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Are Asphalt Shingles Impact Resistant?

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Last updated on 4 min read

Thanks to advancements in shingle design and construction, industry-leading roofing manufacturers have engineered asphalt roofing shingles that can withstand greater impact and therefore potentially reduce the amount of roof damage caused by a storm, such as hail damage.

How do I know if my shingles are impact resistant?

How do I know if I have an impact-resistant roof? Shingles are rated Class 1 through 4, with Class 4 shingles having the highest resistance. The impact rating is usually marked on the underside of the shingle or on the packaging . You will not be able to tell the impact rating by looking at a shingle.

Are all shingles impact resistant?

Shingles that are “impact resistant” are considered a class 4 product , and are designed to withstand high winds and hail damage. ... Shingles with the Class 4 rating have an impact resistance rating of UL 2218. The UL 2218 is the roofing industry standard for testing shingles against hail impact.

What is a Class 4 impact resistant roof?

Class 4 is the highest level of impact resistance and indicates that under lab testing conditions, new shingles can withstand the impact from a 2-inch ball dropped from 20 feet without splitting or tearing .

What are 2 disadvantages to asphalt shingles?

  • It’s not the most durable roofing option. ...
  • Shingles can be damaged by high winds. ...
  • Mildew is a common problem. ...
  • It isn’t the most energy-efficient option.

Should I buy impact resistant shingles?

Not only do they protect your home from major storms, which could otherwise destroy normal shingles and cost you a roof replacement, but they also weather better than regular asphalt shingles. ... Impact resistant shingles can also provide potential savings on your home insurance .

How much more do impact resistant shingles cost?

The installation of Class 4 impact resistant shingles that have a 30 year life expectancy will cost around $2,500 , depending on the size of the home. The truth of the matter is that impact resistant shingles can cost you as much as 100 percent more than a standard asphalt shingled roof installation.

What is an impact resistant shingle?

Impact-Resistant Roof Shingles. Impact-resistant roofing shingles – sometimes referred to as “IR” roofing shingles – are designed to help minimize roof damage during a severe weather event and can potentially extend the life of your roof.

Are IKO shingles impact resistant?

IKO Nordic performance shingles are among the top-performing asphalt shingles currently available. They’re engineered for superior wind and impact resistance, carrying high-wind limited warranty coverage for winds up to 130 mph (210 km/h) and offering a Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating *.

What class are asphalt shingles?

Some insurance companies may provide premium discounts when shingles are impact-resistant rated at the Class 4 level. Due to the materials used in their construction, most asphalt shingle roof assemblies have a Class A fire resistance rating . Fire resistance is based on two test standards: UL 790 and ASTM E 108.

Who makes the best class 4 shingle?

  • Atlas Roofing Corporation. ...
  • Malarkey Roofing Products. ...
  • CertainTeed Corporation. ...
  • Enviroshake Inc. ...
  • Euroshield.

Are metal roofs considered impact resistant?

Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage . ... In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating (Class 4) granted by Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL).

What are 3 disadvantages of composite shingles?

  • The impact of anything, including tree limbs and hail, can break or crack composition shingles. ...
  • The small granules that cover each shingle can be dislodged in inclement weather.
  • Excess sun exposure and trapped moisture can cause shingles to break down prematurely.
  • Their lifespan can be shortened by other factors.

What is the lifespan of architectural shingles?

Lifespan. Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years .

Are asphalt roofs any good?

Effective: While not as durable and long-lasting as other roofing materials (such as metal, slate, clay tiles, and cedar shakes) asphalt shingles provide adequate protection . With its moderate protection next to its low price point, most people find it is the most cost-effective option.

Which asphalt shingle is best?

  • Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine.
  • GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign.
  • CertainTeed – XT 25.
  • Atlas – StormMaster Slate.
  • Tamko – Heritage.
  • Owens Corning – Oakridge.
  • Owens Corning – Duration.
  • Owens Corning – Berkshire Collection.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Emily Lee

Emily is a passionate arts and entertainment writer who covers everything from music and film to visual arts and cultural trends.