Ultimate Guide to Impact Resistant Shingles: Cost, Lifespan, and Durability

Picture this:

You’re minding your own business, enjoying your evening. Perhaps you’re making dinner or curling up with a good book. And then you hear it. It starts as a faint tapping sound on your roof but gets louder and louder.

A hail storm has started.

In this situation, you might have one of two reactions. You might be anxious, wondering what the damage to your home will be when you wake up in the morning. Or, if you have impact resistant shingles, you might go to bed feeling confident that your roof is up to the task.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. If you want it to last, you need install quality roofing materials that will survive any storm. That’s why we’re breaking down the benefits of impact resistant shingles and why they might be right for your home.

Understanding Shingle Ratings

In order to understand the benefits of impact resistant shingles, you have to understand the rating system roofers use when talking about shingles.

There are four rating systems to keep in mind when researching shingles.

• Impact Resistance 💥
• Wind Resistance 🌬️
• Fire Resistance🔥
• Algae Resistance 🌱

All shingles are tested based on the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 2218, in order to assess for impact resistance. The rating system goes from Class 1 (low impact resistance) to Class 4 (high impact resistance).

Most shingles also receive a fire-resistance rating, with ratings going from Class A (high resistance) to Class C (low resistance)

In terms of wind resistance, there are two tests that are popular, both with different rating systems. This can get confusing if you aren’t paying attention.

• ASTM D3161 has a rating system with Class F being the highest rating
• ASTM D7158’s rating system has Class H as the highest rating

Understanding these rating systems will help you pick a shingle that works for you and your home.

Reasons to Invest in Impact Resistant Shingles

There are all sorts of reasons why impact resistant shingles are a good investment for you and your home. Here are some of the top reasons to make the leap.

• Save Money on Insurance Premiums 💵 – Did you know that investing in impact resistant shingles can actually save you money in the long run? Many insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners who invest in these types of shingles. Some studies have shown that you can save up to 35% of your home insurance premiums this way!
• Reduce Need for Roof Repairs 🔨 – When your shingles are built to stand up to the environment, you spend less time dealing with costly damaged roofs. You’ll save both time and money on roof repairs when you invest in sturdy shingles.
• Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan 👵🏼 – Stronger shingles mean that your roof will be better protected and last for much longer than if your purchase conventional asphalt shingles. With strong shingles, your roof is less susceptible to water intrusion and cracked shingles.
• Peace of Mind ✌️ – You don’t have to be afraid of wild weather when you feel confident in your roofing materials. Instead, feel peaceful and reassured when you install impact resistant shingles.

So, there are some clear benefits. But are there any downsides to shingles with high impact resistance?

Well, for all those benefits, you are going to have to pay a bit more. Standard asphalt shingles with a lower impact resistance rating typically cost between $1-$2 per square foot. For a 2000-square-foot home, that’s about $2000 for a new roof, excluding labor costs.

For Class 4 impact resistant shingles, however, you’re likely looking at close to $8000 in roofing materials. Despite that, you are likely to save money in the long run due to all of the other benefits listed above.

5 Signs Your Shingles Are Damaged 🖐️

Wondering if your existing shingles have suffered from damage from the weather? Here are some signs to look out for.

1) Hail Damage

Hail damage is a big risk for the outside of your home. On your roof, hail damage typically presents as small dents and craters in your shingles. While they may not look like they are much to worry about, these cracks in your shingles can allow water to penetrate through the protective layers of your roof and lead to water damage.

Hail-resistant shingles will help your roof last longer.

2) Blown Off Shingles

Finding loose shingles in your yard? Blown-off shingles mean that your roof has a hole that leaves the lower levels of your roof exposed to the elements. If this is a recurring problem, you may want to invest in impact resistant shingles that can withstand high winds.

3) Moss Growth

Moss doesn’t seem like it could be dangerous. But moss and algae growth is a clear sign that your shingles aren’t as resistant to moisture as you may want them to be. Moss and algae thrive in damp environments, so when you see it growing on your roof, it is a bad sign. Talking to a professional roofing contractor will help you know what options you have to help protect your roof against water damage.

4) Leaking Roof

Experiencing roof leaks? It could be a sign that you have damage to your shingles that is letting water pass through to your ceiling.

5) Blistered Shingles

Blistered shingles are typically a sign of poor ventilation in your roof system. If you are noticing blisters on many of your roof shingles, it’s possible that your roof may need extra care in order to function properly.

How Long Do Impact Resistant Shingles Last?

A well-maintained asphalt shingle roof has a decent life expectancy of 15-30 years. Impact resistant shingles, however, have almost double the life expectancy of traditional shingles. Impact resistant shingles can last for 30-50 years with routine maintenance and repairs.

How to Maintain Impact Resistant Shingles

One of the best ways to increase the longevity of your roof is to maintain it!

Regular maintenance ensures that your roof can continue to function optimally. In order to get the most out of your impact resistant shingles, we recommend making sure to regularly remove leaves and other debris from your roof and gutters. It can also be a good idea to treat your roof once a year to avoid moss and algae growth.

Lastly, pay attention to your surroundings! Overhanging tree branches can fall and end up scratching and damaging your roof. Make sure to schedule regular tree trims and maintenance.

Talk to Your Local Roofing Pros!

Are you ready to make the switch to impact resistant shingles? You’ll want an experienced and informed roofing contractor on your side! At Northface Construction, we can help. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the best roofing materials to protect your home all season long. Contact us to receive your free quote!