Are Impact Resistant Shingles Right For You
Those homeowners who live in an area that gets occasional hailstorms should consider whether Class 4 impact resistant shingles could benefit them. Even if you havent experienced a hailstorm in some time, they can happen in most climates in North America. If you are considering impact-resistant shingles, you can find a local roofing company to help using IKOs Contractor Locator.
Benefits Of Impact Resistant Shingles
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it? For many homeowners, the answer is yes. Class 4 impact resistant shingles offer many benefits, including:
- Meet building codes: Some local building codes at the city or country level may require you to install Class 4 impact resistant shingles when you get a new roof. Typically, these are in areas where hail is a common occurrence.
- Get insurance discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts on roofing materials that achieve a Class 4 impact resistance rating. For example, State Farms impact resistant shingle discount is available to select customers. These savings may be substantial, even 35% of your home insurance premiums, according to NBC News.
- Enjoy more benefits: Impact-resistant shingles may also meet other high standards for quality. At IKO, we call these performance shingles. For example, NordicTM shingles are designed to withstand high winds up to 110 mph.
- Achieve better durability: The most significant benefit of impact resistant shingles is that they will better withstand hailstorms. You can get peace of mind that in a hailstorm, your roof will be as safe as it can be.
What Are Ul 2218 Class 4 Shingles
The UL puts construction materials, like roofing shingles, through a rigorous series of tests set to determine how impact resistant they genuinely are. During this test, known as the UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Rating test, steels balls in various sizes are dropped onto the roofing material at 90 mph from 12 to 20 feet high, two times in the same spot.
How the roofing or other construction material holds up under the impact of these steel balls will determine whether they will be classified as UL 2218 Class 4 shingles or a lower class. For a UL Class 4 impact resistant rating to be achieved, the sample roofing material should be able to withstand two hits by a steel ball that is two inches in diameter without cracking or showing signs of stress.
Don’t Miss: How To Measure For Shingles
What Class Of Impact Resistance Do You Need
When it comes to impact resistance, there is a class system used to identify the level of impact resistance a product has. There are four classes of impact resistance ranging from Class 1, the least resistant, to Class 4, the most impact resistant.
Each state has different building codes that may specify the class of impact resistant materials a home or other structure must use. What each state allows for roofing and other areas of construction will depend on the conditions the materials will be exposed to.
For example, states prone to hailstorms are likely to require all roofed structures to have Class 4 roof shingles for optimal protection.
Owens Corning Trudefinition Duration Flex Shingles
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration FLEX shingles have a less natural look compared to CeDUR roofing shakes. They look like standard asphalt shingles. This type of Class 4 shingle utilizes a mixture of styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer-modified asphalt. The rubber-like roofing material is exceptionally durable and can withstand impacts and rough conditions. Interestingly, this type of shingle is resistant to ultraviolet light, so you should consider installing the product on your roof if you live in areas with sunny weather. A limited lifetime warranty ensures coverage from manufacturing defects during the entire lifespan of the product, for owners of a single-family home, as long as they own the home.
Read Also: Google Show Me What Shingles Look Like
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, it the standard asphalt shingle doesnt fare well in hailstorms with significant sized hail. You would need to upgrade to a Class 4 impact resistant shingles, which is better again 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 area that see high temperatures. The type of metal and its thickness makes a difference how resistant it is to hail storms.
Cost Of Impact Resistant Shingles
SBS Class 4 impact-resistant shingles cost from 10-25 percent more than regular asphalt shingles. However, because impact-resistant shingles reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent premature roof replacement, homeowners can quickly make up the higher initial costs. Also, Class 4, impact-resistant shingles further save money because they can improve a home’s resale value and add a discount to the homeowner’s insurance premium.
Also Check: How Do You Feel With Shingles
Are Impact Resistant Shingles Worth It
Class 3 and Class 4 impact rated shingles each cost incrementally more than standard laminate shingles, but they confer incrementally greater insurance savings.
On average, after five years, youll recoup the upfront cost of impact resistant shingles through your insurance company premium discount. Though the decision is entirely up to you, at All Elements, we think this is a great way to reduce the number of insurance claims as a wholeand to reduce annual insurance premiums.
Impact Resistant Roof Shingles Warranty & Lifespan
There is no such thing as a hail resistant roof, but Class 4 impact resistant roof shingles are the most advanced asphalt roofing shingles available. Class 4 shingles have a 50-year life expectancy, far superior to the standard architectural shingles 30-year life expectancy.
In the Denver metro and across the Colorado Front Range, extreme wind and hail can accelerate the lifespan, requiring homeowners to replace their roofs far sooner.
Thatâs why, at Metro City Roofing, we recommend Class 4 shingles for all our customers, and offer a FREE UPGRADE to Class 4 impact resistant shingles with every roof replacement. For insurance claims, we have a 99% success rate to get your storm claim approved.
Class 4 shingles are tested to withstand up to 2 inch hailstones. Here in Colorado, we can get extreme storms with large hailstones. In May 2017, the Denver metro area had nearly 4 inch hail. Imagine having replaced your roof in 2016, only having to do it again in 2017.
Class 4 shingles are worth the investmentAdd protection for your home and save money on your insurance premium
COST WITH A STRONG ROI
You May Like: Pain Relief For Shingles Nerve Pain
Clay Tile And Slate Tiles
Clay tiles and slate tiles also can be manufactured for greater durability impact resistance. Standard 1/4-inch thick slate roofing typically meets the class 3 impact resistant standard and can survive impact from a 1-¾-inch ice ball fired from a cannon at 69 miles per hour with no visible signs of damage. Thicker -inch slates, meanwhile, typically meet the class 4 impact resistance rating, since they can survive impact from a 2-inch ice ball fired at 76 mph.
Additionally, both clay and slate roofs have long lifespans lasting 100 years or more when well-maintained which makes this investment well worth it.
The Making Of Class 4 Rubber Roofing Shingles
Rubber roofing shingles are produced from recycled rubber and plastic materials that are flexible, sustainable, and environmentally approved. It is not surprising that they are more energy-efficient than other shingles on the market. It comes in sheets or rolls which make it favorable to installers. Though the manufacturers produce them from used tires and plastics, they design them in a variety of architectural ways to look exactly like slates, cedar shake, tiles, or asphalt shingles. Some companies use up to 75% or 80% of recycled tires and composite of sawdust or other materials to define the architectural look and durability. Manufacturers make them in a variety of thicknesses from 45mm to 90mm. The thickness depends on the size of the building, the pitch of the roofing, and its location.
A good sales representative should be able to advise what is best for what building and area. Many brand names on the market claim Class 4 rated Rubber Roofing Shingle. Making a choice and identifying which company has a reputation can be confusing and daunting. If you want to retain the warranty and qualify for your insurance discounts, credit, or rebate, Roofing Insights encourages you to check out the approved Class 4 impact resistance rubber shingles that are on the market. In fact, American Family, State Farm, and other insurance companies have an approved list of the eligible name brands that pass through Class 4 in Underwriters Laboratories 2218 and FM Approvals 4473.
Also Check: Should I Get Shingles Vaccine If I Already Had Shingles
Choosing The Right Roof And How Brava Can Help
We at Brava Roof Tile would like to help you make the right choice in roofing material. We clearly understand that for your family’s safety and the protection of your investment, only durable, long-lasting roofing products, with low to no maintenance costs, fit today’s homeowners’ requirements.
At Brava, all of our eco-friendly composite roofing products come with a 50-year warranty. We offer three unique composite tile styles that achieve, if not surpass, the beauty of natural slate, Spanish clay tile, and cedar shake roofing. Importantly, all our products protect against impact, fire, moisture, extreme temperature, color fading, and structural damage – features that eliminate maintenance and lower long-term costs.
- Brava roofing products achieve a Class 4 impact rating – 110mph wind resistance
- Homeowners can choose Brava products with either a Class A and Class C fire rating
- Moisture-resistant Brava products avoid problems associated with mold
- Temperature-resistant Brava products maintain their integrity during freezing and thawing events and high temperatures.
- Brava’s revolutionary multi-coloring process produces a product with authentic color variation and flow throughout the entire tile.
- Brava’s lightweight composite tiles eliminate the potential of structural damage, unlike heavier tiles, like clay and concrete.
What Is Class 4 Impact Resistance For Roofing Shingles
All roofing products go through rigorous testing by independent, nationally recognized laboratories to provide assurance that product performance meets specifications. Impact resistance for roof coverings are rated by Underwriter Laboratories between Class 1 and 4, with Class 4 being the most durable.
Don’t Miss: How To Figure How Many Shingles You Need
What Is The Difference Between Class 3 And Class 4 Shingles
Underwriters Laboratory 2218 tests shingles for their ability to withstand impact. The steel ball test determines the impact resistance class a shingle is placed within.
Class 4 is the highest IR rating available. A shingle is placed in this class when a 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped twice onto the same spot does not damage the shingles.
A class 3 rating is given when damage does not occur when a smaller ball, 1.75 inches, is dropped from a lower height twice onto the shingle.
Class 4 roofing shingles have a higher hail resistance and are ideal in areas that are hailstorm prone or have other adverse weather conditions.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between the four available classes.
Shingle Rating Vs. Performance when hit twice by a 2 steel ball.
Class 1 Impact-resistant when twice hit by a steel ball 1.25 in. diameter lands on the same spot.
Class 2 Impact-resistant, when hit twice by a steel ball 1.50 in. diameter, lands on the same spot.
Class 3 Impact-resistant when twice hit by a steel ball 1.75 in. diameter lands at the same spot.
Class 4 Impact-resistant when twice hit by a steel ball 2.00 in. diameter lands at the same spot.
Let It Hail Fort Worth Case Study
Although an article from 2003, Let It Hail! is a great resource outlining just how effective an impact-resistant roof is in our area.
The article discusses the development of UL 2218 Class 4 shingles in 1996 explaining that such products are designed to withstand 90mph steel balls simulating hailstones. Also, whereas Class 4 products made from aluminum, copper and plastic had been on the market for years, modified asphalt shingles were then new and have become widespread in use and popularity since 1997.
Having witnessed his roof withstand a violent thunderstorm, one Ft. Worth homeowner proudly says this of his IR shingles:
I dont think about storms anymore. I just let it hail.
You May Like: Can I Use Hydrocortisone Cream On Shingles Rash
How Much Do Class 4 Shingles Cost
The average cost of Class 4 shingles is between $4,000 and $6,500 depending on the specific brand and the size of your home. This cost projection includes both materials and labor by a roofing company. Class 4 shingles cost up to 25 percent more than regular asphalt shingles. Most Class 4 shingles come with a 50-year warranty, while regular shingles usually have a 30-year warranty. This means that the higher-class shingles have a longer lifespan.
Insurance companies don’t usually cover upgrades to Class 4 shingles. However, you may be eligible for discounts on premiums in the future if you do decide to upgrade your shingles. Availability for this type of insurance discount depends on your insurance provider.
Class 3 Vs Class 4 Shingles
As mentioned earlier, the impact resistance of shingles refers to their ability to endure damage and impact caused by storms and hail. The steel ball test is used to measure this resistance. Based on the test results, its easy to set Class 4 shingles apart from Class 3 shingles .
In particular, shingles earn a Class 3 impact-resistance rating if they dont crack when the ball hits them twice in the same place. On the other hand, a Class 4 impact-resistance rating only goes to shingles that dont get damaged at all in the process.
If you get a Class 4 impact-resistant material, your home will receive the best protection. Nevertheless, during extreme weather conditions such as large, wind-driven hail, theres still some possibility of damage.
The shingles will protect your roof during average hail storms, but if its an especially bad one, theres still some risk of damage.
Don’t Miss: Where Does Shingles Start On The Body
Top 10 Best Brands Of Roofing Shingles
You can narrow your roofing material search down with a few tips about the best roof shingles on the market. Consumer Reports conducts reviews of various products, including the best roofing shingles brands.
Its been ten years since the consumer group reported on roofing materials. The company assessed asphalt roofing shingles because its currently the most popular choice in the nation.
The report reveals that its easy to distinguish the thicknesses of various roofing brands. The report states that some brands shingles are so thick that you can easily see theyre three times more durable than other brands.
Longevity is the most important feature of a roofing shingle. Resultantly, Consumer Reports conducted a test that replicated the load and conditions asphalt shingles endure over time.
The consumer group focused on the weak spots in shingles because thats where they typically incur damage. The magazine used various devices to simulate intense hail to tell which ones will bend, crack or dent. They also conducted a test to see which shingles will stand up to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The report reveals that standard single-layer asphalt shingles can only stand up to around 60 mile-per-hour winds and moderate hail and debris impacts. Multilayered asphalt shingles, however, can withstand winds of 110 mph.
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. They 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 they can withstand and crack.
A Class 3 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 twenty foot height with a two-inch steel ball. To pass the UL 2218 test, the shingle cannot be cracked after that impact.
Recommended Reading: Post Shingles Fatigue And Joint Pain Symptoms
Cracking And Water Damage Prevention
Large pieces of hail and debris can dent and crack a roof during intense storms, leaving the roof susceptible to water leaks, damage, and expensive repairs. Thankfully, Class 4, impact-resistant shingles will not crack, tear, or split under these severe weather situations, protecting the roof and home from water damage and costly repairs.
Atlas Shingles Pass The Ul2218 Impact Rating Test
The UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Rating test simulates the damaging impact of a 2 size hail stone. The test drops a 2 steel ball onto the shingle twice in the same spot and the shingle cannot exhibit any signs of fracture, breaking of the glass mat, or significant granule loss. Because of the unique nature of SBS modified asphalt, Atlas StormMaster Shake and Slate pass this test and brings a more flexible & durable shingle tot he marketplace. Atlas StormMaster® shingles with UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating resist hail, leaving the underlayment, roof deck and home leak free.
Ask your insurance agent about potential discounts on your homeowners insurance premiums when you install UL 2218 Class 4 Impact rated StormMaster® shingles.
You May Like: How Can You Contract Shingles