478-286-03924 Best Shingles for a Hail Resistant Roof (Ranked)
Written by
Leroy Whitt
Investing in a hail resistant roof can provide the protection you need to keep your home safe during severe weather. Hailstorms aren’t just a spectacle to watch from the safety of your home; they pose a serious threat to your property, especially your roof. Your roofing material acts as your home’s first line of defense, making the choice of shingles critical to withstand hail damage effectively.
When hailstones come plummeting down, they can cause severe damage to your roof shingles, leading to:
- Leaks
- Structural issues
- Costly repairs
This guide explores the world of hail resistant shingles, their benefits, and the best options to protect your home.
Understanding the Impact of Hail Damage
Hailstorms produce hailstones ranging in size from small pellets to baseball-sized chunks of ice. When these strike your roof, they can lead to various forms of damage, such as:
- Granule Loss: Hailstones can knock off the protective granules on asphalt shingles, leaving the underlying layers exposed to further damage.
- Bruising: The surface of shingles can develop bruising or indentations from hail impact, compromising their durability.
- Cracks and Fractures: Severe hailstorms may crack or fracture shingles, allowing water to seep into your home.
- Shingle Displacement: Strong winds accompanying hailstorms can lift or completely displace shingles, exposing your roof to elements.
Ignoring hail damage can worsen these issues over time and lead to costly repairs. Additionally, untreated damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home and lower its property value.
Why Invest in a Hail Resistant Roof?
Investing in a hail resistant roof is one of the smartest decisions for long-term protection against hail damage. Not only does this safeguard your home, but it also helps reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improves your property’s resale value.
Here are some key reasons why choosing hail resistant shingles is essential:
- Prevent Water Damage: Strong roofing materials ensure water doesn’t seep into your home, preventing interior damage.
- Enhanced Longevity: Impact resistant shingles are designed to last longer and withstand weather extremes.
- Reduced Insurance Premiums: Many insurance providers offer discounts for homes equipped with hail resistant roofing.
- Improved Home Value: A durable, impact resistant roof can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
The 4 Best Roof Shingles for Hail Resistant Roofs
Not all shingles are created equal when it comes to withstanding hail damage. Below are the top shingles ranked for their hail resistance and impact durability.
1. Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
For homeowners who love the look of traditional asphalt shingles but need better protection, impact resistant asphalt shingles are the perfect solution. These shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating, meaning they can handle hailstones of varying sizes without significant damage. They are often reinforced with fiberglass or polymer to enhance durability against hail storms.
Why Choose Them?
- Affordable compared to other options
- Widely available in various colors and styles
- Tested to withstand hail impact effectively
2. Metal Roofs
Metal roofing, made from materials like steel or aluminum, is inherently strong and durable. Metal roofs can endure severe hail storms without cracking, making them one of the best choices for a long-lasting, hail resistant roof.
Why Choose Them?
- Exceptional durability, often lasting over 50 years
- Resistant to cracking, splitting, or warping
- Lightweight and eco-friendly
3. Synthetic Slate or Tile Roofing
Synthetic slate or tile shingles combine aesthetics and functionality. These shingles mimic the look of traditional slate or clay but are made from composite materials like polymer blends, offering superior resistance to hail damage.
Why Choose Them?
- Elegant appearance similar to natural stone
- Lightweight and easy to install
- High impact resistance with less breakage during hail storms
4. Rubber Roofing Shingles
Rubber shingles, also known as synthetic rubber or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) shingles, are highly flexible and resilient. They “bounce back” from hail impact without cracking or breaking, making them a top-tier choice for hail resistance.
Why Choose Them?
- High flexibility prevents damage from hail impact
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Environmentally friendly, often made from recycled materials
How Impact Resistance is Rated
Roofing materials are rated for impact resistance using the UL 2218 testing method, simulating hail by dropping steel balls of varying sizes on the shingles. The shingles are then categorized based on their resistance to damage:
- Class 1: Least resistant; susceptible to hail damage.
- Class 2: Moderate resistance; suitable for mild hailstorms.
- Class 3: High resistance; can handle moderate hailstorms effectively.
- Class 4: Highest resistance; withstands severe hailstorms with minimal or no damage.
For the best protection, always choose roofing materials with a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
What to Do After Spotting Hail Damage
If a recent hailstorm has left your roof battered, here’s what you need to do to assess and address the damage:
- Inspect Your Roof
Check for visible signs of hail damage, like dented shingles, granule loss, or cracks. Use binoculars for hard-to-reach areas.
- Document the Damage
Photograph or record videos of the affected areas to provide evidence when filing an insurance claim.
- Schedule an Inspection
Contact a licensed roofing contractor to conduct a professional evaluation.
- File an Insurance Claim
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy for hail damage coverage and submit a claim.
- Repair or Replace Damaged Shingles
Once your claim is approved, replace damaged shingles with high-quality, hail resistant shingles.
Will Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Most homeowner insurance policies cover hail damage as part of structural protection. However, coverage depends on your policy’s specifics, deductibles, and exclusions. Familiarize yourself with your coverage to avoid surprises when filing a claim.
Steps to file an insurance claim:
- Review your policy to check hail damage coverage.
- Document the damage with photos and videos.
- Contact your insurance provider promptly.
- Work with the assigned adjuster to assess the damage.
- Schedule repairs or replacement with a reputable contractor.
Upgrade to Impact Resistant Shingles
Choosing the best roof shingles for hail resistance can make all the difference when protecting your home from unpredictable hail storms. Upgrading to impact resistant shingles ensures your roof withstands hail damage, keeping your home safe and secure for years to come.
At Whitt’s, we specialize in offering high-quality roofing materials. Contact us today to explore options for upgrading your roof and take the first step toward a durable, impact resistant roof!
