Hail Protection is a Matter of Degrees. See if Your Roofing is Rated High for Impact Resistance!
Every year, hail strikes effect millions of Americans and cost billions of dollars in damages. For homeowners with shingle roofing systems, it can feel like your stuck in a cycle of repairing your tattered roof just in time for the next storm. Fortunately, there are roofing materials with enough impact resistance to completely protect your home from hail strikes.
What are Impact Resistant Shingles?
First of all, it’s worth mentioning that there are numerous types of shingle roofing available on the market, including…
- Traditional 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
- Architectural (Laminate) Shingles
- Metal Shingles Systems
- Composite Shingles Installations
- Synthetic Shingles (Faux Wood, Tile, and Slate)
- Natural Wood Shingles
All of these materials have a certain level of impact resistance, though some are too weak to be marketed as “impact resistant.” Basic (non-reinforced) 3-tab asphalt shingles, for instance, will most likely crack or tear when faced with a high-velocity hail impact. Most 3-tab shingles would not qualify as Class 1 impact resistant (the lowest level).
Class 4 impact resistant materials, such as Atlas roof shingles, offer the highest level of protection form hail strikes. In the majority of cases, Class 4 materials should not crack or tear when subjecting to the force of falling hail.
Are Architectural Shingles Impact Resistant?
The laminate installation and layering process of architectural shingles enables them to withstand extreme wind forces. While they offer better impact resistance than traditional 3-tab shingles, most laminate shingles are not designed for hail damage prevention. There are exceptions. Virtually every asphalt-based shingle can be modified during manufacturing for higher impact resistance. If you’re considering architectural shingle installation for your home, we highly recommend making sure your material choice is augmented with a higher impact resistances rating.
Get Your Estimate for Professional Roof Replacement
If you’re looking to install a new roof for your home or business in place of a hail-damaged system, our team at Cincinnati Gutter & Roof Protection would love to help you! You can learn more about our professional roof replacement in Cincinnati, OH by calling us at 513.563.9988!
