What is an impact resistant shingle?

In order to be classified as an impact resistant shingle the shingle must pass the UL2218 Class 4 impact test that was developed in conjunction with the insurance companies.  The test is based on dropping a 2” steel ball from 20’ onto the top of a shingle to see whether the cracks.

 The Images above demonstrate the standard shingle tearing at impact and the Impact resistant shingle withstanding the impact with no damage.

Additional facts about the UL2218 Class 4 impact tests:

Forceful Impact:

The test simulates hailstorms impacting a roof at a speed of over 70 mph.

Potential Leaks:

Shingles that fail the impact test are more likely to allow water to leak into your home.

No Warranty Improvement:

 even though the shingle passes the class 4 impact test it doesn’t cover any extra warranty to cover hail damage.

Here at Planet Roofing and Solar we upgrade all of our customers to an Impact Resistant shingles free of charge with any insurance roof replacement.

In the Denver, Colorado area we can have some crazy weather and we want all of our clients to have the best roof possible in order to withstand the inclement weather. Class 4 rated shingles are going to help your roof withstand the small to average size hail storms but any large scale storm that hits Colorado with large golf ball sized hail is still going to damage even an impact resistant product.

The biggest added bonus when upgrading to a class 4 rated shingle is that many insurance companies will apply a 15-30% discount to your annual home owner’s insurance premium.

Most of the large Shingle manufacturers including GAF, Certainteed, Owens Corning, and Malarkey all offer Class 4 Impact resistant shingles.