April
21
When it comes to roofing, it’s important to make sure the shingles you choose can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, and hail. Impact-resistant roofing shingles are designed to do just that, protecting your home from damaging weather.
In this blog, we will discuss impact-resistant roofing shingles, how they work, and why you may want to consider using them in your home.
Impact-Resistant Roof Shingles
Impact-resistant roofing shingles are designed to withstand the impact of hailstones, flying debris, and strong winds. They’re typically made of rubberized asphalt, providing superior protection against weather-related damage and increasing the roof’s lifespan. Impact-resistant roofing shingles, also called class 4 shingles, are tested to meet industry standards and are rated according to the hailstones they can withstand.
To make shingles impact-resistant, two techniques are generally used:
1) Reinforcing, polymer-based mesh:
This is a process where a reinforcing material is added to the back of a standard asphalt shingle. This material is typically a polymer-based mesh designed to increase the strength and impact resistance of the shingle. This type of shingle is developed to be more resistant to wind and hail damage.
2) Rubber-like polymers:
The second way that impact-resistant shingles are usually engineered is by adding rubber-like polymers, such as SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), to the asphalt composition. This type of shingle is designed to be more flexible and have increased impact resistance. The rubber-like polymer helps to reduce the brittleness of the shingle and makes it more resistant to wind and hail damage.
What Criteria Must Roofing Shingles Meet to Receive a Class 4 Rating?
Roofing shingles achieve a Class 4 rating by enduring severe weather conditions such as hail, high winds, and more. A laboratory testing process known as “the steel ball test” determines this rating. The test measures the shingles’ impact resistance by dropping a steel ball from 20 inches. To earn a Class 4 rating, shingles must withstand the impact without cracking, breaking, tearing, or suffering any damage.
To be rated as Class 4, shingles must also maintain their structural integrity. This is determined by measuring the amount of tear strength and tensile strength the shingles have. When a product successfully passes all these tests, it is rated as a Class 4 product, ensuring it’s a reliable option for homeowners.
With this rating, homeowners can be assured that their roofing shingles will provide superior protection against weather-related damage, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements in the future.
The Benefits of Installing Impact-Resistant Roofing Shingles
Impact-resistant roofing shingles are a great way to protect your home from the elements and enhance its value. But what makes them more valuable than traditional asphalt shingles? Let’s explore the advantages of installing impact-resistant roofing shingles on your home.
1. Enhanced Durability:
Impact-resistant roofing shingles are designed with rubberized asphalt that is thicker and more durable than conventional ones. This makes them more resistant to impacts from objects such as hailstones, tree branches, and other debris, which can cause significant damage to regular shingles.
2. Increased Energy Efficiency:
Impact-resistant roofing shingles reflect sunlight, which can help reduce the heat entering your home. This can help you save money on your energy bills by reducing the energy you need to cool your home in the summer.
3. Improved Aesthetics:
These shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose a design that complements your home’s exterior.
4. Better Insurance Coverage:
Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with impact-resistant roofing shingles. This can help you save on your insurance premiums and provide additional peace of mind when protecting your home from the elements.
5. Reduce the Frequency of Roof Repair:
By using impact-resistant roofing shingles, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their roof and eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming roof repairs.
Skywalker Roofing Is Your One-Stop Solution for All Your Roofing Needs!
If you think your roof might need repair or replacement, call the experts at Skywalker Roofing! Our residential and commercial services cover the NC Piedmont Triad, Piedmont Triangle, Lake Norman area, and even as far north as Roanoke, Virginia.
We provide repair, replacement, and installation services and custom standing seam metal roofs. And with 20 years of experience in roofing homes and businesses in NC and VA, you can trust Skywalker to take care of your needs.
We have the expertise to install any type of roofing materials, from asphalt shingles to standing seam metal roofs, slate, tile, wood shake, and everything in between!
Call us at +1 (336) 627-5596 to schedule your free personal consultation and experience the Skywalker difference!
