Understanding Shingle Quality and Grades

Dear Colorado Homeowner,

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance your roof’s either taken a beating… or it’s about to.

Let me tell you something most roofing companies won’t: Not all shingles are created equal. In fact, the shingle grade on your roof could be the single biggest factor in whether you get five years of peace of mind… or a full-blown leak over your dining room table the next time Castle Rock catches a summer hailstorm.

This guide’s not fluff. No industry double-speak. Just real talk from a crew that’s been fixing and replacing roofs all over Douglas County for the last 18 years.

What “Shingle Grade” Really Means

Let’s break it down. Every shingle you see on a roof is classified by grade — a combination of material strength, impact resistance, warranty, and even how it looks from the curb.

The higher the grade, the more durable and storm-resistant it is. Simple as that.

But here’s the part most contractors won’t advertise: Some roofers install lower-grade shingles just to win bids — cutting corners and banking on you not knowing the difference. That’s not how we do things at Sonners.

• 🧱 Material Quality – How much asphalt vs filler is used.
• ⚖️ Weight – Heavier shingles generally last longer.
• ⛈️ Impact Rating – Class 1 to Class 4 (hint: aim for 3 or 4).
• 🛡️ Warranty – Coverage can range from 10 years to lifetime.
• 🌞 Weather Resistance – UV protection, algae resistance, and wind uplift.

Understanding these differences can save you thousands in future repairs and protect the value of your home — and it’s why we walk every homeowner through it before a single nail goes in the roof.

The Three Main Types of Asphalt Shingles

Most Colorado roofs fall into one of these three categories. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with — and what to consider if you’re looking to upgrade:

At Sonners Contracting, we help homeowners choose based on weather exposure, budget, and long-term value — not just sticker price.

What We See in the Field (Real Talk from Sonners)

We’ve inspected and replaced thousands of roofs across Castle Rock, Denver, and up through Douglas County. And you know what we find time and time again?

• 💔 3-tab shingles that were sold as “budget-friendly,” but cracked wide open after one hail season.
• 😡 No-name imports with zero manufacturer warranty — homeowners stuck footing the bill after storm damage.
• ⚠️ Unrated shingles slapped on by storm-chaser crews, no Class 3 or Class 4 certification, no backup when things go bad.

And every time, the homeowner says the same thing: “I had no idea what was on my roof — I just trusted the quote.”

That’s exactly why we started Sonners Contracting. To put an end to guesswork. To educate. To give our clients the confidence that they’re getting the right product, the right installation, and the right support — from day one.

How to Choose the Right Shingle (Backed by Experience)

We’ve seen just about every brand, grade, and gimmick in the roofing industry. Here’s what actually matters — and what we help our clients prioritize when choosing the right shingles for their Colorado home:

• ✅ Weight – Heavier shingles contain more asphalt and offer better long-term durability.
• ✅ Impact Rating – Look for Class 4 UL 2218 impact-resistant shingles. These are made to survive Colorado hail.
• ✅ Manufacturer Reputation – We trust Owens Corning, Malarkey, and CertainTeed. Proven, warrantied, field-tested.
• ✅ Algae + UV Protection – Especially important with Colorado’s altitude and sun exposure.
• ✅ Installation Quality – A premium shingle means nothing if it’s nailed wrong or underlayment is skipped.

At Sonners, we never slap on a product we wouldn’t put on our own homes. We walk you through the specs, the benefits, and the cost differences — so you’re informed, not just sold to.