What are impact-resistant shingles?
As spring arrives, the potential for severe thunderstorms increases. As more thunderstorms pop up, it’s likely they’ll bring hail, and hail can bash up your roof. That damage can lead to a premature roof replacement. If your roof is nearing time for a replacement or you’re putting on a new roof, you may want to consider putting on impact-resistant shingles. Made from durable materials like copper, aluminum, resin, and plastic, these shingles are specifically designed to protect your roof from hail damage.
When shingles are tested, steel balls of various sizes are dropped from various heights to mimic hail slamming down on them. If they take no damage from the hardest hits, they get classified with the highest impact resistance rating of UL 2218, or Class 4. Along with being able to withstand the hard impacts of hail, these shingles also hold up against high winds up to 110 mph. Moreover, these shingles will fit almost any home design.
Don’t let severe weather and hail end your roof’s life prematurely. If you want to preserve your roof, consider installing impact-resistant shingles in Arlington, TX. Find out more about the benefits of these shingles or get an estimate from Frazier Roofing & Guttering Co., Inc. by calling (817) 677-6664.
How do I know if I have impact-resistant shingles?
If you’ve moved into a new home, you might want to find out if your shingles are impact-resistant. To an untrained eye, these shingles might look like any other shingle, though they’re made from stronger materials like copper, aluminum, plastic. They may be multilayered, made of fiberglass mat, back surfacing, and asphalt. Sometimes the shingle’s rating is marked on the underside. A Class 4 or UL 2218 rating makes it impact-resistant. Get a roofing professional to inspect your roof, and they should be able to tell you for sure if your shingles are impact-resistant.
What are the different grades of shingles?
When you are considering installing impact-resistant shingles, you’ll want to make sure they are Class 4. Shingles are given different grades when it comes to the ability to withstand hail strikes.
- Class 1: These shingles are the lowest rated and when tested only manage to withstand damage from a 1 ¼-inch steel ball dropped at 12 feet.
- Class 2: The next highest-rated shingle only manages to withstand impacts from 1 ½-inch steel balls dropped at 15 feet.
- Class 3: These asphalt shingles are able to withstand repeated hits from a 1 ¾-inch steel ball dropped at 17 feet. These shingles are common, but can only handle small hail without damage.
- Class 4: This is the highest rating. When tested, these shingles withstand repeated hits from a 2-inch steel ball dropped at 20 feet. After repeated tests, these shingles show no evidence of punctures, tears, cracks, ruptures, or splits.
Are Class 3 shingles impact resistant?
When tested, Class 3 shingles are able to withstand repeated strikes from a 1 ¾-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 17 feet. While they are impact-resistant, they can only withstand a small amount of hail damage, usually from smaller hailstones. If struck by larger hailstones, these shingles may suffer major damage. They usually only receive a 30-year limited lifetime warranty.
Are architectural shingles impact-resistant?
While architectural shingles tend to be thicker than traditional 3-tab shingles, their level of impact resistance may be varied. Most impact-resistant shingles are Class 4 rated, the highest level. If your architectural shingles are Class 4, they will be highly impact-resistant, although some Class 3 shingles can handle smaller impacts with no damage.
Are impact shingles worth the money?
In general, impact-resistant shingles are worth the initial higher installation costs. Over the long run, you’ll spend less on maintenance and repairs, and your roof will likely last longer than one with standard shingles. If you live in an area in which hail risks are high, these shingles are very much worth the extra cost.
How long do impact shingles last?
Impact-resistant shingles are built to last. Under ideal conditions, they could last up to 30 years, whereas most asphalt shingle roofs last anywhere between 15 to 20 years. Whatever roofing system you have, the key to longevity is maintenance.
How much are impact-resistant shingles?
You should expect to pay about 10% to 20% more for impact-resistant shingles than you would for regular shingles. On average, for a 2,200 to 2,600 square foot roof, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $4,000 for materials for regular shingles. While the initial costs are higher, these shingles will be beneficial in the long term. It’s also possible to get an insurance discount for impact-resistant shingles. Check with your individual insurance company to find out if you can get a discount with these shingles. In some states, impact shingles are required on new housing.
Book Us Today
Before severe thunderstorms start dropping hail on your roof, you might want to install impact-resistant shingles in Arlington, TX. If you install these shingles, you can expect exceptional service from the professionals at Frazier Roofing & Guttering Co., Inc. We offer a full range of roofing services. Find out how we can help you or book an appointment with us by calling (817) 677-6664.