5 Best Impact-Resistant Shingles in 2025

For regions where hail is a common occurrence, impact-resistant shingles are a very important investment. 

McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, is your local roofing company serving Pittsburgh and the nearby areas of Pennsylvania. In this article, we will discuss the top five impact-resistant shingle options in 2025.

If you're a homeowner in an area prone to severe weather, choosing the right roofing materials can save you thousands of dollars in potential damage and repairs. Impact-resistant roof shingles are specifically designed to withstand the punishment of hailstorms and high winds, providing your home with superior protection year after year.

Let's take a closer look at the best impact-resistant shingles available this year, what makes them special, and why they might be worth the investment for your home.

#1 GAF Timberline ArmorShield II Shingles

GAF Timberline® ArmorShield II shingles are among the most durable impact-resistant shingles on the market today. These shingles have earned the impressive UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance rating, which is the highest possible rating in the industry.

What makes GAF Timberline impact-resistant shingles stand out is their base made of SBS-modified asphalt. This special formula provides a rubber-like flexibility that allows the shingles to absorb impacts without cracking or breaking. 

When hailstones or debris hit your roof, these shingles can flex and then return to their original shape rather than sustaining damage.

These GAF Class 4 impact-resistant shingles also come with some impressive warranties:

👉 Lifetime limited transferable warranty

👉 15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty (with no maximum wind speed limitation when installed with the required GAF accessories)

👉 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection limited warranty

Available in seven attractive colors (Charcoal, Barkwood, Hickory, Pewter Gray, Shakewood, Slate, and Weathered Wood), GAF Timberline ArmorShield II impact-resistant shingles allow you to protect your home without sacrificing curb appeal.

These shingles are tested by dropping a 2-inch steel ball twice from a 20-foot height onto various target locations. While standard shingles would show visible ruptures or cracks after this test, the GAF Timberline impact-resistant shingles pass with no evidence of damage.

It's worth noting that although these shingles have exceptional impact resistance, they are not specifically warranted against hail damage. 

#2 IKO Cambridge Shingles

IKO® Cambridge® impact-resistant shingles provide the beauty of natural textured materials combined with the strength and durability needed to protect against severe weather. These architectural shingles come with a Class 3 impact resistance rating, making them a solid choice for regions that experience moderate hail storms.

What sets IKO Cambridge impact-resistant shingles apart is their True Square Advantage sizing, which means these shingles are larger in size than shingles from other manufacturers. This not only gives your roof a clean appearance but also means fewer shingles are needed to cover the same area.

Built with a resilient fiberglass core, these impact-resistant roof shingles feature exceptional FastLock® bonding that helps prevent shingle lift during high winds. They also come with built-in blue-green algae resistance to keep your roof looking fresh for years to come.

IKO Cambridge impact-resistant shingles are available in a good range of colors, including Cool Colors for select markets, giving you plenty of options to match your home's look while providing reliable protection against the elements.

#3 CertainTeed Landmark Shingles

CertainTeed Landmark® shingles provide you with protection against impact and fire. These shingles feature StreakFighter® algae resistance technology, which protects against black streaks caused by algae growth.

CertainTeed's impact-resistant shingles come with impressive warranty coverage:

👉 Lifetime limited transferable warranty

👉 25-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty

👉 10-year SureStart™ protection

👉 15-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty (which you can upgrade to 130 mph)

These shingles also feature NailTrak®, an extra-wide nailing area that makes installation more accurate and efficient. This can result in better overall performance and longevity for your roof.

Available in a variety of colors, these shingles allow you to find the perfect match for your home while providing Class 3 impact resistance. 

CertainTeed is also committed to sustainability, having acquired RenuCore recycling technology that allows them to collect shingle scrap from old residential and commercial projects. Instead of going to landfills, these materials are mixed into hot asphalt and reused, contributing to a more circular roofing economy.

#4 Malarkey Legacy Scotchgard Shingles

If you're looking for the absolute best in class protection, Malarkey Legacy® Scotchgard™ shingles should be at the top of your list. These architectural style shingles are made with the industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt and deliver superior all-weather resilience with a Class 4 impact rating.

What makes the Malarkey Legacy Scotchgard shingles stand out is their use of upcycled materials combined with cutting-edge performance features. Each roof installation with these shingles keeps rubber tires and plastic bags from landfills, making them an environmentally conscious choice without sacrificing durability.

Malarkey Legacy Scotchgard shingles also include special granules that prevent stains caused by algae and help remove pollutants from the air. This means your roof is not only protecting your home but also contributing to a cleaner environment.

Key advantages of these Class 4 impact-resistant shingles include:

👉 More adhesive bonds compared to standard shingles

👉 Double the amount of rain seals compared to standard shingles

👉 Larger nailing area compared to standard shingles

👉 Longer backing shim compared to standard shingles

For homeowners concerned about long-term value, these shingles provide an enhanced warranty with a 20-year non-prorated period and a limited lifetime warranty against algae growth when you choose their Scotchgard™ Protector option.

The Malarkey Vista Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are also available as a more budget-friendly alternative that still offers excellent protection.

#5 Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration STORM Shingles

Our list of top impact-resistant roofing shingles is completed by the Owens Corning. Their TruDefinition® Duration STORM® impact-resistant shingles feature patented WeatherGuard® Technology, which integrates a polymeric backing material that contributes to their Class 4 impact resistance rating.

Owens Corning Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are designed specifically to weather severe storms and protect your home from hail and wind-blown debris. They also feature SureNail® Technology for high-performance durability, which helps them stay in place during high winds.

The Owens Corning impact-resistant shingles are available in a variety of colors, including Antique Silver, Brownwood, Desert Tan, Driftwood, Estate Gray, Onyx Black, and Teak. This range gives you plenty of options to complement your home's exterior styling while providing superior protection.

Owens Corning earned the distinction of offering America's Most Recommended™ Roofing Products, having received the Women's Choice Award® since 2018. 

How Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Tested?

Understanding how impact-resistant shingles are tested can help you appreciate their value. The most common test used to rate impact resistance is UL 2218, also known as the steel ball test.

During this test, steel balls of various sizes are dropped from specific heights onto installed shingles. The shingles are then inspected for cracks, tears, or other damage that could allow water to penetrate. The ratings are as follows:

Class 1: Can withstand a 1.25-inch steel ball dropped from 12 feet

Class 2: Can withstand a 1.5-inch steel ball dropped from 15 feet

Class 3: Can withstand a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet

Class 4: Can withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, like the GAF Timberline ArmorShield II and Malarkey Legacy Scotchgard, provide the highest level of protection against high hailstorms.

Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth It?

When considering whether to invest in impact-resistant shingles, many homeowners wonder if the additional upfront cost is justified. The answer largely depends on where you live and your specific circumstances, but for many homeowners, the answer is yes.

Impact-resistant shingles typically cost 15% to 30% more than standard roofing shingles, which can be a significant investment. However, there are several factors that make them worth considering:

#1 Insurance Savings

Many insurance companies provide premium discounts for homes with Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, sometimes as much as 30%. Over the lifetime of your roof, these small savings can offset much of the additional upfront cost.

#2 Reduced Repair Costs

Impact-resistant roof shingles are far less likely to sustain damage during hailstorms and severe weather events. This means fewer repairs and a longer overall lifespan for your roof.

#3 Peace of Mind

For properties in the hail-prone part of the country, the security of knowing your roof can withstand most storms provides peace of mind.

#4 Increased Home Value

A roof made with Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can be a really valuable selling point if you decide to move, generally increasing your home's resale value.

#5 Building Code Requirements

In some regions frequently affected by severe storms, local building codes may require Class 3 or Class 4 impact-resistant shingles for new installations.

It's worth noting that while impact-resistant shingles are tested to withstand significant impacts, no roofing material is completely hail-proof. Extremely large hailstones or particularly violent storms can still cause damage, but impact-resistant shingles significantly reduce the risk and extent of potential damage.

Get Professional Shingle Installation In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we're committed to providing high-quality roofing services in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. 

Whether you're leaning toward GAF Timberline impact-resistant shingles, Malarkey Legacy impact-resistant shingles, or any of the other excellent options we've discussed, we're here to help you choose the right product for your specific situation.

To schedule your free roof inspection or for a free, no-obligation estimate, call us today at (412) 353-5660.