Your roof is the only thing between you and the harsh elements of the great outdoors. A well-maintained, high-quality roof keeps water out of your home. Leaks can damage your property, cause mold to grow, and rot the wood and other materials holding your house together.
One of the most frequent causes of roof damage is hail, but is there such a thing as a “hail-proof roof”? Certain roofing materials are more impact-resistant than others, but even the sturdiest roofs can accumulate damage when massive hailstones crash into them multiple times a year.
The question is: Which roofing material has the best hail resistance? For the answer, our experts at Authentic Restoration will share our knowledge of roofing materials and their durability.
Installing a new roof in Alabama, North Carolina, or Indiana? Call us at 833-318-7663 for a free estimate!
Why Do You Need a Hail Resistant Roof?
Choosing durable roofing will save you money in repairs and replacement, especially if you live in an area that has frequent severe storms with strong winds and hail. Investing in your roof increases its lifespan, adds curb appeal to your home, and can lower your insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer a discount for installing a hail-resistant roof.
What Is UL 2218 Impact Resistance?
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is one of the few companies the U.S. government approves to perform safety tests on various products. The UL 2218 rating judges the impact resistance of a material, which they test by dropping a two-inch diameter steel ball onto the surface from a height of 20 feet to simulate hail.
The rating levels range from UL 2218 Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the most impact-resistant rating. When looking for a roofing material that stands up to hail storms, you should always go with one that has a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
The 4 Most Hail-Resistant Roofing Materials
To help you choose the best roof material, here are some of the most popular choices for hail-resistant roofing systems.
1. Synthetic Roof Tiles
Synthetic roof tiles are a composite of sustainable materials like fiberglass and asphalt, providing an affordable and environmentally-friendly option for roofing material. They come in different styles that mimic natural materials like slate, cedar, and clay.
Synthetic tiles provide high durability and a long lifespan. Synthetic roof tiles with a Class 4 impact rating are available for those who need resistance against hail storms. The material is much less likely to sustain damage from hailstones than its natural counterparts.
2. Class 4 Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are on the roofs of most American homes. People favor this roofing material for its low cost and versatility. UL 2218 Class 4 asphalt shingles may be more expensive than standard roofing shingles, but the investment is worth it for its durability against harsh weather.
Hail can tear, break, and puncture regular asphalt shingles, but the Class 4 varieties do a much better job resisting the impact of hailstones while costing a significant amount less than metal roofing.
3. Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are very effective in combating hail damage. Metal is a long-lasting, durable option that looks great on almost any home or business. With a UL 2218 Class 4 rating, metal roofing is incredibly resistant to punctures from hailstones.
Metal roofs vary in thickness, but even thinner metal will resist significant damage. Keep in mind that dents can appear over time, affecting the aesthetic appeal of your roof. However, corrugated metal panels can deflect hailstones and lessen the appearance of dings.
4. Rubber Roofing
Many contractors consider rubber roofs one of the best solutions to hail. They are affordable, lightweight, and can withstand extreme weather. The nature of the material means that hailstones bounce off the surface and cause little to no damage.
Homeowners in hail-prone locations can choose a thicker rubber roofing material to prevent hailstones from damaging the insulation board underneath. If the membrane or insulation board sustains damage, you may have to replace them.
Rubber roofing doesn’t sound aesthetically pleasing, but the material comes in styles that look like slate or cedar, so you can have a roof that matches the design of your home while protecting it from hail.
Work With Us at Authentic Restoration for High-Quality Roofing Services
With offices in three states, Authentic Restoration is a trusted roofing company with over a decade of experience restoring residential homes damaged by hail, wind, and rain. Whether you need repairs or a complete replacement, our roofing experts deliver quality, cost-effective work. We’ll also work directly with your insurance provider to make the storm damage restoration process smoother.
Are you tired of paying for repairs after hail storms? We can help you choose and install the best “hail-proof roof” for your home. Authentic Restoration has locations in Birmingham, AL, Raleigh, NC, Rocky Mount, NC, and Noblesville, IN.
Call us at 833-318-7663 for a free roof inspection!
