When you know the benefits, you won’t be able to resist them
Impact-resistant shingles are less likely to sustain damage from hail, blown debris, and heavy winds.
They cost between 10% and 20% more than standard asphalt shingles.
They’re often worth the investment if you live in an area that sees extreme weather, especially hail storms and hurricanes.
Your roof sees the worst Mother Nature has to offer, and if that means hail storms, hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes for your area, then impact-resistant shingles are worth the added investment. They can add up to around 20% more than standard shingles, and they’re proven to be less likely to crack and expose your home to water damage.
Impact-resistant shingles are manufactured to a higher standard and are designed not to crack or shed shingle grit when they’re hit with solid objects. Since they’re designed to perform in areas prone to extreme weather, they often also have higher wind resistance, making them ideal for areas that see extreme weather events.
The primary testing protocol for impact-resistant shingles is carried out by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) under the UL 2218 certification test. This involves hitting the shingles with solid steel balls from different heights to simulate impacts from hailstones. There are four class ratings for shingles based on the results, with higher class numbers indicating greater impact resistance:
Class 1: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 1.25 inches in diameter from a height of 12 feet.
Class 2: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 1.5 inches in diameter from a height of 15 feet.
Class 3: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 1.75 inches in diameter from a height of 17 feet.
Class 4: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 2 inches in diameter from a height of 20 feet.
Impact-resistant shingles are more expensive than standard ones, but they’re often worth the added investment if you live in an area that sees extreme weather. You can expect to pay between 10% and 20% more for the materials, but you stand to avoid expensive roof damage over the life of the product.
When you consider the average cost to repair hail damage on a roof—around $4,250—it’s easy to see how paying more up front for your shingles can save you money. You’ll be less likely to need roof repairs or a full roof replacement after hail damage or another severe weather event.
Since impacts can crack standard asphalt shingles more easily and expose the materials underneath, impact-resistant materials also mean a lower risk of roof leaks and water damage, which can be even more costly.
If your area sees frequent hail storms, hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes, or you commonly notice signs of storm damage to your roof, impact-resistant shingles are almost always worth the investment.
"Some things to look for that may indicate you should opt for emergency tarping or roof repair include missing or damaged shingles, interior water leaks, visible damage to the components of the roof, or signs of large debris, like tree branches, on your roof."
— Niki O'Brien, Operations Manager at Custom Exteriors LLC, Berthoud, CO
There are a few benefits and drawbacks to consider before investing in impact-resistant shingles for your home.
The most obvious upside is that your roof is less likely to sustain damage from impact, including roof damage from a hailstorm. This alone could help avoid thousands of dollars in repair costs and the hassle of having to call a local emergency roofing company after a storm.
They also tend to stand up better to stronger winds, so there’s a lower risk of wind lifting your shingles up and exposing the materials underneath to the elements. This means ultimate peace of mind that your roof will continue protecting your home as it should, and you won’t be on the hook to repair wind damage to your roof shingles.
Impact-resistant shingles have a longer life span than standard shingles—around 50% longer. You’ll pay more for the product, but you also won’t be facing roof replacement costs as often, so they save you money over time, too, even if there isn’t extreme weather you’re concerned about in your area.
Finally, many insurance companies offer discounts on insurance premiums when you upgrade to impact-resistant shingles. This alone can offset any additional money you pay for the premium product over its life span.
The only real downside to impact-resistant shingles is the cost, which can add between 10% and 20% to your roof installation costs. Homeowners who live in extreme weather-prone areas can offset those costs through discounts on homeowner’s insurance premiums or by avoiding repairs that might be necessary with standard roofing products.
The life span of an impact-resistant roof averages around 30 years, but some homeowners could get 50 years of useful life or more out of a high-quality roof shingle. Standard asphalt roofs last for around 20 years, so you should see a 50% increase in the roof life span if you choose an impact-resistant shingle. That difference could be even greater if your roof will see a lot of extreme weather.
Architectural shingles and impact-resistant shingles aren’t mutually exclusive, which means some architectural shingles are impact-resistant shingles. Architectural shingles are thicker and more durable than standard 3-tab shingles, and they become even stronger when they also have high impact resistance and wind resistance ratings. The most durable shingles for areas with extreme weather are architectural or luxury shingles that have a Class-4 impact resistance and a Class-H wind resistance that can stand up to winds reaching 150 mph.
