5 Types of Weather That Impact-Resistant Shingles Protect Your Home From

Depending on where you live, your home may be up against gale-force winds, acid rain, and even hailstones the size of baseballs. One thing is clear: as the climate is changing, so are extreme weather events. As a result, it’s important that your building materials get an upgrade so your home is adequately prepared to deal with them.

In this article, we’ll focus on impact-resistant shingles, also known as IR singles. These super-durable shingles can defend your home from intense conditions that traditional roofing materials couldn’t handle. Let’s take a detailed look at the five types of weather they’re designed to cope with.

High Winds

Strong winds from hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms pose a major threat to your roof. Powerful gusts can rip shingles clean off, and once one is lifted, it leaves the rest of your roof even more vulnerable. Missing shingles create a gap for debris or water to collect, leading to leaks and further damage which can cost you thousands in repairs.

While winds of 60mph can blow traditional shingles from your roof, impact-resistant shingles are designed to stay in place, even during winds of over 110mph.

Their heavier materials and superior adhesive systems make them much harder to dislodge. If you’re in a wind-prone area, the best impact-resistant shingles for you are those with Class 4 ratings. This is the highest rating of shingles money can buy, with Class 1 being the lowest.

Hailstorms

Hailstorms are one of the most destructive weather events for roofs. If you live in the Great Plains or the Midwest, chances are you’ll know this all too well. When giant chunks of ice come crashing down from the sky at up to 40mph, they’re sure to cause some damage.

While the largest hailstone recorded in the US was a whopping 8 inches in diameter and weighed almost 2 lbs, even pea-sized hail can crack, dent, or shatter roof shingles.

Impact-resistant shingles, on the other hand, are designed to withstand the force of hail. These shingles are made from things like rubber, which can be manufactured using recycled tires or eco-friendly materials. Metal is another great option to protect your roof from hail. However, it may not be the smartest choice if you’re a light sleeper.

Heavy Rainfall

Prolonged rainfall can cause serious damage to your home’s roof if water infiltrates the structure. It can damage electrical systems and lead to mold growth.

Even at the surface level, rainfall causes damage. This is even more of a concern if you live in an urban area where rain absorbs pollutants in the air, like exhaust fumes, making it more acidic. The high pH erodes the asphalt of traditional shingles.

Impact-resistant shingles have excellent waterproofing properties, stopping water from seeping through to the roof deck, even during torrential rainstorms. Hardy shingles are also less likely to crack or warp under the constant pounding of water droplets. Paired with proper gutter and drainage systems, impact-proof shingles will keep your roof watertight and your mind stress-free.

Snow and Ice

If you live in a colder climate, snow and ice are a constant concern. Heavy snow can add immense weight to your roof, causing it to buckle, whereas ice dams can prevent proper drainage and cause leaks.

Impact-resistant shingles are engineered to bear the weight of snow without cracking, bending, or breaking. They also resist damage from ice buildup, minimizing the risk of ice dams. If your area is subject to frequent winter storms, these shingles give you peace of mind year-round and help you avoid the costly repairs associated with snow and ice damage

Heat and UV Rays

Persistent exposure to extreme heat and UV radiation causes shingles to crack, warp, or degrade over time. The beating sun’s harsh rays penetrate the shingles’ material, causing the colors to fade, which affects your home’s aesthetics too.

Impact-resistant shingles are made with UV-resistant materials which keep your roof looking newer for longer. They also help your home maintain better energy efficiency by reflecting more heat.

This is especially important if you live in an area like the southwest or another sun-drenched region. Synthetic heavy-duty shingles are also fire-resistant, which is critical to protect your home against lightning strikes or forest fires.

Endnote

As wild weather increases in frequency and intensity around us, one of the best things you can do is protect your home by incorporating smart building materials into its design. Impact-resistant shingles will keep your roof safe from all manner of crazy conditions, from hail storms and hurricanes to rain, snow, ice, sun, and even fires.

By investing in top-end Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, you’re not only extending the lifespan of your roof but ensuring your home stays resilient, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.