What are Impact Resistant Shingles and are they for Me?

If your roof sustained any damage from the storms in Lincoln this past spring, you’ve probably heard the phrase “impact resistant shingles” more times in the last few months than you have in the last several years. That’s because a roof is only as good as the products used in its construction.

Every year, homeowners lose their roofs to hail and wind because their roofs are made out of materials that just aren’t meant to withstand that kind of beating.

Impact resistant shingles have become an integral component of roofing that’s both strong and durable.

These shingles are specifically designed to resist damage that can occur from hail, high winds, and flying debris – all things that would easily tear apart normal roofing material. Impact resistant shingles don’t look all that different than regular asphalt shingles, but they are certainly made differently. Impact resistant shingles are manufactured with a completely different mix of materials, creating a composite that helps them endure severe weather. They’re not only tougher than regular asphalt shingles, impact resistant shingles are also more flexible as well. They have an almost rubber-like quality that allows hail to bounce off of them, as opposed to fracturing the fiberglass mat.

Some of the benefits of impact resistant shingles include:

• Protection against high winds. Many impact resistant shingles will withstand wind speeds of 110 mph or higher.
• A much higher resistance to impact from hail and flying debris.
• A longer lifespan. Some impact resistant shingles on the market today come with a 50-year limited warranty.
• The majority of impact resistant shingles are Class A fire rated.
• Adding impact resistant shingles to your home usually results in a premium discount on your homeowner’s insurance.
• The possibility of interior damage due to a roof leak is greatly diminished due to the strength and flexibility of impact resistant shingles.
  

In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s important to note that impact resistant shingles do cost more than their more traditional asphalt counterparts. Although the upfront cost may be higher, the amount of money that a homeowner could save from things like insurance discounts and fewer repairs should most certainly be taken into account.

If it’s time for you to replace your roof due to storm damage, age, or just to spruce up your home, please don’t hesitate to give Golden Rule Contractors, your number 1 trusted contractors, a call today!