Before you replace your roof: Call your insurance agent and ask whether your carrier offers a discount for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, how much it is in dollars and which products qualify. Discounts vary by carrier and policy, and some carriers don't offer one.
- Jun–SepMonsoon months, when most of our hail falls
- AskYour agent whether your policy has a Class 4 discount
- Highest UL 2218 impact rating: 2" steel ball test at 20 ft
- 30yr+Manufacturer warranty on most Class 4 shingle lines
Why Impact-Resistant Shingles Are the Smart Choice for New Mexico
Hail is a regular part of New Mexico's summer storm season. The state's position on the eastern flank of the Rockies funnels moisture-laden air from the Gulf of Mexico into collision with cold upper-level air from the mountains. That's the recipe for large, damaging hailstones. Bigger storms can produce hailstones an inch across or larger.
Standard three-tab and even standard architectural shingles aren't designed for this. Repeated hail impacts cause granule loss, bruising, and eventually cracks in the asphalt mat. That speeds up wear and leads to leaks years before the shingle's rated lifespan.
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are engineered differently. A modified rubber polymer (SBS or similar) is built into the asphalt matrix, so the shingle can absorb an impact and rebound instead of cracking. The difference shows up in testing. The UL 2218 Class 4 test drops a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet, twice on the same spot. Class 4 shingles pass it without cracking.
The Insurance Math for New Mexico Homeowners
How to Run the Numbers for Your Own Policy
• Discount: ask your agent for the yearly discount in dollars, not just a percentage
• Price difference: get the cost of Class 4 versus standard shingles for your roof in writing
• Breakeven: divide the price difference by the yearly discount to see how many years it takes
• Keep in mind: discounts can change at renewal or if you switch carriers
• Also weigh: fewer hail repairs, which is harder to put a number on
There's another consideration. With some carriers, your claims history can affect your premium or renewal, and a roof that stands up better to hail may mean fewer claims. Ask your agent how your carrier handles it.
Before your installation, Timberwolf recommends you call your insurance carrier's underwriting line (not just your agent) to confirm the exact discount percentage for your specific policy and confirm which products qualify. We can then match our product recommendation to your carrier's approved list.
Understanding Impact Ratings: UL 2218 Class 1 through 4
| Class | Steel Ball Size | Drop Height | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 1.25 inch | 12 ft | Low hail risk areas; standard residential |
| Class 2 | 1.5 inch | 15 ft | Moderate hail areas |
| Class 3 | 1.75 inch | 17 ft | Higher hail risk |
| Class 4 | 2 inch | 20 ft | Highest impact rating |
For New Mexico, Class 4 is the only class worth discussing. If you're counting on an insurance discount, ask your carrier which class qualifies before you choose. There's no "almost Class 4." A product either has the UL 2218 Class 4 certification or it doesn't.
Class 4 Products Timberwolf Installs
We stick with two manufacturers we know well: GAF, where Timberwolf is a GAF Certified contractor, and Enviroshake, where Timberwolf is a certified Factory Trained Installer, for homeowners who want the look of shake or slate without the upkeep.
GAF Timberline AS II
An architectural shingle made with GAF's SBS-modified asphalt, which gives it rubber-like flexibility. Rated UL 2218 Class 4. Eligible for GAF's WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, with no wind speed limit, when installed with four required GAF accessories. Timberline AS II is available on request. Ask us and we'll price it for your project.
GAF Timberline UHDZ with UltraMat
The Class 4 version of GAF's Timberline UHDZ. Its high-performance fiberglass mat (UltraMat) earns the UL 2218 Class 4 rating. Also eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty with the required accessories.
Enviroshake
A composite shake that looks like cedar, with a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating and a Class A fire rating. See our Enviroshake page for colors and details.
Enviroslate
Enviroshake's composite slate, also rated UL 2218 Class 4, with Class A fire-rated options for homes in wildfire-prone areas.
Keep in mind that an impact rating describes how a product performs in testing, and manufacturers generally don't warranty against hail damage. Before you choose, ask your insurance carrier which of these products qualifies for a discount on your policy, and we'll match our recommendation to it.
Impact Shingles vs. Standard Shingles: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Standard Architectural | Class 4 Impact-Resistant |
|---|---|---|
| UL 2218 rating | Class 1–2 typical | ✓ Class 4 |
| NM insurance discount | None | ✓ Varies by carrier |
| Hail resistance | Moderate (granule loss, bruising) | ✓ High (SBS polymer rebounds) |
| Wind rating | Varies by product | ✓ Varies by product |
| UV stability | Standard | ✓ Enhanced (polymer modifier) |
| Price premium | — | Ask for a quote |
| Warranty | 25–30 year typical | Limited Lifetime typical |
| Insurance claim risk | Higher | ✓ Lower |
How Hail Damages Standard Shingles, and Why Class 4 Is Different
When hail strikes a standard asphalt shingle, the asphalt mat compresses at impact and the granules covering the surface are knocked loose. That granule loss is where the shingle starts to fail. UV light now reaches the underlying asphalt directly, speeding up oxidation and brittleness. Over the following years, the asphalt can crack and let water in.
The damage isn't always visible from the ground. Many homeowners don't know they have hail damage until they develop an active leak, at which point sheathing and insulation may already be compromised. That's why a post-hail professional inspection matters. See our hail damage visual guide to understand what to look for on different roofing materials.
Class 4 shingles resist this cycle. The SBS-modified polymer gives the asphalt mat elasticity, so it deforms under impact and springs back, keeping granules in place.
What Happens During a Timberwolf Impact-Resistant Shingle Installation
A Class 4 re-roof follows the same process as any quality asphalt re-roof. The differences are in material selection and documentation:
- Inspection & measurement: We assess the existing roof's condition, measure square footage and identify any decking damage.
- Material selection: If your carrier has an approved product list, we choose from it.
- Permit: We pull the city or county permit.
- Tear-off & decking inspection: Existing shingles are removed, and the decking is inspected and repaired as needed.
- Underlayment: Synthetic underlayment is installed, with ice-and-water at valleys and eaves.
- Shingle installation: Class 4 shingles are installed per manufacturer specs with the proper fastener pattern for the NM wind zone.
- Flashing & accessories: All penetrations, valleys, and rake/eave edges are properly flashed and sealed.
- Documentation package: Keep the manufacturer's product documentation showing the Class 4 rating, along with your invoice, for your insurance records.
Impact Shingles and Albuquerque's Wind
Hail storms here often come with strong winds. A shingle's wind rating and wind warranty depend on the product and how it's installed, including the nailing pattern and any required accessories, so check the manufacturer's requirements for the shingle you choose.
High winds also test roof flashing, not just the shingles themselves. Lifted ridge caps, failed counter-flashing at chimneys, and blown-out pipe boots are common failure points after high-wind events. If you've had wind damage or are worried about wind vulnerability, read our Wind Damage Roof Repair guide.