Are Impact Resistant Shingles Worth It?

How do I know if my shingles are impact resistant?

Because these shingles look like other shingles, you may not be aware if you have them. A casual glance at your shingles won’t help. You’ll have to make a close-up inspection of the underside of the shingles to see if they are marked Class 4 impact resistant. Even then, the shingles may not be marked and you would need to have access to the packaging, where it will be clearly marked. If you want to find out for sure, a skilled roof inspector like those at Quantum Roofing may be able to determine if your shingles are impact resistant.  

What are impact resistant shingles?

Impact resistant shingles are any shingles specifically designed to withstand the impacts of hail and high winds. These shingles are classified by the not-for-profit testing group Underwriters Laboratories as Class 4, which is their highest rating for impact resistance. This means, when tested, the shingle held up against a steel ball dropped from 20 feet. This test imitates the high-speed impact of hailstones. These shingles also withstand the force of winds up to 110 mph, or as strong as a category 2 hurricane.

All shingles are tested for impact resistance and given a classification of 1,2, 3, or 4, with 4 being the strongest. Here are the classifications outlined.

• Class 1: Can withstand impacts of a 1 ¼-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 12 feet. 
• Class 2: Can withstand the impact of 1 ½-inch steel ball dropped from 15 feet.
• Class 3: Can withstand the impact of a 1 3/4-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet.
• Class 4: Can withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet.

Are Class 3 shingles impact resistant?

While all shingles have some level of impact resistance, that just means they can withstand impacts to certain degree before getting seriously damaged. Class 3 shingles, for instance, can handle more fierce strikes from hailstones than a Class 1 or 2 shingle can. That said, only Class 4 shingles are actually classified as impact resistant.

Are architectural shingles impact resistant?

Architectural shingles are often preferred over standard 3-tab shingles because they are more versatile and often more aesthetically pleasing. These shingles are also thicker than 3-tab shingles, so they withstand more damage from hailstones or fallen branches or other debris. With architectural shingles, your roof’s underlayment is at less of a risk for damage. While this is appealing, unless the shingles are classified as Class 4 impact resistance, they are technically not considered impact resistant.

Impact resistant shingles vs regular

If you are considering getting impact resistant shingles for your roof, you are going to have to weigh several factors, including durability and cost. By far, most people choose these shingles because of their durability. They’ll outlast regular shingles on almost all counts. If you live in an area that’s prone to hail or really extreme temperatures, impact resistant shingles are a good choice. For areas with cooler temperatures, regular shingles are fine. 

Cost, of course, will play a major role in your decision, and you can expect to pay 10-20% more for impact resistance than you will for regular shingles. While the initial installation costs might seem high, you’ll normally get more for the money, especially when it comes to durability.  

Impact resistant shingles vs metal roof

As metal roofs become more and more popular for residential roofing you might consider installing a metal roof over an impact resistant shingle roof. Most metal roofs are just as durable as impact resistant roofs, and many receive Class four impact resistance ratings. Metal roofs do have one major disadvantage. Unless they are properly insulated, they will be noisy when it hails.

How long do impact resistant shingles last?

While most shingle roofs will get a 30-year warranty, it’s very rare that a standard shingle roof will last more than 20 years. Weather is the main reason this is true, especially when hail is involved. Impact resistant shingles, on the other hand, may actually last as long as 30 years. These shingles are very durable and are designed to hold up to weather extremes.