In most of Colorado, yes. Hail is the top reason Colorado homeowners file insurance claims, and a Class 4 shingle is built to take more of it before it fails. That's why every roof Condor installs gets Class 4 shingles at no extra charge.
Here's what the rating means and what it doesn't.
What "Class 4" Means
Impact ratings come from a lab test called UL 2218. Steel balls are dropped onto the shingle from set heights, and the shingle is checked for cracks. Class 4 is the top rating. To earn it, a shingle has to survive a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet, twice on the same spot, without cracking.
Class 1 through 3 shingles pass the test with smaller balls. Standard architectural shingles often carry no impact rating at all.
What Class 4 Shingles Can and Can't Do
They hold up better against the hail that hits the Front Range most summers. They're more flexible, so they're less likely to crack or bruise in an average storm.
They're not hail-proof. Very large hail can still damage any roof. What you're buying is better odds: fewer damaged roofs, fewer claims, and longer life between replacements.
The Insurance Angle
Many insurers offer a premium discount for Class 4 roofs. Discounts differ by company, so ask your agent what yours offers and what paperwork they need. Keep your installation invoice and the shingle's product name.
Colorado is also pushing in this direction. In June 2026, the state signed SB26-155 into law, creating the Strengthen Colorado Homes Enterprise. It will offer grants to help homeowners install hail-resistant roofs, funded by a fee on insurers starting in 2027. The program's rules and application process are still being set up, so check the Colorado Division of Insurance for updates.
What It Costs
Class 4 shingles usually cost more than standard shingles. For Condor customers, the upgrade is free. Every roof we install includes IKO Nordic Class 4 shingles as standard, plus Ice & Water Shield in the valleys and along the eaves.
As a certified IKO Roof Pro contractor, we install to IKO's standards, not just building code. That keeps your shingle warranty intact.
Is It Worth It for Your Home?
If you live anywhere on the Front Range or the eastern plains, a Class 4 roof is the smart choice. You get better protection, a possible insurance discount, and fewer years of worrying every time the sky turns green.
Want to talk through your roof? Call 303-900-2184.