What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?

As roofing product technology improves, impact resistant roofing continues to grow in popularity. The good news for you? It's more affordable now than ever.

While highly rated impact resistant roofing products are more costly, they can translate to significant insurance savings. We see insurance premium savings ranging from 3% to 15% from all major insurance companies when new roofing projects are completed with impact resistant roofing.

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What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?

Impact resistant shingles are designed with a thicker gauge base mat. They are composed of more flexible materials than standard shingles. Their durability rating is established by administering the UL 2218 impact test.

Shingles are granted a rating of Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 based on the degree of impact they can withstand without cracking.

How Do Manufacturers Measure Impact?

The highest rating is Class 4, offered by most major roofing manufacturers. To evaluate according to Class 4 criteria, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped from a height of 20 feet directly onto the shingle being tested. If the mat of the shingle does not crack on impact, the shingle receives Class 4 impact rating.

To achieve Class 3 rating, the shingle must withstand a 1 ¾-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet.

Naturally, these tests are primarily intended to replicate hail stones. While the largest recorded hailstone in U.S. history measured 8 inches in diameter and weighed 1.94 pounds (in Vivian, South Dakota on July 23, 2010), most hailstones are under two inches in diameter, so insurance companies save when you install impact rated 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, you’ll 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 whole—and to reduce annual insurance premiums.

How Do I Choose the Right Roofing Shingles?

When you’re considering a roofing project, be sure to ask your insurance company about the savings conferred by installing impact resistant roofing products. Also, don't hesitate to contact our team to learn more about the different types of shingles we install to help inform your decision.

We're here to answer your questions and help you find the right roofing shingle solution that complements your budget, needs, and local weather conditions.

Just for Fun!

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, hail size is expressed by comparing it to known objects. To give you an idea of just how big hail can get, we’re including the comparisons they rely on.

Let’s hope that you never have to deal with hail any larger than a quarter!

  • Pea = 1/4 inch diameter
  • Marble/mothball = 1/2 inch diameter
  • Dime/Penny = 3/4 inch diameter
  • Nickel = 7/8 inch
  • Quarter = 1 inch (hail quarter size or larger is considered severe)
  • Ping-Pong Ball = 1 1/2 inch
  • Golf Ball = 1 3/4 inches
  • Tennis Ball = 2 1/2 inches
  • Baseball = 2 3/4 inches
  • Tea cup = 3 inches
  • Grapefruit = 4 inches
  • Softball = 4 1/2 inches

Need to Repair or Replace Your Roofing Shingles?

Whether you decide on impact resistant shingles or you're looking for a different roofing solution, our team can help! We offer both homeowners and business owners reliable roofing solutions to keep you covered and protected for years.

Contact us today for an estimate today!

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