Choosing Impact Resistant Shingles
Since the mid-1990s, impact resistant shingles have grown in popularity for homes all across the country. Especially in areas where hailstorms are known to create a lot of insurance roof claims. So, what are impact resistant shingles exactly?
Impact resistant shingles are rated a Class 4, by the roofing industry, meeting the UL 2218 requirements. They are specially manufactured with a rubberized asphalt (styrene-butadiene-styrene), that is bound to a normal shingle, enabling them to effectively withstand hailstone impact. This rubbery shingle is more flexible and won’t crack when under pressure.
Like any type of roofing shingle, the range of impact resistant shingle products varies between manufacturers. Each offers architectural and designer impact resistant shingles installation of products that can be tailored to match the style of your home.
Are Class 3 shingles impact resistant?
Impact resistant shingles have a thicker gauge base and are made with materials that are more flexible than standard shingles. Shingles are rated for their durability during the UL 2218 impact test and given a Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4 based on the impact degree that the shingle can withstand and crack.
A Class 3 shingle rating is given to shingles that do not crack after being hit by a steel ball, measuring 1.75” in diameter and dropped from twenty feet. Class 4 is the highest after taking a hit from the same 20-foot height with a 2-inch steel ball. To pass the UL 2218 test, the shingle cannot be cracked after that impact.
How can you tell if shingles are impact resistant?
Impact resistant shingles are manufactured in a multilayer and thicker than the standard asphalt shingles. The impact rating of UL Standard 2218 Class 4 will be on the underside of the shingle.
How much more do impact resistant shingles cost?
All it takes is one hailstorm to damage a roof just enough repairs are needed or wipe it out altogether. It is because of hailstorms and windstorms that insurance companies love roof replacement and impact resistant shingles. While it cost more initially, it can save them money in the long run.
Yes, we snuck that in to ease the sticker shock of having impact resistant shingles installed. The installation of Class 4 impact resistant shingles that have a 30-year life expectancy will cost around $2,500, depending on the size of the home. The truth of the matter is that impact resistant shingles can cost you as much as 100 percent more than a standard asphalt shingled roof installation.
The impact resistant shingle roof will cost more at installation time, but over the year, with fewer repairs needed, it is a money saver. In the end, a more expensive impact resistant roofing material could save you Metal roofing is the next best resistance to hail damage, but metal roofing doesn’t fit every home’s aesthetics architecturally.
Are impact resistant shingles worth it?
The real question isn’t whether impact resistant shingles are worth the cost. They aren’t even a profitable option for homes where hailstorms are rare. For a home where hailstorms are almost as normal as the sun rising each day, impact resistant shingles are a great investment.
What roof is best for hail?
With high winds and atmospheric conditions all just right, hailstones can do a lot of damage to a roof. That is why homeowners want a roofing material that is hailstone resistant, but affordability is important too. Here are three of the best roofing materials as determined by most roofing contractors:
Rubber Roofing: A rubber roof is a great solution for hailstorms. It has a tremendous impact resistance level because it absorbs and disperses the impact due to its energy-absorbing and dispersing nature. Additionally, a rubber roof can flex with the temperature swings from one extreme to the next.
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular because of its inexpensive pricing. However, the standard asphalt shingle doesn’t fare well in hailstorms with significant-sized hail. You would need to upgrade to a Class 4 impact resistant shingles, which is better again for hailstorms but more expensive.
Metal Roofing: Metal is the most durable roofing material. It is fire-resistant and lightweight, providing a long lifespan. Today, metal roofing comes in a variety of colors and is UV resistant, a bonus for homes in areas that see high temperatures. The type of metal and its thickness makes a difference in how resistant it is to hail storms.
Impact resistant shingles vs. asphalt shingles
When comparing the two, what are the pros to choosing the impact resistant shingles over the cheaper basic asphalt shingles?
Protection: Impact resistant shingles are designed to handle whatever Mother Nature sends. They are flexible which keeps the shingles from cracking upon impact.
Cost: Impact resistant shingles cost more to have installed, but the ROI is significant with fewer repairs, and the sturdiness during a hailstorm will save your insurance deductible. The Class 4 impact resistant shingles are a value add to any home, a bonus in the real estate market.
Design: Impact resistant shingles come in different colors, designs, and styles to match any architectural design.
Want to get started on impact resistant shingles? Call (610) 689-3737 today!
