Homeowners know the best way to protect what’s under their roof is to replace what’s on their roof. And with a growing number of homeowners opting to stay in their homes rather than sell, now is the perfect time for roofing contractors to showcase their best asset – Class 4 shingles.

The most recent data from the National Association of Realtors shows existing home sales were down 2.3 percent in April. Experts said fewer people are selling their homes, creating a shortage in the market. That, coupled with rising interest rates, are driving home prices up and pushing an increasing number of homeowners to renovation projects instead of selling, the New York Times reported. At the same time, the roofing market remains strong, the National Roofing Contractors Association said.

Convincing homeowners to upgrade to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles shouldn’t be a hard sell, particularly to homeowners who live in hail-prone locations. Class 4 shingles offer impact resistance, attractive styling and, in some cases, deep homeowner’s insurance discounts. Also, the fully transferable warranty makes them the perfect choice for today and the future.

Contractors who want to sell Class 4 shingles to reluctant homeowners need to remember that information is the key. The following are answers to frequently asked homeowner questions about Class 4 shingles:

• What is a Class 4 rating?
  Asphalt shingles are rated on a scale of 1 to 4 based on their ability to resist impact damage. Class 4 shingles provide the best protection against impact damage.

• How do you know Class 4 shingles are impact resistant?
  The global safety consulting firm Underwriters Laboratories (UL) conducts impact resistance tests by simulating impact on shingles and rating them on a 1 to 4 scale. Researchers drop steel balls on the shingles, increasing the balls in size and drop distance over the course of four tests. A UL 2218 Class 4 rated asphalt shingle is tested to provide the best impact resistance because it is able to resist damage from a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice in the same spot without fracturing or shattering the mat of glass fibers on the backside of the shingle or causing significant granule loss.
  Atlas has two lines of Class 4 shingles – StormMaster® Shake and StormMaster® Slate – that have passed this test to be among the most durable shingles on the market.

• Why should I care about impact-resistant shingles?
  A home is the single largest investment anyone will make in their life, so it makes sense to protect it. Hail damage to a roof can cause large and costly problems. Even the smallest puncture to shingles can lead to water intrusion, mold growth and wood rot.

• What other protections can Class 4 shingles provide for my roof?
  Gale force winds and driving rain can damage a roof. Class 4 shingles can also provide increased protection from some weather hazards because they are strong and flexible. The secret in Atlas StormMaster Shake and Slate shingles is Core4™, an enhanced polymer technology that fortifies the shingle against driving weather that can crack and damage ordinary roof shingles. StormMaster shingles also feature a 130 mph wind limited warranty* with a 4-nail application.

• Do Class 4 shingles require any special upkeep?
  Atlas StormMaster Shake and Slate do not require any type of special upkeep. Regular roof inspections conducted by a professional roofing contractor are always recommended. The contractor should perform a thorough inspection and remove leaves and twigs from the rooftop and gutters. StormMaster Shake and Slate also feature Scotchgard™ Protector, which helps resist black streaks caused by algae, leading to an unattractive appearance. Both StormMaster lines are backed by the Atlas Lifetime** Algae Resistance Limited Warranty when homeowners purchase a Signature Select® Roofing System***.

• Do Atlas Class 4 shingles come with a warranty?
  Atlas StormMaster shingles come with a warranty against manufacturing defects with the exclusive Atlas Lifetime Limited Warranty*, fully transferable if a homeowner sells his or her home. For many homeowners, the warranty is an extra negotiating tool when finalizing a sale. 

• Does the Class 4 rating affect the appearance?
  Atlas StormMaster Shake and Slate models are not only tough and durable, but they are attractive and appealing. Atlas Roofing offers a wide color palette to add curb appeal to any home.

• Can Class 4 shingles save me money?
  An investment into Class 4 shingles can offer great returns because many insurance companies recognize the value in impact-resistant shingles. Insurance companies that include State Farm, USAA and Allstate offer discounts to residents in select states of up to 40 percent. Homeowners should ask their agent about discounts in their own state.

Contractors can find out additional information about Class 4 shingles on the Atlas Roofing website.

* Refer to the Atlas Roofing Limited Shingle Warranty for all coverage requirements.
** In order to qualify for the Atlas Lifetime Algae Resistance Limited Warranty against black streaks caused by blue-green algae, installation must include Atlas ProCut® Hip & Ridge shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector or Atlas ProCut® High Profile Hip & Ridge shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector with Atlas shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector.
*** Refer to the Atlas Signature Select® Limited Warranty for all system coverage requirements.