To ensure that the performance of the products fulfills criteria, independent, nationally recognized laboratories subject all roofing materials to thorough testing. UL Solutions rates the impact resistance of roof coverings from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the most resilient.
How is Impact Resistance Measured?
Roof shingle impact resistance is evaluated using the UL Solutions 2218 test, which is carried out by UL in a controlled setting. The findings offer information on impact resistance for assessing prepared steep slope roofing materials like shingles.
A 2-inch steel ball is dropped from 20 feet above an asphalt shingle during a Class 4 impact resistance test on the shingles to replicate the impact of hail. This is repeated twice in approximately the same place. If the backside of the shingle does not reveal any visible signs of tearing, fracturing, cracking, splitting, or other openings of the roof-covering layer, the shingle passes the test.
What do Impact Resistant Shingles mean for Homeowners?
Hail from severe weather conditions can damage a roof over time. Installing impact resistant shingles on a home might lower the danger of impact damage in places where hail is common. Insurance companies won’t authorize a claim until after a storm has passed, so if hail hits your neighborhood, it is best to check your roof as quickly as possible to see whether it has been harmed. Homes with Class 4 impact resistant shingles are often eligible for discounts from insurance carriers.
How does hail affect my roof?
Hail is a weather occurrence that, like many others, has varied meanings for different homeowners. Hail may fall in the shape of tiny ice pellets in some mountainous areas of the country, whereas Midwest plains states may experience hail that is more akin to pebbles or even golf balls in size. Unfortunately, in both situations, the majority of hail damage to roofing shingles initially appears to be minor or imperceptible but eventually becomes extensive.
When hail strikes an asphalt shingle roof, it causes the shingle to split or crack and exposes it to further harm. It can also cause asphalt damage and dislodge the granules that are embedded for protection on top of the shingle.
Shingles are susceptible to extra damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation once the granules have been lost and the asphalt has been harmed. After the storm, the damage might not be immediately apparent, but ultimately your roof may need to be replaced.
How Can I Tell If I Have Hail Damage?
Hailstorms are localized but can fall anywhere. You want to be relatively certain that hail hasn’t impacted your property before you hire a roofing professional. You should start the procedure by taking a look at your yard and the surrounding area. You might have a roofing issue if you notice downed tree limbs, dented cars, damaged siding, or broken garage doors.
It’s critical to realize that storm-loosened granules could take a while to wash away. Usually, it takes a rainstorm to remove them. Therefore, if there are no signs of hail damage as you initially inspect, you should check again after the following storm because deteriorating and damaged shingles can shed a lot of grains that end up in your gutters. Call a reputable roofing professional to inspect your roof if you notice granules in your gutters or on the ground beneath downspouts following a storm.
Impact Resistant Shingles Shield Your Roof
Hail can drastically damage a roof’s condition and cause water to seep inside the house. Leaks can cause mold, mildew, as well as other damage that may need costly future repairs. Your roof will remain in excellent condition for many years if you take good care of it. Your home’s chance of being damaged during severe weather events like hailstorms can be significantly decreased by taking into account impact resistant roof shingles certified Class 3 or Class 4.
Are Impact Resistant Shingles For Me?
Impact resistant shingles don’t really make sense for residences where hailstorms are infrequent. Impact resistant shingles are an excellent investment for a property where hailstorms are practically as common as the sun rising.
We hope that this article gives you a better idea of what to expect when it’s time to replace your roof. If you live in any of our service areas such as Kilgore, Canton, and Longview give us a call! Noble Roofing is a local, preferred contractor that installs high-quality roofing systems for commercial and residential buildings in the area. Please contact us if you have any queries or to obtain a free quote.
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