals

Impact-Resistant Roofing in Bismarck, ND

Class 4 Shingles for North Dakota’s Hail Corridor

Bismarck sits in one of the most active hail corridors in the northern U.S. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are engineered for this market, and many carriers offer premium discounts for verified installations. Bismarck Exterior Pros helps homeowners across Bismarck, Mandan, and Lincoln decide if the upgrade makes sense.

Serving Bismarck, Mandan & Lincoln
UL 2218Class 4 Rated
Potential PremiumInsurance Discounts
5+ YearsLocal Experience

UL 2218 Rating System

The UL 2218 Rating System — What the Classes Actually Mean.

Impact resistance for roofing products is measured under the UL 2218 test standard. Understanding what this test involves helps you understand what the Class 4 designation actually represents in terms of physical performance.

UL 2218 Class Rating Reference
Form BEP–12 Page 1 of 1
01 How the Test Works
The Method

  • The UL 2218 test uses a steel ball dropped from a defined height onto the shingle surface. The ball diameter and drop height correspond to specific hail size equivalents. The test drops the steel ball twice on the same spot and evaluates whether the shingle cracks, fractures, or splits.

  • The rating system produces four classes based on the ball size used in the test. Higher class ratings correspond to larger steel balls, which correspond to larger hail sizes in the real world. Class 4 is the highest rating available.

02 The Four Classes
Ball Size Equivalents

  • Class 1 uses a 1.25 inch steel ball, equivalent roughly to a marble sized hailstone. A Class 1 shingle must withstand two impacts at this size without fracturing. Class 2 uses a 1.5 inch steel ball. A Class 2 shingle must withstand two impacts at this size.

  • Class 3 uses a 1.75 inch steel ball. A Class 3 shingle must withstand two impacts at this size without cracking. Class 4 uses a 2 inch steel ball, equivalent roughly to a golf ball sized hailstone. A Class 4 shingle must withstand two impacts at this size in the same spot without fracturing.

03 Why It Matters Here
Bismarck Hail Reality

  • In Bismarck’s documented hail history, hailstones between one inch and two inches are common in significant events. A Class 4 shingle is specifically tested against the size of hail this market regularly produces.

  • A standard architectural shingle has no UL 2218 rating at all, or may only carry a Class 1 or 2 designation, meaning it has not been tested against the hail sizes that commonly occur here.

For the broader material comparison, our roofing materials guide covers Class 4 and metal in the context of North Dakota’s climate.

Field Notes · How Class 4 Works

How Class 4 Shingles Are Actually Different From Standard Shingles.

The UL 2218 Class 4 rating is earned through specific physical differences in how the shingle is constructed. Understanding these differences explains why Class 4 products perform better in hail events rather than just taking the rating on faith.

Aerial view of Class 4 impact-resistant shingle roof by trusted Bismarck Roofing Company
01 · SBS Polymer Modification

An Asphalt Rubber Hybrid. Flexes, Does Not Fracture.

Standard architectural shingles use oxidized asphalt as the binder in the shingle matrix. Oxidized asphalt provides reasonable weatherproofing and durability under normal conditions. Under impact from a hailstone, oxidized asphalt behaves somewhat like a brittle material. It absorbs some energy but fractures under sufficient force.

Class 4 shingles use SBS-modified asphalt. SBS stands for styrene butadiene styrene, a synthetic rubber polymer blended into the asphalt during manufacturing. The result is an asphalt rubber hybrid material that behaves more like a flexible membrane than a brittle plate. When a hailstone impacts an SBS modified shingle, the material flexes and absorbs the energy rather than fracturing. It springs back rather than cracking.

This distinction in material behavior under impact is the core of what makes Class 4 shingles perform differently than standard products in hail events. It is a genuine material science difference, not simply a marketing designation.

02

Enhanced Granule Adhesion

Standard shingles bond granules to the surface with asphalt adhesion that is adequate for normal weather exposure. A hailstone impact can knock granules loose from a standard shingle because the impact energy exceeds what the granule bond can withstand.

Class 4 products use enhanced granule adhesion systems that bond the mineral granules more securely to the shingle mat. This matters because granule retention after hail impact is the difference between a shingle that continues protecting the asphalt mat below and one that has exposed asphalt to accelerated UV degradation.

03

Reinforced Fiberglass Mat

The fiberglass mat that forms the structural foundation of the shingle is thicker and more densely woven in Class 4 products than in standard architectural shingles. This reinforced mat provides additional tensile strength that resists the tearing and fracturing that hail impact can cause at the point of contact.

What this means in a Bismarck hail event. A standard architectural shingle that takes a direct hit from a 1.5 to 2 inch hailstone experiences granule displacement, mat bruising, and in some cases tab cracking. A Class 4 shingle taking the same hit from the same hailstone flexes, retains more of its granule coverage, and in most cases does not fracture the mat beneath the impact.

04

Why Bismarck Is One of the Markets Where Class 4 Makes the Most Sense

Class 4 shingles are available throughout the United States. They make the most financial sense in markets where hail events are genuinely frequent and where insurance carriers offer meaningful premium discounts in response to that hail risk. Bismarck checks both boxes.

The northern plains hail corridor runs directly through Burleigh County. Central North Dakota sees meaningful hail events most years, with documented storms producing one inch to golf ball sized hail in the Bismarck Mandan area. A roofing system in this market faces a genuinely higher probability of significant hail exposure within any given decade than systems in markets outside the hail belt.

On the insurance side, State Farm specifically lists North Dakota as a state where impact resistant roofing products including Class 4 shingles may qualify for premium discounts on homeowner insurance. Multiple North Dakota insurance carriers participate in discount programs for verified Class 4 installations. The discount typically applies to the wind and hail portion of the premium, which in a market with Bismarck’s hail exposure is a meaningful component of the overall premium.

The combination of genuine climate performance benefits and ongoing insurance premium reductions makes the Class 4 financial case stronger in Bismarck than it would be in a market without the same hail frequency.

Underlayment installation for impact-resistant shingles by top Roofing Contractor Bismarck ND
05

The Financial Math

The upgrade cost. Class 4 shingles typically add in the range of 10 to 20 percent to the cost of a roof replacement compared to standard architectural shingles. On a typical Bismarck residential replacement, this represents a real but not enormous cost difference.

The insurance discount. Insurance discount amounts vary by carrier, policy structure, and the specific discount program in effect. The discount applies to the wind and hail portion of the premium rather than the full policy. We recommend contacting your specific carrier to ask what discount amount applies to your policy before making a decision.

The performance benefit. A Class 4 system that resists hail bruising and granule loss better than a standard system in Bismarck’s active hail market has a longer effective service life than a standard system exposed to the same hail events.

The honest caveat. Some insurance carriers that offer Class 4 discounts also include cosmetic damage exclusions in the policy, meaning that hail denting that does not functionally compromise the shingle waterproofing may not be covered as a claim. Understanding your specific policy terms is essential before making the Class 4 decision as a primarily insurance driven choice.

When Class 4 clearly makes sense. You plan to stay in the home for the medium to long term. Your carrier offers a meaningful discount for verified Class 4 installations. Your policy does not include a cosmetic damage exclusion that significantly limits what you can claim after a hail event. The roof is being replaced anyway due to age or storm damage.

When Class 4 may not change the math. You are planning to sell the home within a few years and the premium savings will not have time to offset the upgrade cost. Your carrier does not offer a meaningful Class 4 discount in North Dakota. The budget constraint makes the upgrade cost difficult to absorb on top of the replacement itself.

06

Class 4 Products We Install in Bismarck

Within the Class 4 shingle category, there is genuine variation in product quality, appearance options, and specific performance characteristics. We install Class 4 products from manufacturers with documented performance records in cold climate and hail active markets.

Malarkey Nex is a Class 4 product specifically designed for markets with combined hail and wind exposure. The SBS modified asphalt and enhanced granule system are designed for the kind of combined stress that Bismarck’s climate produces across all four seasons.

Owens Corning offers Class 4 options within their architectural shingle lineup with SBS modification and reinforced mat construction. Owens Corning’s cold climate performance is documented in markets similar to Bismarck’s.

GAF offers Class 4 impact resistant options with their Armor technology designed to resist the granule loss and mat fracture that characterize hail damage on standard shingles.

Each of these manufacturers produces Class 4 products in a range of colors and profiles. We discuss specific product options during the estimate process based on your preferences and the specific performance requirements of your roof.

07

Class 4 vs Metal Roofing — Which Makes More Sense for Your Home?

Both Class 4 impact resistant shingles and metal roofing offer meaningfully better hail performance than standard asphalt shingles. The choice between them is worth understanding directly.

Metal roofing offers the longest service life and the highest level of hail resistance. A steel panel dents under significant hail impact but typically retains its waterproofing integrity at the impact point. Metal does not lose granules, because it has no granules. The upfront cost of metal is substantially higher than Class 4 shingles.

Class 4 shingles offer better hail resistance than standard shingles at a more moderate upfront cost than metal. They are available in a wide range of colors and profiles that match the aesthetic of a traditional shingled roof. They carry the insurance discount potential that some metal systems also qualify for.

For homeowners who want the best available hail and weather performance and plan to stay in the home for the very long term, metal roofing is worth the investment discussion. For homeowners who want meaningfully better hail performance than standard shingles at a more accessible cost, with insurance discount potential, Class 4 is often the right landing point. Our metal roofing page covers metal in full detail for homeowners who want to explore that option alongside Class 4.

What to Ask Your Insurance Carrier Before Upgrading to Class 4. Before committing to a Class 4 upgrade on the basis of insurance savings, these are the specific questions worth asking your carrier or agent. Does our current policy offer a premium discount for verified Class 4 impact resistant shingles in North Dakota? What is the discount percentage or dollar amount on our specific premium? Does the discount apply at renewal or immediately upon verified installation? Does upgrading to Class 4 come with a cosmetic damage exclusion in our policy? If so, what specific damage types would be excluded from future claims? What documentation do you need from the contractor to verify and register the Class 4 installation?

Having these answers before the replacement project is scheduled allows you to make the decision with real numbers rather than assumptions about what the insurance benefit will look like for your specific policy. We provide installation documentation that specifies the exact product installed, its UL 2218 Class 4 rating, and the manufacturer’s certification. This is what your carrier needs to register the discount.

Impact Resistant Roofing Throughout Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln. We install Class 4 impact resistant shingles throughout all of Bismarck, Mandan, Lincoln, and the surrounding communities of Burleigh and Morton County. The same hail corridor that makes Class 4 a smart consideration in Bismarck proper extends throughout the metro area and surrounding region. For Mandan homeowners, our roofing services in Mandan page covers what we do there. For Lincoln homeowners, our roofing services in Lincoln page has the details.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingle installation by expert Bismarck Roofing Company

For the broader material comparison, our roofing materials guide covers Class 4 and metal in the context of North Dakota’s climate. For the metal option in full detail, our metal roofing page covers the longest service life option.

How We Think Through This With Homeowners

The Upgrade Cost

Class 4 shingles typically add in the range of 10 to 20 percent to the cost of a roof replacement compared to standard architectural shingles. On a typical Bismarck residential replacement, this represents a real but not enormous cost difference. The exact figure depends on the roof size, pitch, and the specific products compared.

The Insurance Discount

Insurance discount amounts vary by carrier, policy structure, and the specific discount program in effect. The discount applies to the wind and hail portion of the premium rather than the full policy. In North Dakota’s market, where hail risk is a meaningful component of carrier underwriting, this portion of the premium carries real weight. We recommend contacting your specific carrier to ask what discount amount applies to your policy before making a decision, since we cannot guarantee outcomes that depend on your carrier’s specific program.

The Performance Benefit

A Class 4 system that resists hail bruising and granule loss better than a standard system in Bismarck’s active hail market has a longer effective service life than a standard system exposed to the same hail events. The shingles that were not functionally compromised by the hail event that happened three years into the roof’s service life continue protecting the structure effectively for more of their projected service life.

The Honest Caveat

Some insurance carriers that offer Class 4 discounts also include cosmetic damage exclusions in the policy, meaning that hail denting that does not functionally compromise the shingle waterproofing may not be covered as a claim. This is a real consideration. A policy with a Class 4 discount and a cosmetic exclusion may provide fewer claim benefits than a policy without those terms even while saving premium dollars. Understanding your specific policy terms is essential before making the Class 4 decision as a primarily insurance driven choice.

When Class 4 Clearly Makes Sense

You plan to stay in the home for the medium to long term. Your carrier offers a meaningful discount for verified Class 4 installations. Your policy does not include a cosmetic damage exclusion that significantly limits what you can claim after a hail event. The roof is being replaced anyway due to age or storm damage.

When Class 4 May Not Change the Math

You are planning to sell the home within a few years and the premium savings will not have time to offset the upgrade cost. Your carrier does not offer a meaningful Class 4 discount in North Dakota. The budget constraint makes the upgrade cost difficult to absorb on top of the replacement itself. We talk through this honestly on every replacement estimate. We quote both options so you have real numbers in front of you.

Manufacturers With Cold Climate Performance Records

Within the Class 4 shingle category, there is genuine variation in product quality, appearance options, and specific performance characteristics. We install Class 4 products from manufacturers with documented performance records in cold climate and hail active markets.

Malarkey Nex

A Class 4 product specifically designed for markets with combined hail and wind exposure. The SBS-modified asphalt and enhanced granule system are designed for the kind of combined stress that Bismarck’s climate produces across all four seasons.

Owens Corning

Offers Class 4 options within their architectural shingle lineup with SBS modification and reinforced mat construction. Owens Corning’s cold climate performance is documented in markets similar to Bismarck’s.

GAF

Offers Class 4 impact resistant options with their Armor technology designed to resist the granule loss and mat fracture that characterize hail damage on standard shingles.

Colors and Profiles

Each of these manufacturers produces Class 4 products in a range of colors and profiles. We discuss specific product options during the estimate process based on your preferences and the specific performance requirements of your roof. For a broader comparison of all material options including Class 4 and metal roofing in the context of Bismarck’s climate, our roofing materials guide covers the full picture.

Two High Performance Options, Different Landing Points

Both Class 4 impact resistant shingles and metal roofing offer meaningfully better hail performance than standard asphalt shingles. The choice between them is worth understanding directly.

Metal Roofing

Offers the longest service life and the highest level of hail resistance. A steel panel dents under significant hail impact but typically retains its waterproofing integrity at the impact point. Metal does not lose granules, because it has no granules. The upfront cost of metal is substantially higher than Class 4 shingles.

Class 4 Shingles

Offer better hail resistance than standard shingles at a more moderate upfront cost than metal. They are available in a wide range of colors and profiles that match the aesthetic of a traditional shingled roof. They carry the insurance discount potential that some metal systems also qualify for.

How We Frame the Choice

For homeowners who want the best available hail and weather performance and plan to stay in the home for the very long term, metal roofing is worth the investment discussion. For homeowners who want meaningfully better hail performance than standard shingles at a more accessible cost, with insurance discount potential, Class 4 is often the right landing point. Our metal roofing page covers metal in full detail for homeowners who want to explore that option alongside Class 4.

The Specific Questions Worth Asking

Before committing to a Class 4 upgrade on the basis of insurance savings, these are the specific questions worth asking your carrier or agent.

Policy Discount and Mechanics

Does our current policy offer a premium discount for verified Class 4 impact resistant shingles in North Dakota? What is the discount percentage or dollar amount on our specific premium? Does the discount apply at renewal or immediately upon verified installation?

Cosmetic Damage Exclusion

Does upgrading to Class 4 come with a cosmetic damage exclusion in our policy? If so, what specific damage types would be excluded from future claims?

Documentation and Registration

What documentation do you need from the contractor to verify and register the Class 4 installation? Having these answers before the replacement project is scheduled allows you to make the decision with real numbers rather than assumptions about what the insurance benefit will look like for your specific policy.

What We Provide

We provide installation documentation that specifies the exact product installed, its UL 2218 Class 4 rating, and the manufacturer’s certification. This is what your carrier needs to register the discount.

Service Area

We install Class 4 impact resistant shingles throughout all of Bismarck, Mandan, Lincoln, and the surrounding communities of Burleigh and Morton County. The same hail corridor that makes Class 4 a smart consideration in Bismarck proper extends throughout the metro area and surrounding region. For Mandan homeowners, our roofing services in Mandan page covers what we do there. For Lincoln homeowners, our roofing services in Lincoln page has the details.

Impact-resistant Class 4 roofing finished by premier Roofing Contractor Bismarck ND

  • A Class 4 shingle carries the highest rating under the UL 2218 impact resistance test standard. It must withstand two direct impacts from a 2 inch steel ball dropped at the same spot without fracturing.

    Class 4 shingles achieve this through SBS polymer modified asphalt, enhanced granule adhesion, and reinforced fiberglass mat construction. They are specifically designed for markets with active hail exposure.

  • Class 3 shingles are tested with a 1.75 inch steel ball. Class 4 uses a 2 inch ball, which is the larger and more demanding test.

    In Bismarck’s hail market where 1.5 to 2 inch hail is common in significant events, the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 performance is meaningful. Class 4 is the highest rating available.

  • No. Class 4 shingles resist the bruising, granule loss, and mat fracture that standard shingles experience from hail, but they do not make a roof immune to hail damage. Very large hail events can still cause damage to Class 4 products.

    The resistance is meaningfully better than standard shingles in the hail sizes common to Bismarck’s market.

  • Yes. State Farm specifically lists North Dakota as a state where impact resistant roofing products including Class 4 shingles may qualify for premium discounts on homeowner insurance. The discount amount depends on your specific policy.

    Contact your State Farm agent directly to confirm what applies to your coverage before making a decision based on anticipated savings.

  • Typically in the range of 10 to 20 percent more than a comparable standard architectural shingle replacement. The exact figure depends on the specific products compared, the roof size and pitch, and current material pricing.

    We provide side by side quotes for both options on every replacement estimate.

  • There can be. Some carriers that offer Class 4 premium discounts also apply cosmetic damage exclusions to the policy, meaning hail denting that does not cause functional water infiltration may not be covered as a claim.

    Understanding your carrier’s specific terms before upgrading is important. We strongly recommend asking your carrier directly about any cosmetic exclusions before making the Class 4 decision primarily on the basis of insurance savings.

  • Class 4 products have longer effective service lives than standard shingles in hail active markets like Bismarck because they are not functionally compromised by hail events that would damage standard products.

    The specific service life depends on material quality, installation quality, and weather exposure. The SBS modified materials also perform better in freeze thaw conditions than oxidized asphalt, which is an additional benefit in Bismarck’s climate.

  • Yes. Class 4 products from manufacturers like Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF are available in the same range of colors and dimensional profiles as standard architectural shingles.

    You are not limited in appearance options by choosing the Class 4 upgrade.

Related Roofing Services

Where Impact-Resistant Roofing Sits in the Bigger Picture.

Class 4 shingles are one option among several, and the upgrade decision is usually part of a broader roof replacement conversation. Here are the services homeowners considering Class 4 typically end up discussing with us as well.

Roof Replacement

Class 4 shingles are most relevant as an upgrade option during a full roof replacement. The parent page covers the full replacement decision and system details.

Learn more

Hail Damage Roofing

Understanding hail damage helps explain why Class 4 performance characteristics matter specifically in Bismarck’s market.

Learn more

Metal Roofing

The other high performance option for homeowners who want maximum hail and weather resistance with the longest available service life.

Learn more

Storm Damage Insurance Guide

For the full context on how insurance works in North Dakota’s storm market, including how Class 4 documentation affects the claims process.

Learn more

Discuss Class 4 Roofing for Your Bismarck Home

Call Bismarck Exterior Pros to Discuss Class 4 Roofing in Bismarck.

If your roof is being replaced, whether from age, storm damage, or both, the Class 4 upgrade decision deserves a real conversation with real numbers. Not a generic recommendation that Class 4 is always worth it. Not a dismissal of the upgrade as not worth the cost. An honest look at your specific situation, your carrier’s discount program, your ownership timeline, and whether the upgrade math makes sense for you.

That is the conversation we are prepared to have. No pressure. No forms. A straight discussion about what your roof replacement options actually look like.

  • Licensed & Insured
  • 5+ Years Local Experience
  • UL 2218 Class 4 Certified Installation
Call +1 (701) 807-8088
Call now to discuss impact-resistant roofing for your home.

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