Are you looking for the best impact resistant shingles on the market? This comprehensive guide can help. In this blog post, we have listed the top impact resistant shingles to help you choose the right one for your home and roofing needs. Whether you live in hail-prone regions or just want to add weather-resistance to your roof, there are plenty of suitable impact resistant roofing shingles available. Read on to discover the best options.
What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?
Impact resistant shingles are gaining popularity in the roofing industry. Specially designed to resist the impacts (hence the name) made by natural and artificial forces, these shingles are becoming a go-to choice of home and commercial building owners in areas prone to severe weather conditions. While they can cost more upfront, these shingles are worth the investment for their enhanced durability and incredible weather resistance.
But what qualifies as impact resistant shingles? There isn’t one answer to this question. If you are looking to install impact resistant roof shingles, you will need to look for several signs and indications, such as Class 4 impact resistance, before making the purchase. Shingles qualify as impact resistant after going through rigorous testing methods specially designed to test the durability of the product. Only shingles that meet the required marks and standards qualify as impact resistant. The most common impact resistance testing method is known as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2218 evaluation.
Also Read: 11 Reasons Why You Should Consider An Impact-Resistant Roof
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Impact Resistance Test
Underwriters Laboratories is a globally recognized independent applied safety science research institution dedicated to advancing security and sustainability. Founded in 1894, UL has become a trusted authority in product safety testing, giving certifications and developing standards across various industries, including construction and building materials.
During their roof shingle impact resistance test, a steel ball of varying sizes is dropped several times on the same spot on the shingle. This solid steel ball replicates the effect of hail on a roof. Then, depending on the results, the shingles are classified into different impact resistant ratings. If the shingles crack, chip, or puncture when the steel ball is dropped, they are disqualified from the list of impact resistant shingles.
The most common classification system used in the roofing industry is the Class 1 through Class 4 rating scale.
Class 1—These shingles withstand the impact of a 1.25-inch diameter ball dropped twice from a 12 foot height.
Class 2—These shingles are designed to withstand a 1.5-inch ball dropped twice from 15 feet.
Class 3—These shingles can withstand larger hailstones and more significant impacts. They were tested with a steel ball around 1.75-inches in diameter, dropped twice from 17 feet.
Class 4—Class 4 roofing materials represent the pinnacle of impact resistance in the roofing industry. These shingles undergo rigorous testing to simulate the effects of severe hailstorms and wind-driven debris, generally using a steel ball approximately 2-inches in diameter dropped twice from 20 feet.
A note for the readers: When choosing impact resistant shingles, you must check for these test classifications to be sure that the shingles you are buying are worth the investment.
Best Impact Resistant Shingles To Consider For Your Home
Here is a list of the best impact resistant roofing shingles, so you can choose one that suits your needs best.
1. CertainTeed Belmont® IR
Belmont IR is one of CertainTeed’s impact resistant shingles. Qualified with a class 4 impact-resistant rating, these shingles resist the impact of hail, high winds, and intense storms. CertainTeed Belmont IR shingles are a premium roofing option that combines durability with elegance. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, providing long-lasting protection for your home.
Moreover, these shingles come in a variety of colors to suit different architectural styles and preferences. By choosing CertainTeed Belmont IR shingles, you can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also increase its value. In addition to the Class 4 impact resistance rating, these shingles come with a 30-year algae resistance warranty and Class A fire resistance, providing homeowners with peace of mind.
In addition, CertainTeed Belmont IR features:
- Lifetime limited transferable warranty on manufacturing defects
- Excellent resistance to fire and high winds
- 30-year algae resistance warranty
- A wide range of color options to choose from, including Black Granite, Colonial Slate, and more
2. GAF Grand Sequoia® AS
Rigorously tested under the UL 2218 test and classified with Class 4 ratings, Grand Sequoia AS are one of GAF’s impact-resistant shingles. Made from SBS modified asphalt, these shingles are more flexible and durable than standard asphalt shingles. The rubber-like surface of Grand Sequoia AS shingles prevents cracks and splitting when the weather is at its peak. In addition, these shingles are manufactured keeping in mind wind uplift and blowoff. Grand Sequoia AS shingles meet UL’s Class F wind rating, which means they are highly resistant to harsh conditions and can withstand wind speeds up to 110 mph. Besides the many advantages of these shingles, they also come with:
- Performance and reliability with a 25-year StainGuard® algae protection warranty and lifetime limited warranty
- Available in various colors to suit different architectural styles
- Dura Grip™ Adhesive seals to prevent wind uplift and shingle blowoff
3. CertainTeed Presidential Shake® IR
Available in a diverse range of colors that mimic the natural beauty of wood without the associated maintenance and cost, CertainTeed Presidential Shake IR shingles offer premium weather protection while enhancing the visual appeal of any home. Presidential Shake IR by CertainTeed is a premium roofing choice that combines the timeless elegance of hand-split cedar shake with the robustness of Class 4 impact resistance. Plus, these shingles are designed to withstand 110 mph winds and have Class A fire resistance.
Besides their durability, weather protection, and wind resistance, these shingles offer homeowners a range of color options, each with an elegant look and the rustic appeal of natural wood. While being heavy luxury shingles, these shingles are easy to install. The added NailTrak® feature makes the installation process seamless, creating ease for the contractors during the project.
Apart from that, you can expect the following from these shingles:
- 50-Year limited transferable warranty for group-owned or commercial use
- Lifetime limited transferable warranty for residential properties
- 15-year 110 mph wind resistance warranty
- 15-Year StreakFighter algae resistance warranty to cover the cost of cleaning or replacing shingles
- 10-Year SureStart™ Protection, covering the cost of replacing any defective shingles
4. Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration FLEX® Shingles
TruDefinition Duration FLEX shingles are a top Owens Corning impact resistant shingle option. These high-quality roofing shingles offer enhanced durability and superior performance in harsh weather conditions compared to standard shingles.
They are designed with SureNail® Technology, a proprietary blend of SBS polymer-modified asphalt, and feature rubber-like flexibility that helps the shingle withstand expansion and contraction stresses, minimizes loss of granules, and protects it against UV rays.
They are also designed to resist cracks and damage during installation regardless of the weather conditions, offering stronger tear strength compared to traditional shingles. In addition to the SureNail Technology, they have embedded copper granules, which helps prevent the growth of blue-green algae that can cause roofing shingles to discolor.
Apart from the algae resistant properties, they also offer:
- Premium color bands that create architectural depth on your roof
- TruDefinition® color platform for a more dramatic and dimensional look
- StreakGuard® algae resistance protection to maintain the color and aesthetic appeal of the shingles
- Limited lifetime warranty for comprehensive coverage of your roof
Closing Thoughts
If you are thinking of installing impact resistant shingles for the first time, it’s important to seek advice from professionals in the roofing industry before making a final decision. Your choice of impact resistant shingles may be affected by other factors, like your local area’s weather and climate, the availability of materials in your area, the availability of qualified roofing contractors for this job, and, obviously, your budget.
Impact resistant shingles are more costly upfront compared to other material options, but the return on your investment is high. They can last for decades without even having any dents or cracks. The impact-resistant shingles mentioned in the blog post are among the best, and are great options for your roof.
Contact A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing In Tulsa, OK, For Your Roof Installation
If you are considering installing a new roof or replacing your existing shingles, contact the expert roofers at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing in Tulsa, OK. The roofers at our company are proficient in handling any roofing project, be it a new roof installation, minor repairs, or a complete roof replacement. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 and consult a professional for your roofing needs.
