What Are Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles?
Modern asphalt shingles start with a fiberglass mat soaked in refined asphalt, then topped with UV-blocking mineral granules. Architectural shingles use two laminated layers for deep shadow lines. Impact-resistant shingles upgrade that mat with polymer-rubber modifiers that let the shingle flex instead of crack. The result earns a Class 4 rating under UL 2218, withstanding a 50mm steel ball dropped from six metres, the lab stand-in for golf-ball hail.
A standard architectural roof lasts 20 to 30 years when nailed over a dry deck with balanced attic ventilation. Class 4 lines share the same life span but add hail peace of mind and can trim insurance premiums by 5 to 30 percent once paperwork is filed. Both styles resist winds to 130 mph in a six-nail pattern and offer cool-roof colors to lower summer attic temperatures.
If the existing roof is flat and dry, code allows one recover layer. Cittrix adds synthetic underlayment, ice barrier at the eaves, starter tape, and continuous ridge vent to lock in warranty coverage and keep the deck dry for the long haul.
Benefits of Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Gains at a Glance.
Lower Insurance Bills
Many carriers give premium credits because Class 4 shingles cut claim risk for both roof and interior.
Hail & Wind Defense
Rubber-modified cores rebound from 50 mm hail and stay anchored in 130 mph gust tests.
Rich Curb Appeal
Deep laminations and color blends mimic cedar or slate at a fraction of the weight.
Budget-Friendly Install
Material and labor cost less than metal or tile, and crews use familiar pneumatic nailers.
Easy Repairs
Individual tabs swap out in minutes, keeping maintenance simple and affordable.
Recyclable Core
Old shingles grind into asphalt pavement mix, easing landfill impact and earning green points.
Choosing Your Shingle
Asphalt Shingle Installation Options
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Architectural Laminate
Dual-layer depth with broad color range.
Install notes: Six nails per shingle through the high-wind zone; open three bundles at once to blend shades.-
Best use: most reroofs seeking depth and shadow.
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Edge: 30-year warranty with wide color range.
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Class 4 Impact Resistant
Rubber-modified mat flexes under hail and branch strikes.
Install notes: Same six-nail pattern; insurance certificate issued on completion; qualifies for many premium discounts.-
Best use: hail zones or tree-covered lots.
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Edge: may earn insurance discounts.
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Designer/Luxury Laminates
Extra-thick profiles cut to mimic slate or hand-split shake.
Install notes: Slightly longer install due to heavier bundles; stainless nails on coastal projects.-
Best use: high-visibility front elevations.
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Edge: bold texture without heavy framing.
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Solar-Ready Cool Roof
Light granules reflect sun and pair well with rooftop PV arrays.
Install notes: High-reflective ridge vent and solar standoff flashings pre-planned.-
Best use: south-facing slopes with planned PV arrays.
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Edge: lowers attic temps and AC loads.
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Is an Impact Resistant Asphalt Roof the Right Choice?
Choose Shingles if You Need:
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A pitched surface 4∶12 or steeper that drains fast
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Wide color range to meet HOA or historic demands
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Balanced upfront price and long warranty
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Class 4 hail protection and potential insurance savings
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Quick, familiar repairs without specialty tools
Consider Another Roof if You Face:
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Slope below 3∶12 – single-ply membranes handle water better
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Constant rooftop foot traffic – modified bitumen resists tools and carts
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HOA slate mandate – synthetic slate may satisfy rules better
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Heavy kitchen or lab exhaust – grease can soften asphalt over time
The Cittrix Difference
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Fast, Convenient Estimates
Call or submit a form and we’ll schedule a free inspection of your roof for the same or next business day. There’s no need for you to disrupt your busy schedule - you don’t even have to be at home.
Instead of sending a confusing estimate or sitting in your living room for hours with a high-pressure sales pitch, we’ll send you a clear video explanation of what’s going on with your roof and our recommendations that you can watch on your own time.
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Quick Turnaround and Guaranteed Timelines
Roof installation is scheduled and completed within ten days of approval—no delays, no surprises, just reliable scheduling you can count on.
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Flexible Financing Options
We offer simple, clear-cut payment options, including 0% financing with zero money down, making it easy to get the high-quality roof your family needs.
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Trusted Team of Professionals
We’re proud to work closely with leading manufacturers, ensuring every roof we install is the highest quality. Our crews are experienced, respectful, and held to the highest standards in the industry—because your home deserves the best.
- Malarkey Emerald Premium Certified Contractor
- Proud Member of the Roofing and Solar Reform Alliance
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- HAAG Certified Roof Inspector
- 5-Star Google Rating
- 5-Star Thumbtack Professional
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Lifetime Roof Warranties
We stand behind our work with robust warranties that cover labor and materials, offering long-term protection and peace of mind.
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Speedy Cleanup and Safety Precautions
Our teams take extra care to minimize disruption and keep your family and pets safe during every step of the process.
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Locally Owned, Family-Run Business
Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and serving neighbors throughout Lake County and the Chicago suburbs, we’re proud to serve our local community with integrity, hustle, transparency, and heart.
We’ll do everything in our power to ensure you’re informed and confident through every step of the process and will always make recommendations based on what’s best for you. We’re humbled by the positive feedback we’ve received from thousands of happy customers and look forward to serving you and your family.


