Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by teamobn
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Understanding Impact-Resistant Shingles for Your Home
Impact-resistant shingles are an excellent solution for fortifying homes against severe weather conditions. They are smart investments made with advanced materials that allow them to withstand hail, high winds, and other environmental stressors that can damage standard roofing.
Aside from holding up against severe weather events, they last longer than traditional asphalt shingles. By having a comprehensive understanding of impact-resistant asphalt shingles, you can make an informed decision that is best for your home.
Class of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Impact singles are classified based on their class ratings as they cater to different levels of safeguarding and aesthetic preferences. There are four classes of impact-resistant shingles, running from the closest class 1 to class 4, which provides the highest protection level.
The classification is made via careful testing that uses steel balls dropped onto the shingles to simulate hail impact. Here are the four types:
- Class 1 can resist a 1.25-inch steel ball dropped twice
- Class 2 can resist a 1.5-inch steel ball dropped twice
- Class 3 can resist a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped twice
- Class 4 can resist a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice.
The tests were done to make sure the shingles could resist the impacts without damages that affected their integrity. Aside from the class ratings, impact resistant shingles can be distinguished by their composition of materials. Most impact resistant shingles are made of asphalt fortified with advanced materials.
Asphalt shingles types include fiberglass asphalt shingles and organic asphalt shingles. Both of these types can be enhanced to impact-resistant versions that offer increased protection, meeting the strict standards of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) class 4 ratings.
The composition of asphalt shingles is crucial to the ability to absorb impact energy, which reduces potential damage during severe weather events like hail storms or hurricanes. 
Benefits of Impact Resistant Shingles
Impact-resistant shingles can ensure your home is protected and enhance its value. Gaining insight into impact resistant shingles benefits can allow you to make an informed decision about your roofing needs. Below, you will find some of the benefits of installing an impact-resistant shingle in your home,
Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal
There are various color options and styles of impact resistant shingles. With this, you don’t need your style for durability. You can choose the shingle style you like, protect your home, and get a noticeable upgrade.
Aside from improving curb appeal, the roofing materials increase the overall value of your home. If you intend to sell your home in the coming years, installing an impact resistant shingle can increase your home’s value when negotiating with potential buyers.
Fewer Repairs
With their durability, impact resistant shingles are a preferred option since they increase the roof’s lifespan. Impact-resistant shingles are quite hard to damage. You don’t need to spend money repairing hail or storm damage.
Remember that making frequent repairs on a roof is costlier than replacing your roof. Frequent repairs can reduce a roof’s lifespan, meaning that you will pay more in the long run. Aside from increasing the lifespan of your roof, impact resistant shingles also help save money when installed.
Enhances Energy Efficiency
Impact resistant shingles offer better energy efficiency than traditional asphalt shingles. This is because they are made with specialized coating and are better at reflecting sunlight, reducing the amount that enters a home via the roof.
Through the reduction of heat entering the home, you can save money on energy bills as your HVAC systems will not have to work for long to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Magnified Durability
This is one of the major benefits of an impact resistant shingle. They are made using rubberized asphalt, which is thicker than asphalt granule mixture used in standard asphalt shingles. This is why impact resistant shingles are more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains, high winds, tree branches, and hailstones.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies offer homeowners better premiums and discounts if they install impact resistant shingles. This is because the design of impact resistant shingles prevents more damage to the roof, and insurance companies love not having to pay for damages.
Whether you intend to buy a home with a fairly used impact-resistant shingle or get a new one, the odds are in your favor when getting a new or renewing your insurance policy.
How to Maintain Impact Resistant Roofing
The maintenance of impact resistant roofs is the same as the traditional asphalt shingles. Though they are tough, you can perform visual inspections after a storm to check for damage signs like broken roofs or cracked shingles. Additionally, consider scheduling an expert annual roof inspection about five years from installation.
Always clean your roof as required and make repairs right away if you find problems. If moss or algae grows on your roof, clean it with a gentle method. However, don’t use a pressure washer, as it can cause damage to your roof. Pressure washers remove the granules from the roof and shorten the lifespan while stripping the roof’s protection against UV rays.
Is Installing an Impact Shingle a Good Investment?
The benefits you can get from installing an impact shingle roofing in your home depend on the severity of the weather in your town or city per year. You can consider saving through rebates or home insurance premiums by insurance companies. People living in areas prone to severe weather conditions will benefit more from impact resistant roofs. A major disadvantage is its price.
How to Choose The Right Contractor for Installation
Choosing the right contractor or roofer for your impact resistant shingle is the core of successful installation. Always make sure you verify the credentials, such as the insurance and licenses of the roofer or contractor. Remember to review the testimonials from previous clients and check their status with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Endnote
Impact-resistant shingles, though costlier than standard asphalt shingles, are a good option for individuals living in areas prone to severe weather conditions such as storms. They also help you save money in the long run.
When you intend to install an impact-resistant shingle, ensure you speak with your insurance company to know about potential savings, and remember to consult with a professional and licensed roofing contractor for recommendations.
