What Is An Impact-Resistant Roof?
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If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, impact-resistant roofing materials are a stand-out option. Impact-resistant roofs are known for their superior durability against hail and debris damage.
These roofs earn their title by passing industry tests, which we will discuss further in this blog post. However, please note that no roof will last forever or is completely damage-proof. It depends on the resistance capacity of the product.
In this complete guide, we are going to discuss impact resistance roofs and all the related information you need to know.
👉 What Are Impact-Resistant Roofs Exactly?
Impact-resistant roofs are designed to withstand severe weather conditions, particularly hail and high winds. They are made from durable materials like asphalt, fiberglass, rubber, and polymers that can absorb and dissipate the force of impacts.
Key features of impact-resistant roofs include:
- Reinforced backing for extra strength and stability.
- Advanced adhesives to keep shingles securely in place even in strong winds.
- Ability to resist cracking, splitting, or breaking under impact.
👉 What Are Different Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials?
There are different impact-resistant roofing materials that you can choose from for your roofing system. We will discuss them below.
#1 Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a common type of impact-resistant roof. They’re made tougher by adding rubber-like materials or special mesh. They are commonly known as impact-resistant roofing shingles.
#2 Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are extremely durable and last a long time. They’re usually made of steel or aluminum. If you’re looking for an impact-resistant roofing option, metal is a great choice. It’s super strong against hail and wind, and it lasts longer than many other roof types.
Also Read: Is A Metal Roof Cheaper Than Shingles?
#3 Clay and Slate Tiles
Clay and slate are natural materials that inherently resist impacts. They’re very sturdy and can last over 100 years if you take care of them. Thicker tiles are even better at handling hits from things like hail.
#4 Composite Plastic Roofs
This type of roof is made from a mix of plastics and other materials. It’s designed to look like regular shingle roofs but is much tougher. If you want an impact-resistant roof that looks nice and works well, this could be a good option for your home.
#5 Synthetic Roofs
Synthetic roofs are made from things like recycled materials or rubber. They’re built to be as strong as traditional roofs when it comes to impact resistance. If you live somewhere with bad weather, these roofs can help protect your house.
👉 Who Tests Impact-Resistant Roofs?
There are two main groups that test roofing materials to see how strong they are: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and FM Approvals. They both perform comprehensive tests to determine the impact resistance of roofing materials.
#1 UL’s Test: The Steel Ball Drop
UL’s test involves dropping steel balls of different sizes onto roofing materials from various heights. Then, they look closely to see if there are any cracks, chips, or missing granules.
#2 FM’s Test: The Ice Ball Launcher
FM Approvals does something similar, they shoot ice balls at the roofing materials instead. They set up the materials on a slope, just like a real roof. This helps them see how the materials would handle real hail during a storm.
After Undergoing These Tests, Roofing Materials Are Categorized Based On Their Durability.
The ratings go from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the toughest.
Here’s what the different classes mean:
Class 1: The material didn’t break when hit twice with a 1.25-inch ball.
Class 2: The material didn’t break when hit twice with a 1.5-inch ball.
Class 3: The material didn’t break when hit twice with a 1.75-inch ball.
Class 4: The material didn’t break when hit twice with a 2-inch ball.
For these tests, break means any cracks, splits, or visible damage. Small dents or losing some of the tiny granules on shingles do not count as breaking.
Most of the really tough roofing materials, like impact-resistant shingles, are Class 4 while some are Class 3. You can find these ratings on the manufacturer’s website and on the shingle package.
👉How To Decide If You Need An Impact-Resistant Roof
So, should you go for an impact-resistant roof? Here are some things to think about:
- Do you live in an area with lots of hail or high winds? (If you’re in Wisconsin, the answer is probably yes!)
- Are you planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future?
- Do you like the idea of extra peace of mind during storm season?
If you answered yes to these questions, impact-resistant roofs could be a smart choice for your home.
👉 Why Choose An Impact-Resistant Roof?
If you live in the Midwest, you know how rough the weather can get. An impact-resistant roof could be your home’s best defense against hail, high winds, and severe storms.
But it’s not just about standing up to bad weather. These impact-resistant roofs can save you money in the long run. Here’s how:
#1 Longer Lifespan
Impact resistant roofs are built to last. While regular shingles might need replacing after 15 to 30 years, impact-resistant roof shingles can protect your home for 40 to 100 years or more. That’s a lot of extra time without worrying about a new roof!
#2 Less Maintenance
Because these impact-resistant shingles are so tough, they need less fixing up over time. That means fewer repair bills for you, even after those big summer storms roll through. You won’t have to worry about replacing missing shingles or patching up damage after every hailstorm.
This doesn’t mean you can completely forget about your roof, though. It’s still a good idea to have it checked out every now and then, just to make sure everything’s in good shape. However, with an impact-resistant roof, these check-ups are likely to be quick and worry-free.
#3 Insurance Savings
Your insurance company might give you a discount for installing an impact-resistant roof. Many insurers offer savings of 20% to 28% on your homeowner’s insurance because they know these roofs are less likely to get damaged.
#4 Energy Efficiency
Some impact-resistant roofs are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They might reflect more sunlight or provide better insulation, which could help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This could lead to lower energy bills, saving you even more money in the long run.
💡 4 Tips To Choose The Right Impact-Resistant Roof For Your Building
If you’ve decided an impact-resistant roof is right for you, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your choice:
- Look for some well-known names in impact-resistant roofing like Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed.
- Check out the warranties on the product you choose. These warranties are important in case of any damage to the product.
- Think about your local weather. In the Midwest, you’ll want shingles that can handle both summer hail and winter ice.
- Consider the style and color. Remember, you’ll be looking at this roof for a long time, so choose something you like!
When you’re looking at different options, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good roofing contractor (like us at BRH Enterprises) will be happy to explain the differences between products and help you choose the best impact-resistant roof for your home and your budget.
How Much Does An Impact-Resistant Roof Cost?
Generally, an impact-resistant roof can cost you anywhere between $15,000 and $40,000. If you go for asphalt shingles, it’s a bit cheaper – around $5,000 to $15,000.
If you choose a metal roof, it can set you back between $6,000 and $18,000 But here’s the thing – these tough roofs can last 40 to 70 years, way longer than asphalt shingles.
Plus, your insurance company might give you a discount for having one. So while it’s pricey upfront, you could save money in the long run.
It is best to have a conversation with your local roofer to figure out the best option for your place.
Hire BRH Enterprises For Best Rated Roofing Services In Mayville, WI
If you are looking for durable roof replacements in Mayville, WI, and the nearby areas, we are here to assist you. At BRH Enterprises, we aim to serve homeowners with the highest quality roofing services. From repairs to full roof replacement, our professionals can handle any roofing job. We understand that roofs are an important investment for any homeowner. To know more, feel free to call us today at (920) 249-4228.
