Impact-resistant roofing refers to a type of roofing material designed to withstand the impact of hail, wind-blown debris, falling tree branches, and other similar hazards. It is specifically engineered to provide greater durability and resistance against damage compared to standard roofing materials.
What is impact-resistant roofing?
The key feature of impact-resistant roofing is its ability to absorb and distribute the force of impact, reducing the likelihood of material cracking, denting, or puncturing. It is commonly used in areas prone to severe weather conditions, such as hailstorms or high winds.
What makes roofing materials impact-resistant?
Impact-resistant roofing materials are typically constructed using durable materials such as asphalt, metal, or composite materials. They undergo rigorous testing and are rated based on their resistance to impact. The most common rating system is the UL 2218 standard, which assigns a Class 1 through Class 4 rating to roofing materials, with Class 4 being the highest level of impact resistance.
Impact-resistant shingles
The below examples are impact-resistant
- Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices for residential roofing. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles are constructed with a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt and coated with granules.
- Metal roofing offers excellent durability and impact resistance. Metal shingles are typically made from steel or aluminum and can mimic the appearance of traditional shingles, tiles, or shakes.
- Composite shingles are a blend of various materials, such as rubber, plastic, and wood fibers. They are engineered to offer exceptional impact resistance, along with other benefits like fire resistance, durability, and energy efficiency.
- Synthetic shingles are made from rubber, polymer, or other synthetic materials. They are designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like slate or wood shakes while providing enhanced impact resistance and durability.
- Clay and concrete tiles are known for their durability and resistance to impacts. These heavyweight roofing options can withstand hail and other severe weather conditions effectively.
When considering impact-resistant roofing, it is essential to look for products that have undergone testing and certification by reputable organizations, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM), to ensure that they meet the desired impact resistance standards. Additionally, consult with a professional roofing contractor who can provide guidance on the best shingle choice based on your specific needs and regional weather conditions.
No roofing material is completely impervious to damage, but impact-resistant roofing provides an added layer of protection against severe weather events. It can help minimize the risk of leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs that may result from impacts.
Talk to a roofing contractor to find out more.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.