The harsh weather in Atlanta poses a constant risk to roofs. Many homeowners are turning to impact-resistant shingles to stand up to challenges like spring hailstorms, sudden downpours, and hurricane-force winds. Find out whether investing in impact-resistant shingles is the right choice for your Atlanta home.
What Are Impact-Resistant Shingles?
Impact-resistant shingles have been carefully engineered to withstand strikes from hail and windborne debris. These impacts can crack standard asphalt shingles, compromising your roof's protection. The use of stronger fiberglass mats and different asphalt blends allows improved shingles to absorb energy more effectively.
In most cases, impact-resistant shingles are defined by the UL 2218 impact test. This is a standardized test developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to simulate the effect of hailstones. Steel balls are dropped from a measured height, and roofing materials are assigned a class rating based on how they withstand cracking from larger balls.
Class 1 is the lowest rating, and Class 4 has the highest level of impact-resistance. Class 4 shingles stand up to repeated impacts without breaking, making them perfect for Atlanta's harsh weather. Many of these shingles feature advanced polymer-modified asphalt, achieving exceptional flexibility and durability.
Atlanta's Local Weather Challenges
The weather in Atlanta is particularly rough on asphalt roofs. Major storms, high winds, and hail all pose ongoing threats. Hail in particular can quickly damage standard shingles if your area happens to be affected by a larger storm. Even a single event can lead to impact-related fractures of your shingles.
Other aspects of Atlanta's weather also damage roof materials. Rapid temperature shifts on cold winter nights and hot summer days cause shingles to expand and contract, creating new cracks and widening existing ones. Intense rainfall is also harsh on roofs, quickly penetrating any defects or gaps to seep into the roof deck.
High winds can carry debris like tree branches and cause serious damage to shingles. Even seemingly small objects can cause major blows when carried by hurricane-force winds. Any damaged or weakened shingles are also highly susceptible to being stripped off, leaving your roof vulnerable to water intrusion.
Impact-Resistant Shingle Performance
How do impact-resistant shingles hold up under real-world conditions? Their reinforced construction cushions impacts, distributing force more evenly. This reduces the risk of punctures, cracking, and granule loss. Maintaining the structural integrity of the shingles keeps them waterproof and avoids potential leaks.
During a major storm, airborne debris can cause a lot of damage. Impact-resistant shingles are less prone to surface fracturing when struck by branches and other objects. This helps avoid the need for emergency storm repairs. Your roof will stand up to heavy winds much more effectively.
Class 4 shingles, in particular, have been shown to achieve exceptional durability through field testing and studies. They can maintain performance after repeated impacts and have the longevity to stand up to the storms Atlanta faces year after year. These roofs last for decades when homeowners keep up with routine inspections.
Additional Roof Improvements
Getting impact-resistant shingles isn't the only step you can take to improve the durability of your roof. There are additional measures under programs like the FORTIFIED roofing standard. These include reinforced attachment points, sealed roof decks, and edge protection. Combined with impact-resistant shingles, these systems provide unbeatable protection.
With a sealed roof deck, you can avoid leaks even if a major storm does lead to shingle damage. Stronger fastening protects your roof by reducing uplift risk in high winds. This additional support for impact-resistant shingles provides a comprehensive approach to standing up to Atlanta's intense storms.
How Much Do Impact-Resistant Shingles Cost?
Impact-resistant shingles are high-quality roofing materials that carry a higher price than standard options. The thicker mats and enhanced asphalt require a more complex manufacturing process. These shingles are installed in much the same way as standard options, so the labor cost remains similar.
Many potential factors can influence the cost of your roof replacement. The size and pitch of your roof will affect the overall cost, along with the specific brand of shingles you select. Homeowners have many options throughout the Atlanta region, as impact-resistant shingles are rapidly growing in popularity.
While the higher initial cost may seem like a downside to some, it's important to consider the long-term financial benefits. Because of the frequent storms here in Atlanta, standard shingles can face ongoing damage. You can save much more by avoiding the need for frequent roof repairs.
Insurance Discounts for Quality Roofing Materials
Another reason Atlanta homeowners should consider impact-resistant shingles is the potential insurance discounts they can bring. Many insurance providers offer reduced premiums for homes that install impact-resistant shingles. You'll save month after month with lower insurance costs for your household.
Make sure to get the proper documentation for impact-resistant shingles when you have them installed. You'll need to show these details to your insurance provider. Any receipts should show the specific type of shingles being used so the insurance company can confirm the class of impact resistance and UL 2218 compliance.
You can save more in the long run by avoiding unnecessary insurance claims. Because impact-resistant shingles prevent damage from storms, you won't need to file with insurance as often over the years. Having fewer claims typically provides lower premiums for homeowners.
Additional Benefits of Impact-Resistant Shingles
You can extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid early replacement with impact-resistant shingles. These shingles stand up to cracks and prevent granule loss, which means they will last longer. The slowed aging delivers improved performance throughout your roof's service life.
Increased durability also reduces maintenance demands. While it's important to keep up with routine inspections, your home will face a lower risk of requiring repairs after storms. You can achieve predictable upkeep for your roof and save more in the long run.
Investing in impact-resistant shingles also improves property value. Home inspectors will note the quality of your roof and will convey that to potential buyers, improving your bargaining position. Even if you aren't planning on selling soon, impact-resistant shingles increase property value for years to come.
Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Right for Your Home?
Impact-resistant shingles could be an excellent investment for your home. This is particularly true in Atlanta, where high winds and frequent storms can lead to serious damage. Homes with large, open roof planes are at higher risk of debris impacts and can benefit from increased protection.
If you're already planning an upcoming roof replacement, then upgrading to impact-resistant shingles is often a financially sound choice. Lower insurance premiums, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased property value are all upsides to choosing these premium materials.
Owners of homes that have a history of dealing with storm damage should consider addressing that issue with impact-resistant shingles. If your specific area is at a higher risk of hail and high winds flinging debris, you can make an effective choice to safeguard your home.
Making the Right Choice for Your Next Roof Replacement
Impact-resistant shingles are an excellent choice to protect against Atlanta's hail, high winds, and major storms. While they cost more up front, they are a great investment that can save you money in the long run. You can find out more about impact-resistant shingles for your next roof replacement by talking with the team at Tom and Jerry's Roofing today.