Why Homeowners Should Install Class 4 Shingles

If “April showers bring May flowers,” what does June bring? Well, hurricane season, of course! And if that weren’t bad enough, so do July, August, September, October and November!

From June 1 through November 30 each year — with dread as thick as the summer humidity — millions of Atlantic and Gulf Coast residents (and their state-adjacent neighbors) keep a watchful eye on any little blip of atmospheric pressure looming to the East.

And while experienced hurricane-goers’ classifications may range on a scale from “Did we buy enough beer?” to “Hide yo’ kids, hide yo’ wife and hide yo’ husband,” hail can show up at any time, from a mild weather event, such as a random thunderstorm, to the most extreme, such as a Category 5 hurricane.

When it comes to roofs, minimizing potential hail and other storm damage is as easy as installing Class 4 Impact Rated shingles.

Think of it this way: A Class 4 Impact Rated shingle to a roof is what a garage is to a car — protection against the elements.

To be classified as UL 2218 Class 4 — the highest rating for impact resistance — asphalt shingles are subjected to a series of drop tests using a steel ball, which simulates the terminal velocity and kinetic energy of a 2-inch hailstone falling from the sky.

To meet Class 4 impact rating criteria, there must be no evidence of fractures or cracks on the backside of the shingle after sustaining multiple impacts.

Atlas Roofing is proud to manufacture two UL 2218 Class 4-rated shingles: Pinnacle® Impact and StormMaster® Shake.

Take Cover

Our brand-new Pinnacle Impact is an affordable Class 4 option, offering a unique set of features that make it one of the most innovative asphalt shingles on the market today, including:

• 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules | Inspired by the power of trees, these granules are formulated with a photocatalytic coating, which, when activated by sunlight, transforms smog into water-soluble ions, helping to improve air quality one roof at a time.
• 3M Scotchgard™ Protector | With the algae-fighting power of Scotchgard Protector, Pinnacle Impact shingles resist ugly black stains, giving a roof long-lasting curb appeal.
• HP42® technology | Pinnacle Impact’s wide, 42-inch format helps speed up installation time and produces less waste on the job site.
• 130 mph wind resistance | When properly installed, Pinnacle Impact can withstand winds up to 130 mph — nearly equivalent to the highest sustained winds in a Category 3 hurricane (111-129 mph).

For more info, view the Pinnacle Impact product brochure.

Have Peace of Mind

Rated No. 1 for hail resistance by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), our premium Class 4 impact StormMaster Shake shingles are manufactured with several advanced technologies that make them a standout among the competition, including:

• Core4™ Enhanced Polymer Technology | As one of the most innovative developments in asphalt shingle manufacturing, Core4 Technology features four components, each of which helps to protect and extend the life of a roof.
  • PolyCore™ Technology is what makes Core4 shingles stronger and longer lasting than other leading shingle brands. Manufactured with enhanced proprietary virgin polymers, the asphalt is scientifically engineered to perform better with increased consistency and reduced variability.
  • WeatherCore™ Technology consists of enhanced polymers and UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance combined with the Atlas 1½-inch Sweet Spot™ nailing area and double FASTAC® adhesive sealant line, creating a strong, thermally bonded roofing system.
  • FlexCore™ Technology allow StormMaster shingles to bend and flex in colder climates when others crack and tear. This stronger elasticity provides for better tear strength and a flatter installation, so they seal more effectively.
  • ThermalCore™ Technology mitigates the effects of expansion and contraction of the shingles due to temperature changes (aka thermal shock). This technology leads to better granule adhesion on the shingle, which helps prevent accelerated aging, asphalt exposure and roof deterioration.
• 3M Scotchgard Protector | Scotchgard Protector’s proprietary 3M porous ceramic granule coating allow copper ions to release slowly over time, inhibiting algae growth before it starts. With this technology, StormMaster Shake shingles can maintain their beautiful curb appeal for years to come, free of ugly black streaks.
• HP42 technology | Bigger than a standard 39 3/8-inch asphalt shingle, StormMaster Shake’s 42-inch width means more coverage using less product, hastening installation time and producing less waste for landfills.
• 150 mph wind resistance | StormMaster Shake with Core4 can withstand winds up to 150 mph — just shy of the highest sustained wind speed in a Category 4 hurricane (130-156 mph).

For more info, view the StormMaster Shake product brochure.

It’s a Win-Win (Shingle) Situation

Whether homeowners select Pinnacle Impact or StormMaster Shake shingles, they can rest assured, knowing that their new Atlas roof will weather the storm, shielding their family and belongings from Mother Nature’s worst.

Are You Ready?

From having enough beer and batteries to making an evacuation plan, preparation is always key during hurricane season.

To keep up with this year’s storms, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website: nhc.noaa.gov