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Home | Our Blog | Best Hail-Resistant Roofing Material
Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President.
Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling.
Founding farther of Legacy Service.
Written by LegacyUSA Team
posted on June 30, 2021
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Hail can create massive damage to roofing systems, causing homeowners to worry about how their roof is going to weather the storm each time. Fortunately, there’s a way you can take action so that you’re not tensing up every time you hear that a hailstorm is coming your way.
It’s all about choosing the best hail-resistant roofing material for your home. In this article, we’ll discuss why hail is a problem for your roof, various hail-resistant roofing materials, and answer some of the questions that we’re most frequently asked about the topic.
If you’re interested in a hail-resistant roof, contact us to schedule a free consultation or continue reading to learn more.
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It’s no surprise that hail can be an issue for your roof. Plenty of regions throughout the United States and Canada are affected by annual hailstorms, especially during the summer months, including the East Coast from Maine all the way down to Florida.
Hail can do enormous damage to your property unless you’ve taken the proper steps to protect your home throughout the year. This starts with hail-resistant roofs. Hail-proof roofing materials should be able to withstand hailstones that are two inches in diameter or less without taking damage.
Hailstorms affect homes throughout the United States and Canada. This includes all areas from Texas to Washington state as well as the Mideast. It also includes southern Canada (near the Rockies) all the way across to Maine and down to Florida. Any of these regions are considered hail-prone, so homeowners may want to consider a hail-proof roof.
The UL2218 Impact Rating is regarded as the national standard for roof impact resistance. Underwriters Laboratories (UL), founded in 1903, is a not-for-profit independent organization that tests and certifies products.
Based on their impact resistance, roofing materials are rated from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the highest possible rating.
If you’re looking for a new roof, then it’s important to consider the impact resistance of different roofing materials, especially if you live in an area that’s prone to hailstorms.
In the next section, we’ll review some of the most popular roofing materials as well as their impact resistance. This will help you make an informed decision when it’s time to replace your roof. It’s also important to consult an expert. To schedule a free consultation for roof replacement with one of our technicians, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Asphalt shingles are considered the most widely-used roofing material among homeowners in the United States. Let’s take a look at the hail resistance of shingles.
There are an extensive variety of shingle types available for homeowners. Some of them are more resistant to impact than others.
Homeowners are increasingly replacing their old shingles with Impact Resistant (IR) roof shingles.
The price of hail-resistant shingles will depend on a variety of factors. However, asphalt shingles tend to be the most affordable roofing type.
Hail-proof shingles are more durable than traditional asphalt shingles.
Hail-resistant roofing shingles have a Class 3 or 4 UL2218 rating that can be used in regions prone to hailstorms.
Shingles that have a Class 4 rating are considered impact-resistant roof shingles.
Metal is another leading roofing material among homeowners across the U.S. They’re durable, long-lasting, beautiful, and affordable.
Metal roofing is considered one of the best types for regions that are prone to hailstorms. Hail-resistant metal roofs have a UL2218 Class 4 rating, so their impact resistance helps prevent punctures. However, dents may occur.
All types of metal roofing have resistance to hail. However, thicker metal panels would be the most durable. Just remember that the impact of hailstorms may show over time.
In many cases, metal roofing will cost about $12.00 to $13.00 per square foot. However, pricing may differ depending on a variety of factors.
Metal is a highly durable roofing material. Homeowners can typically expect their metal roof to last between 40-70 years.
Cedar roofing is a unique material. It’s quite beautiful, durable, and energy-efficient. However, it can also be expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
Compared to other products, cedar shakes and shingles tend to perform well in hailstorms.
Cedar shakes have earned a high-impact UL2218 rating. Certi-Label Handsplit and Resawn shakes carry a Class 3 or Class 4 impact resistance rating, depending on the type.
The average cost of cedar shakes is about $6.30 per square foot. The price can differ depending on various factors, though.
Cedar shakes and shingles are resistant to high winds and durable in hailstorms, hurricanes, heavy rains, and more.
Synthetic slate roofing is a great option for homeowners who like the appearance of slate but would like a more affordable and lightweight material.
Most synthetic slate roofs are resistant to hail and able to withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter.
Depending on the type of slate chosen, slate roofs can have an impact resistance rating of Class 3 or Class 4.
Depending on where you live, synthetic slate roofs can cost between $9.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
Although natural slate tends to be more durable, synthetic slate is also highly durable and long-lasting. In some cases, the roofing material can last up to 100 years.
Many synthetic slate models have a Class 4 hail-resistant roof certificate.
Copper is one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials on the market today. Some have been known to last for more than a century! However, they’re also quite expensive, which is why they’re not the most popular option among homeowners.
Copper roofs tend to have a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
The average cost of a copper roof tends to range between $11.00 to $15.00 per square foot.
Copper roofs are known to be strong and durable. They’re able to withstand harsh weather elements, including hail.
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EPDM rubber is one of the materials most often used for low slope roofs. It’s designed to be easy to install, lightweight, affordable, and relatively long-lasting.
EPDM rubber roofs provide excellent resistance to hail, even large hailstones. Since the roofing material is essentially rubber, hail just bounces off.
Homeowners who live in hail-prone regions should opt for EPDM roofs that have a thicker 75 or 90 mil membrane as well as a ballasted layer.
EPDM roofs tend to cost between $4.00 and $8.00 per square foot.
EPDM roofs are a time-tested solution for home and business owners across the country. They can withstand most weather elements and last decades while requiring a minimum amount of maintenance.
Natural slate is valuable because of its longevity and unique visual appeal. Slate roofing is best used for homes that can support the weight of the material and homeowners who can afford its expense.
A quality S1-rated slate roof is one of the most durable products on the market today. In most cases, slate is resistant to damage from hail.
Most types of slate roofs, especially S1, are highly resistant to hail. Almost all roofs installed in North America are rated S1.
Homeowners can typically expect to pay between $9.00 and $16.00 per square foot for a natural slate roof.
Slate is considered one of the best roof shingles for hail as well as other types of extreme weather. This material can last up to 80-100 years.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane that’s used to cover flat roofs. It’s best known for being energy-efficient and affordable.
TPO can withstand hail damage, but it’s not quite as resistant as EPDM. It’s more often recommended for its energy efficiency, especially for those who live in sunnier regions.
In most cases, TPO roofing will cost between $3.00 and $5.00 per square foot to install.
TPO may not be the most durable roofing product in regions that deal with extreme weather, but it’s affordable and energy-efficient for those who live in milder, sunnier areas.
The best TPO systems for impact resistance are fully adhered (membrane and coverboard or membrane and top layer of polyiso).
Hail-resistant roof shingles and metal roofing materials are both recommended for areas that are prone to hail. Asphalt shingles with a UL2218 rating of Class 3 or Class 4 are considered highly resistant to hail. Slate tiles are also effective against hail. However, slate is less popular among American homeowners because it’s both heavy and expensive.
Here are some of the questions our team is asked most frequently about the hail resistance of roofing products. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts for roof replacement, get in touch with our team today.
Rubber roofing (EPDM and other similar types) is technically the most hail-resistant type of roof. Hail essentially just bounces off the rubber. However, other types of roofs have a wider variety of advantages. For example, asphalt shingles are beautiful, durable, and affordable. You can also find more hail-resistant asphalt shingles.
Generally, hail-resistant shingles are worth it, but it also depends on where you live. Some places are more affected by damaging hail storms than others. While impact-resistant shingles cost more initially, they’ll pay off in the long run because they provide the long-term protection your home needs.
If you’re a homeowner who lives in an area that’s prone to hail storms, then you may wonder how to identify impact-resistant shingles. Asphalt shingles with the highest impact resistance will have a UL 2218 rating of Class 3 or Class 4. Class 4 is the highest possible rating.
Although rubber roofs are one of the most resistant materials to hail, it’s still possible for them to receive hail damage from time to time. While hail may not puncture a hole, it may dimple or damage the insulation board under the membrane. If damage occurs, it’s best to remove the roof and replace it with new insulation and a new membrane.
Metal roofs tend to be better for hail resistance than traditional asphalt shingles. However, there are hail-resistant types of asphalt shingles that have a UL2218 rating of Class 3 or Class 4. This rating means that the roof has a strong resistance to impact and can withstand hailstorms.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) developed a test to rate the strength of roofing materials. They can either be rated Class 1, 2, 3, or 4. A hail-resistant roof will have a UL 2218 rating of Class 3 or Class 4. Class 4 is the highest possible rating a roofing material can have regarding impact resistance.
Many metal roofing products have an impact resistance rating of Class 4, which is the highest possible rating. Class 4 products did not crack when they were hit twice in the same spot with a 2-inch ball. It can be different for every roof, but typically, extremely large hail can dent it, while normal-sized cannot.
Roofing materials are given a rating (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4) based on the level of impact they can handle without cracking. Class 4 is the highest possible rating. It’s measured by dropping a 2-inch diameter steel ball at a height of 20 feet directly onto the roofing material. If the shingle’s mat does not crack, it receives a Class 4 impact rating. Class 3 is measured by dropping a 1¾-inch steel ball from a height of 20 feet.
CertainTeed is one of the best manufacturers of Class 4 shingles. Its rubber roofing shingles come in a unique style, and they qualify for a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
Now’s the time to replace your roof with a material that’s more resistant to hail! At Legacy Service, we provide roof installation and replacement services to homeowners throughout southeastern PA, NJ, and DE. Get started today by contacting us at 215-798-9790 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts.
Posted on June 30, 2021 in Roof
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