Hail resistant roofing offers homeowners an extra layer of protection against the destructive nature of hailstorms, which can cause significant damage to traditional shingles and other roofing materials. So, is using this popular type of roofing better in the long run?
Hail resistant roofing can withstand impacts from hailstones at speeds up to 150 mph, which is far stronger than traditional roofing materials can hold up to. With this extra protection, you don’t have to worry about replacing your roof after a hail storm hits.
Hail resistant roofing is also designed to be more aesthetically pleasing with its variety of colors and textures that blend in seamlessly with existing roofing materials. Plus, it will help improve the energy efficiency of your home, meaning you could save money on energy bills in the long run.
- Why Hail is Such a Problem for your Home’s Roof
- Does Your Home Currently Have Impact Resistant Roofing?
- The Costs Associated with Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials
- How Roofing Materials are Rated
- Key Benefits of Roofing Options which have Impact Resistance
- Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
- Impact Resistant Steel / Metal Roofing
- FAQs
Why Hail is Such a Problem for your Home’s Roof
Hail can cause serious damage to your roof. Hail stones are made up of ice and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and weights which can all contribute to the destruction of your roof after a hailstorm. The weight of hail stones is also a factor that should be taken into account when considering Hail resistant roofing as an option. Hail stones can cause dents, cracks, and even holes in your roof which will leave it vulnerable to water damage and increased energy costs.

Does Your Home Currently Have Impact Resistant Roofing?
In order to determine if your home is currently protected by Hail resistant roofing, you should contact a qualified roofing contractor to assess the situation and inspect your roof shingles. This can also give you a chance to make any roof repairs that are needed on the roof. A qualified roofer can help you understand what type of roofing system your home already has and if it needs to be replaced or upgraded in order to get the added protection that hail resistant roofing offers. Most hail resistant roofing will look very similar to standard roofing materials. You may be able to check roof warranty information which will list the type of roofing materials that were used on your roof in most cases.
The Costs Associated with Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials
The costs associated with Hail resistant roofing materials can vary depending on the type of material used and the size of your roof. Generally, Hail resistant roofing materials are more expensive than traditional shingle roofs, but they also come with added protection from hail storms, so it is important to weigh up the cost versus benefit.
Overall, Hail resistant roofing is an excellent option for homeowners who want to protect their home from the damaging effects of hail storms. By investing in Hail resistant roofing, you are ensuring that your roof will be able to withstand the impact of hailstones and remain intact for years to come. This can save you a lot of money in future roof replacements and repairs, making Hail resistant roofing a smart long-term investment.
You may also qualify for a discount on your home insurance with hail resistant roofing with some insurance companies. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to find out if you are eligible for any savings.
How Roofing Materials are Rated
In order to ensure that Hail resistant roofing materials are up to the task of protecting your home from hail, they have been tested and rated by accredited laboratories to national standards. The ratings are based on a Hail Impact Rating System (HIRS) which is used to measure how well the Hail resistant roofing material can stand up against hailstones at various speeds and how large the hailstones are (inches in diameter). The Hail resistant roofing materials that perform the best on these tests will be rated as Class 4 Hail Impact Resistant Roofs, which are the highest level of protection available for Hail resistant roofing material.
Ultimately, Hail resistant roofing products are a great way to protect your home from hail damage and can save you money in the long run. If you are considering upgrading or replacing your roof, Hail resistant roofing is definitely an option to consider. Before investing in a hail-resistant roof, be sure to consult with a qualified roofer and check your insurance policy for any discounts you may be eligible for.
Class-4 Impact Resistant Rating
The Class 4 Hail Impact Resistant roofing is the highest level of Hail resistant roofing available and is designed to withstand hailstones at speeds up to 140 mph. This type of Hail resistant roofing material is the most effective way to protect your home from hail damage, making it a great option for any homeowner who lives in an area prone to hailstorms and severe weather and wants a hail proof roof.
Class 3 Hail Impact Resistant Rating
The Class 3 Hail Impact Resistant roofing is designed to withstand hailstones at speeds up to 110 mph and is a good option for those who live in areas that are occasionally hit with hailstorms but not as frequently as other regions. It provides good protection against wind damage as well as hail damage and is often a more affordable option than Class 4 Hail resistant roofing.
Class 2 Hail Impact Resistant Rating
The Class 2 Hail Impact Resistant roofing is designed to withstand hailstones at speeds up to 85 mph, making it a good choice for those who live in areas with occasional hailstorms. It offers protection against Hail damage at a reasonable cost but may not be suitable for those who live in Hail-prone areas.
Class 1 Hail Impact Resistant Rating
The Class 1 Hail Impact Resistant roofing is designed to withstand hailstones at speeds up to 62 mph and is generally the least expensive option.
No matter which Hail resistant roofing material you choose, it is important to make sure that it is installed correctly and maintained regularly to ensure that your home remains protected from Hail damage.
Key Benefits of Roofing Options which have Impact Resistance
- Hail resistant roofing materials are an excellent option for protecting your home from Hail damage
- Investing in Hail resistant roofing can save you money on future roof replacements and repairs
- You may qualify for a discount on your home insurance with Hail resistant roofing
- Hail resistant roofing materials have been tested and rated by accredited laboratories
- Hail Impact Rating System (HIRS) is used to measure the Hail resistant roofing material’s resistance to Hail
Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
One of the most popular types of roofing, asphalt shingles are a popular Hail resistant roofing material. Asphalt shingles are rated on a Hailstone Impact Rating System (HIRS) to determine their Hail resistance. Asphalt shingles that receive a Class 4 Hail Impact Resistant rating provide the highest level of protection and are able to withstand hailstones at speeds up to 140 mph.
Longevity of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles are designed to last longer than traditional asphalt shingles, usually up to 50 years. However, impact-resistant shingles may need to be replaced more frequently depending on the severity of hailstorms in your area and how often Hail damage occurs. Extreme weather events can also cause roof damage on your impact-resistant roofing shingles, and you may need premature roof replacement in these circumstances. Of course, this will also apply to other roof types during intense storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.
Impact Resistant Steel / Metal Roofing
Metal roofing materials are also Hail resistant roofing materials, and they come in a variety of styles. Metal roofing is usually rated on the Hailstone Impact Rating System (HIRS) to determine their Hail resistance. The biggest problem with metal roofing is not the roofing developing a roof leak but the metal getting dented by the larger hailstones which can chip paint from the metal roofing as well as make it look bad on the roof. Severe storms can lead to damage from hail on the metal roof as well.
Longevity of Impact-Resistant Metal Roofing
Impact-resistant metal roofing can last up to 70 years, making it one of the most long-lasting Hail resistant roofing materials and giving you peace of mind for many years to come. However, it is important to consult with a qualified roofer and check your insurance policy for any discounts you may be eligible for.
FAQs
How do I repair hail roof damage?
Depending on the degree of Hail damage, you may need to repair or replace your Hail resistant roofing material. If you are dealing with minor Hail damage, such as a few dents or chips in the roofing material, these can usually be repaired. However, if there is significant Hail damage that has weakened the roofing material, then it will need to be replaced.
How do you inspect a roof for hail damage?
If you suspect Hail damage, it is important to call a qualified roofer to inspect your Hail resistant roofing material. The roofer will look for signs of Hail damage such as dents or chips in the roofing material.
Are hail resistant shingles worth it?
Hail resistant roofing materials are an excellent choice for protecting your home from Hail damage, and they can save you money on future repairs or replacements. Hail resistant shingles typically have a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt shingles, which makes them a cost-effective option in the long run.