Hailstorms are one of the most destructive weather events that can damage shingles and flat roofs even after minimal exposure. Hailstorms can damage your property, causing hundreds of dollars in damage. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure your home is protected from expensive damage caused by hailstones. Fortunately, many hail-resistant roofs are available on the market, and we will discuss the most resilient and feasible type of roofing materials in this post.
At Trusted Roofing, we aim to educate you about your roofing options, and today, we will help you choose a durable hail-resistant roofing material. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What makes a roof hail-resistant.
- Top hail-resistant roofing materials for homes and buildings.
- Choosing the right hail-resistant roofing material.
What Makes a Hail-Resistant Roof?
As a property owner, you may be worried about the risk of hail damaging your home or building. If so, you’re not alone. The Insurance Information Institute reports that property insurance claims related to hail damage have rapidly increased over the years.
For a roofing material to be genuinely hail resistant, or withstand impact from large chunks of ice, it must pass the rigorous UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test. This national test involved dropping two-inch steel balls onto the shingle samples repeatedly from a height of 20 feet.
- The result is a rating that shingles in a range from 0 to 4. The higher the number, the more resistant a roofing material is to impact damage.
- Class 4 is the highest rating, meaning that hail will bounce off the surface and not penetrate through it.
Here are the top six Class 4-rated roofing materials for homes and buildings.
#1 GAF Timberline® AS II Shingles
GAF Timberline® AS II Shingles are made with their patented SBS-modified asphalt formulation. These shingles can withstand the harshest weather conditions, including 2-inch hail, high winds, and rain. Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) is a category of synthetic rubber that makes this product hail-resistant. Timberline® AS II Shingles also help protect your roof from wind damage, algae discoloration, and other weather elements like ice or snow. The heavy-duty granules embedded in these shingles allow them to disperse heat and prevent thermal shock during colder months when ice begins to form on top of them, a critical feature if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures! The shingles come with a 50-year warranty after choosing the necessary GAF shingle accessories and hiring GAF-certified shingle roofing contractors.
#2 Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration Storm®
Owens Corning Duration Storm® is a hail-resistant high-performance shingle. The patented WeatherGuard® Technology in these shingles makes them Class 4-rated and highly resistant to wind uplift and water intrusion. This means that your roof can withstand severe weather conditions for years without needing to be replaced. In addition to being hail-resistant, the Duration STORM® shingles feature SureNail® Technology for outstanding gripping power. That means it will be easy for the roofing contractors to install the new shingles quickly and accurately. You will feel confident knowing your roof will be installed correctly.
Image source: owenscorning.com
#3 Malarkey Legacy™
Malarkey Legacy™ shingles are designed to last 50 years and are one of the most hail-resistant roofing materials available. They’re made with Malarkey’s industry-leading technology called NEX® Rubberized Asphalt, which is three times more durable than standard asphalt shingles. Malarkey’s patented rubberized asphalt granules also help clean the air by removing emission pollutants. The granules also provide superior sound reduction for an even quieter living environment. Their unique ability to bond with each other guarantees you’ll never have to worry about cracks or flaking.
Image source: malarkeyroofing.com
#4 Metal Panels And Shingles
Metal panels and metal shingles are one of the best hail-resistant roofing materials. Metal roofing systems come in a variety of profiles, fashions, and colors. They’re also lightweight and easy to install. Metal roofs are usually made of galvanized zinc-coated steel, aluminum, and copper. You can choose from many appealing patterns and styles depending on your home’s architectural style or personal preference. Metal shakes and tiles look stunning while providing excellent weather resistance for years.
These were the top-performing hail-resistant roofing materials for pitch roofs. For flat roofs, you need a different kind of roofing material. If you have a flat or low roof pitch, which is a roof with a pitch less than 3:12, you can choose hail-resistant roofing membranes or roof coatings like EPDM and SPF.
#5 EPDM Roofing Membrane
EPDM is also known as a rubber roof. It is a versatile, high-quality roofing membrane that comes in a natural black color. It’s made from an elastomeric rubber polymer that provides it with some of the best hail-resistant qualities on the market. It can be used with other materials to create a seamless roofing system that can protect your property from huge hailstones and high winds. EPDM roofing membranes are durable and can last up to 30 years! They’re also environmentally friendly and non-flammable. If you live in a warm region and want something that reflects heat better, consider having your EPDM roof painted white. Light colors don’t absorb heat and help keep the indoors cool during the summertime.
#6 SPF Roof Coating
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a liquid that inflates into foam when sprayed onto an existing flat roofing system. This foam then dries to create a solid coating that protects against wind and other elements. The roof coating is resistant to hail, sun exposure, and heat build-up. If you have an old single-ply roof, SPF coating could be an excellent choice for your property since it will help improve the overall efficiency of your roof without you having to outright replace it.
With multiple hail-resistant roofing materials to choose from, it can take time to decide which one will be the best fit for your home or building. You need to consider many factors before making a decision.
- Local climate.
- Your budget.
- Manufacturer.
- Product warranty.
- Aesthetic requirements.
- Availability of a reliable roofing contractor.
If you need a hail-resistant roof installation in the mid-Tennesse area, we can help you!
Build A Hail-Resistant Roof With Us!
Trusted Roofing is a part of the mid-Tennessee community, and we know how hail can affect homeowners and properties in our area. If you are looking for a hail-resistant roofing material that’s right for your home or building, contact us at (615) 714-4300. We will be happy to guide you with a free consultation and install the most durable roof for you!
