What are impact-resistant shingles, and are they worth the investment?

The weather outside is becoming more extreme, from heavy rains to high winds across the country. When it comes to your home, your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. If you're in the market for a new roof or roof replacement, upgrading to impact-resistant shingles that are designed to stand up to hail and high winds better than standard asphalt shingles can be a good idea. But what exactly are impact-resistant shingles? How are they tested? Are they worth the investment? Here's what you need to know about "Class 4" shingles before you reroof.

What are impact-resistant shingles?

Impact-resistant shingles are stronger and more durable than standard asphalt roofing shingles. While made with similar materials, impact-resistant shingles can withstand impact from major weather events like hail and wind. Popular shingle manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, Malarkey and others all have impact-resistant shingles. 

According to shingle manufacturer IKO , impact-resistant shingles are made with something called SBS, a synthetic rubber-like material mixed into the asphalt. It makes the shingles more flexible so they can take a hit from hail or debris without cracking, even when it's cold out. Keep in mind that impact-resistant shingles don't mean your roof won't sustain any damage from storms like hail or high winds. It just means this more durable type of shingle can help save your home from severe damage or even reduce how much you have to repair.

Impact-resistant shingles are rated using the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test, which ranks roofing materials by "Classes," from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the strongest and highest rated.

What is the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test?

The UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test is conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to simulate the effects of hail on roofing materials. The test targets specific areas of the shingles, such as edges, corners, joints and areas that are unsupported. The class rating is based on the largest steel ball the shingle can withstand without cracking after two impacts in the same spot.

Each class is based on a different ball size: 

• Class 1 -1.25-inch (31.8 mm) 

• Class 2 -1.50-inch (38.1 mm)

• Class 3 -1.75-inch (44.5 mm)

• Class 4 -2.00-inch (50.8 mm)

Class 4 shingles must survive two direct impacts from a steel ball dropped from 20 feet without damage, making it the toughest rating within the UL 2218 system, according to IKO.

Do impact-resistant shingles really protect against hail and storm damage?

Lab results vs. real-world performance

Just because the shingle receives the impact-resistant rating doesn't mean it's invincible. In the lab, not all real-world factors are accounted for, including:

• The age of your shingles (older shingles may crack more easily)

• Installation quality (improperly installed shingles can weaken performance over time)

• Temperature when the damage occurred (for example, cold temperatures can mean brittle shingles)

• Roof slope and structure (flatter roofs take more direct hits, and areas with less support underneath can flex and crack more easily)

What manufacturers say about real-world performance

While these tests aren't conducted in real-world storm conditions, they provide a sense of how Class 4 shingles hold up in extreme weather events. For example: 

• CertainTeed's Class 4 shingles remained intact during UL 2218 tests that used steel balls simulating 90-mph hail impacts on vulnerable roof areas like edges and joints

• GAF shows side-by-side results of standard shingles versus its ArmorShield II impact-resistant shingles. The standard ones cracked under impact; ArmorShield II showed no visible damage

• Owens Corning's Duration STORM shingles are designed to resist wind speeds up to 130 mph and require only four nails per shingle, which helps reduce roof deck penetrations and stress

Other shingle brands like Malarkey have also tested well. In a hail impact study by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), Malarkey's Vista and Legacy shingles were two of only four in the country to score "excellent" or "good" across all performance categories. They also meet the IBHS Fortified Roof standard, which is designed to strengthen roofs against hurricane and hail damage. Many of Yahoo's Local's recommended roofers, including the best roofers in Wilmington, N.C., and Oklahoma City's top roofing companies , are certified to install Fortified-compliant roofing systems.

Are impact-resistant shingles worth the cost?

In general, impact-resistant shingles cost more than standard asphalt shingles. The price difference isn't huge, with GAF noting that impact-resistant shingles usually cost about 10% to 25% more. Owens Corning calls Class 4 shingles a " premium " product that may come at a higher price point, so it's worth planning your roofing budget accordingly.

Considering that the average cost to replace a roof ranges from $5,868 to $13,213, spending a little more on impact-resistant shingles could be worth it, especially if you live in a storm-prone area. These protective shingles may reduce the impact of hail and wind, which could lower your future repair costs. And if you're planning to stay in your home for a while, the added durability might make the investment well worth it.

Should you choose impact-resistant shingles for your roof?

If you live in a storm-prone state (and especially if you plan to stay in your home for a while), upgrading to impact-resistant shingles could be worth it. These shingles are built to take heavy hits from hail and high winds, and they may even save you money on insurance. For example, State Farm offers discounts in over 25 states for Class 4 or hail-resistant roofing. USAA also recommends using stronger roofing materials to reduce future storm damage and repair costs and offers a discount of up to 15% for qualifying impact-resistant roofs in many states. Be sure to check with your home insurer before installing a new roof to see what options might qualify. 

If you're shopping around for a new roof or roof replacement, ask your contractor about Class 4-rated shingles like Owens Corning Duration Storm, GAF ArmorShield II, Malarkey Legacy or Vista or CertainTeed NorthGate ClimateFlex. These shingles are tested and built to give your roof added protection when the next storm rolls through. Also look for a reputable roofing company that offers one of these brands and is experienced and knowledgeable about impact-resistant shingles. 

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