Impact-resistant shingles famously provide a strong defense against wind and hail. But are impact-resistant shingles that much better than regular ones? The following post explores the true value of this roofing protection and whether it is cost-effective for business owners and homeowners in the U.S.
Roofer’s Guild examines:
- Practical applications for impact-resistant (IR) shingles in a commercial setting
- Financial incentives vs. requirements for adopting IR
- General composition and design of these enhanced materials
- Key players in the IR shingles market
Key Takeaway
Impact Resistant Shingles withstand the trauma of hail strikes without breaking, making them worthwhile for homeowners in hail-prone climates like Texas and Florida.
What is Impact Resistant Roofing?
Impact resistance is a material’s ability to withstand the force of an object striking it without breaking.
In roofing, an impact-resistant shingle can withstand the impact of a moderately-sized hailstone falling at up to 90 miles per hour.
The specially crafted material distributes the force so effectively that it leaves the shingle without cracks. Such distinctions make the rating system crucial for residential and commercial building protection.
A Look at IR Shingles From the TAMKO Heritage Line. These Feature Class 4 Impact Resistance.
Identifying Impact Resistant Shingles
Like many building materials, shingles and other roofing products are rated by their impact resistance. Material rating specialists classify them on a scale of 1 to 4, with Class 4 materials showing the greatest resistance. Keep in mind that not all materials are rated for impact resistance.
Two key organizations govern the rating system and submit classifications for new materials. These are Factory Mutual (FM) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Underwriters Laboratories is particularly famous for its testing and classification systems for impact and fire resistance.
Their standard, UL 2218, created the Class 1 – 4 rating system. Most manufacturers follow this standard for rating their materials, and you can easily confirm classifications on their company websites.
Key Benefits of Impact Resistant Shingles
Enhanced Weather Defense
With enhanced impact resistant shingles, your building has ample protection against both hail and would-be leaks. That means fewer visits from your roofing contractor and more occasional calls with your insurance agency. Of course, there are also thousands of dollars in savings.
Extended Shingle Lifetimes
Your average asphalt shingle comes with a lifetime of 15 to 20 years. That’s assuming the material endures years of solar radiation, hail trauma, pests, and other threats. On the other hand, impact-resistant shingles often last up to 30 years. That’s a decade more of additional protection.
If your business prefers to make longer-term investments, IR shingles could be a great call. Their hardened exterior makes them much more likely to last the full length of their estimated lifetime too. Compare shingles from different manufacturers to find the maximum investment impact you desire.
Improved Cost Effectiveness
Combine a longer estimated life cycle and superior weather protection, and you have the makings for some impressive cost savings.
While impact-resistant shingles may run 10 to 20 percent higher than traditional asphalt varieties, that cost spreads over a longer lifetime.
Since only the most severe storms can inflict significant damage, your chances of early replacement during those 30 years are wonderfully slim.
If your building insurance company offers rewards for high-grade IR shingle installations, you can add even more savings into the equation.
Many insurance agencies publish a list of roofing materials that qualify for credits. Here’s an example from State Farm.
Impact Resistant Shingle Design
Shingles may incorporate any number of alternative materials for added strength.
Some of the most commonly found additions include:
- Plastic
- Specialized resin
- Copper
- Aluminum
Copper is One of the Many Durable Materials That an IR Shingle May Employ. Source: Owens Corning
Metal shingles are incredibly popular for their outstanding defense against weather threats. In lighter colors, they produce a reflective barrier against sunlight.
With the subsequently reduced heat gain, business owners (or homeowners) earn incredible energy savings during daylight hours.
IR Shingle Manufacturers
While there are plenty of names to choose from, below are four of the most prestigious IR shingle roofing brands.
TAMKO Building Products
TAMKO offers several options, including the Heritage IR shingle line. These TAMKO shingles utilize a polyester mat for additional reinforcement against impact trauma. The extra mat also strengthens the shingle’s common bond areas and sawtooth.
The seasoned company offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty plus a 10-year coverage period to repair or replace any shingles with manufacturer defects.
Owens Corning
A world-renowned manufacturer in roofing and other building industries, Owens Corning knows how to create dependable products.
Owens Corning shingles from the Duration STORM line feature polymeric backing for more robust protection against impact trauma. Their SureNail Technology also produces a much firmer grip than the average commercial shingle, offering great defense against uplifting wind force.
Owens Corning shingles come in various colors, from Antique Silver to rich Brownwood. Like other top manufacturers, the company also provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty for its IR shingle products.
Finally, the Duration STORM IR shingles come with algae-resistant StreakGuard, a very helpful feature in consistently high humidity areas.
CertainTeed
Institutions often recognize CertainTeed for its generous warranty provisions and as a trendy brand among residential and commercial property owners. Like most manufacturers, the company offers a limited lifetime warranty (transferable).
Not to be outdone by TAMKO, CertainTeed shingles in the Landmark IR line also come with a 10-year SureStart warranty, covering any labor and replacement costs incurred due to manufacturing defects. On top of that, CertainTeed also offers a 15-year warranty for wind resistance (up to 130 miles per hour).
CertainTeed’s fiberglass design also comes with a Class A fire-resistance rating (the best) from Underwriters Laboratories, making it an attractive option for security-conscious business owners.
GAF (Timberline)
GAF takes the three-dimensional aesthetic design further with its unique feathering technique, which instills a stronger feeling of depth in a commercial rooftop.
GAF’s ArmorShield II SMS Modified IR Shingles incorporate this beautiful “shadow band” element while maintaining a powerful shield against impact trauma. The result is an equally stylish and robust rooftop.
This line of GAF shingles also features StainGuard protection against algae growth, keeping your roof vibrant and stain-free.
ArmorShield II boasts a 4.3/5 contractor rating on Research Roofing, with exceptionally high marks for durability and longevity.
Consider Whether Durability, Longevity, Customization, Color Options, or Aesthetics are Most Important to Your Business.
Choosing Your IR Shingle
Design and Color Options
Asphalt shingles are a well-established solution among homeowners and commercial organizations.
Because of their popularity, manufacturers produce dozens of attractive options that cater to your exact color tastes. They also come in many different styles for a more visually stimulating appearance.
With impact-resistant shingles, however, manufacturers often have limited options available. Of the four brands we mentioned earlier, each company offers less than ten color schemes.
Architectural shingles provide a sense of depth but also face the same color restrictions.
Storm Resistance & General Durability
Impact-resistant shingles are remarkably tougher than your garden-variety asphalt products.
If you install one of these enhanced roofing systems, you can expect little to no damage during moderate hail storms.
Price Vs. Payoff
From a financial perspective, paying 10 to 20 percent more during your next roof replacement may feel high. With that said, IR shingles typically last a full decade over traditional asphalt shingles.
They also have fewer (if any) instances of damage requiring early replacement. Your company may also qualify for incentives with your building insurance company.
Final Decision on Impact Resistant Shingles
Impact resistant shingles are superior to regular shingles, particularly in storm-heavy climates like Texas and Florida. You can expect the higher-grade shingles to last at least a decade longer than its counterpart.
Furthermore, damage caused by hail and other severe weather events is almost always more expensive than investing in the sturdier shingle.
