Impact resistance is one part of roof performance, not the whole story. For homeowners comparing hail-resistant roofing, the most useful starting point is understanding what Class 3 and Class 4 mean, how the shingle is built, and how the entire roof system will be installed.
What Class 3 and Class 4 impact ratings mean
UL 2218 is a laboratory impact test used for roofing materials. Class 4 is the highest classification in that test and Class 3 is the next level down. The rating is useful for comparing tested products, but it should not be described as “hail proof.” Real storms vary in hail size, shape, wind speed, roof age, temperature and angle of impact.
| Malarkey line | Current impact rating | NEX® PolyMod asphalt | Wind test classification | Enhanced wind warranty* | Algae protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander® AR | Class 3 | Yes | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 130 mph | 15-year algae coverage on AR line |
| Vista® AR | Class 4 | Yes | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 130 mph | 25-year algae coverage on AR line |
| Legacy® Scotchgard™ | Class 4 | Yes | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 130 mph | Limited lifetime Scotchgard™ algae coverage |
| Windsor® Scotchgard™ | Class 4 | Yes | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 140 mph | Limited lifetime Scotchgard™ algae coverage |
*Enhanced wind warranty requirements include manufacturer-specified fastening and Malarkey starter and hip/ridge components. Review the current warranty before installation.
Why polymer-modified “PolyMod” shingles matter in an impact discussion
Malarkey calls its asphalt technology NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt. Homeowners and contractors may also search for PolyMod shingles, poly mod shingles or polymer-modified shingles. Malarkey describes the technology as combining asphalt with rubber and plastic polymers to add flexibility, improve all-weather resilience and help the asphalt hold roofing granules more effectively.
Read the full PolyMod shingle benefits guide or see our PolyMod / Malarkey NEX® service page.
Class A fire rating: important, but not “fireproof”
Malarkey’s current technical literature lists its residential shingle lines as meeting ASTM E108 Class A fire rating. Class A is the highest roof-covering fire classification under that test. It should be described accurately: it is a tested roof-covering classification, not a guarantee that a roof or house cannot burn.
Wind performance: Class H testing vs. wind warranty coverage
Malarkey technical data lists its residential shingles as complying with ASTM D7158 Class H. You may see Class H described in roofing literature as a “150 mph” wind-resistance classification. That test classification should not be confused with a manufacturer warranty or a promise that a roof cannot be damaged at a particular wind speed. Malarkey’s current warranty chart lists 110 mph standard wind coverage, enhanced coverage up to 130 mph for Highlander®, Vista® and Legacy®, and up to 140 mph for Windsor® when the applicable enhanced-wind installation requirements are met. Roof geometry, deck attachment, underlayment, flashing, edge details, ventilation, installation and local code all affect real-world wind performance.
Granule retention matters because granules protect the asphalt
Roofing granules provide color and help shield the asphalt from UV exposure and weathering. Malarkey reports up to 65% greater granule retention than the ASTM D3462 industry-standard specification on Vista®, Legacy® and Windsor®; current Highlander® literature also emphasizes enhanced granule adhesion from NEX® technology. Better retention is valuable because losing the mineral surface accelerates exposure of the asphalt underneath.
Smog-reducing 3M™ granules
All current Malarkey shingles include 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules. Malarkey explains that a photocatalytic coating uses sunlight to convert nitrogen-oxide air pollutants into water-soluble ions that can rinse away with rain. This is sometimes described casually as “smog-eating” roofing, but the more precise description is a photocatalytic reaction that helps reduce certain emission pollutants.
Algae resistance and 3M™ copper granules
Dark roof streaks are often associated with blue-green algae. Malarkey uses algae-resistant granule technology on AR and Scotchgard™ lines. Legacy® Scotchgard™ and Windsor® Scotchgard™ use Scotchgard™ Protector with at least a 10% blend of 3M™ Copper Granules. Those granules release copper ions that help inhibit blue-green algae. Coverage and duration vary by product, so compare the current warranty for the exact shingle.
Can impact-resistant roofing reduce homeowners insurance cost?
Possibly, but never assume the discount. Kentucky’s Strengthen Kentucky Homes program publishes an official list of companies offering a FORTIFIED discount in Kentucky. The same program explains that a FORTIFIED roof is a system standard that can include sealed roof decking, stronger edges, improved attachment and impact-resistant shingles. A Class 3 or Class 4 shingle alone does not automatically qualify a roof for a FORTIFIED designation or an insurance credit.
Before signing a roofing contract, ask your insurance agent: (1) whether your carrier offers a discount for UL 2218 Class 3 or Class 4 materials, (2) whether it requires a FORTIFIED designation, (3) what documentation must be submitted, and (4) whether the discount applies to the full premium or only the wind/hail portion. Faith Home Improvement does not promise an insurance discount because underwriting rules are controlled by the insurer.
FORTIFIED roofing in Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Insurance’s Strengthen Kentucky Homes program provides grants for qualified homeowners to upgrade roofs to IBHS FORTIFIED standards. The program states that its High Wind and Hail designation requires stronger impact-resistant shingles along with system-level improvements such as sealed decking, stronger edges and better roof attachment. Grant eligibility and contractor requirements are separate from a normal roof replacement, so homeowners interested in the program should review the state requirements before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
What is an impact-resistant shingle?
An impact-resistant shingle is tested to a recognized impact standard such as UL 2218. Class 4 is the highest UL 2218 classification, while Class 3 is the next level down. A rating does not mean a roof cannot be damaged by hail; it indicates how the tested product performed under the laboratory impact method.
Is Class 4 always better than Class 3?
Class 4 represents a higher UL 2218 impact classification, but the right roof also depends on installation, deck condition, flashing, ventilation, wind exposure, roof geometry, budget and the complete roofing system.
Can impact-resistant shingles lower homeowners insurance in Kentucky?
They may. Kentucky’s Strengthen Kentucky Homes program publishes a list of insurers offering a FORTIFIED discount in Kentucky. Eligibility, amount and documentation vary by insurer, and installing a Class 3 or Class 4 shingle by itself does not automatically make a roof FORTIFIED or guarantee a premium discount. Homeowners should ask their insurance agent before selecting materials.
Which Malarkey shingles are Class 3 or Class 4?
Malarkey currently lists Highlander® and Highlander® AR as Class 3, while Vista® / Vista® AR, Legacy® Scotchgard™ and Windsor® Scotchgard™ are Class 4. Product literature should be rechecked at the time of purchase because specifications can change.
Are Malarkey shingles Class A fire rated?
Malarkey’s current technical literature lists its residential shingle lines as complying with ASTM E108 Class A fire rating. Class A is a roof-covering fire classification; it does not make a home or roof fireproof.
Do Malarkey shingles have a 150 mph wind warranty?
Malarkey technical data lists ASTM D7158 Class H wind-test compliance. Class H is commonly described in roofing literature as a 150 mph wind-resistance test classification, but that is not the same as Malarkey’s warranty coverage and it is not a no-damage guarantee. Current Malarkey warranty literature lists 110 mph standard coverage, up to 130 mph enhanced coverage for Highlander®, Vista® and Legacy®, and up to 140 mph for Windsor® when enhanced-wind requirements are met.