Roof repairs are quite costly, particularly if the damage was due to wind or hail. However, recent advances in roofing materials can prevent such damage from happening in the first place. Sometimes referred to as impact resistant roofing materials, Class 4 Shingles in Tulsa can make a home’s roof almost impervious to wind- and hail-related damage. However, many homeowners wonder if they’re worth the cost. Those questions and more are answered in this review of impact-resistant shingles.
Impact-Resistant Shingles: What Are They, And What Do They Do?
If a shingle is said to be impact-resistant, it is regarded as a Class 4 roofing product. These materials are designed to withstand hail damage and high winds, and shingles may be composed of aluminum, resin, plastic or copper. Basey’s Roofing in Tulsa have a UL 2218 impact resistance classification. UL 2218 is the roofing industry’s standard for hail impact testing of roof shingles. The industry has four different testing classes that use steel balls ranging from one and one-quarter inches to two inches in size. These balls are dropped from heights of 12-20 feet to closely mirror the impact of high-speed hail. UL 2218 is the highest rating available today, and apart from hail impact, Class 4 shingles can withstand winds of up to 110 miles per hour.
Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth the Expense?
In most cases, yes, but it depends on where a homeowner lives. Thousands of people lose their homes’ roofs to hail and wind damage every year, but some areas are more likely than others to have hail. If a home is located in an area that’s prone to strong, damaging storms, it will greatly benefit from Class 4 shingles because of their long-term protection.
While impact resistant shingles do have a higher upfront cost, they can pay for themselves in terms of roof protection and home insurance discounts. On average, Class 4 shingles cost about 15% more than their conventional counterparts. With that said, these shingles can reduce costs and prevent the need for early roof replacement. Consult a company like Basey’s Roofing to find out how to save on homeowner’s insurance with impact-resistant shingles.
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