Colorado roofs face heavy bombardments of hail year after year, and builder-grade shingles don’t cut it. That means homeowners have to deal with repeated insurance claims and roof repairs. At some point, every roof needs replacing. So when the time comes, many homeowners want to know what is the most durable type of roof to protect against hail.
Fortunately, the roofing industry has rating systems to answer that question. Class 4 impact-resistant roofing materials guard against blunt force damage, so your roof lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. For instance, premium asphalt shingles such as polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) are engineered to withstand high impacts. Other class 4 options include stone-coated steel and synthetic composite tiles.
Premium Asphalt Shingles
Many roofing companies offer PMA materials as options for a premium upgrade. These rubberized shingles have added polymers, such as styrene-blading-styrene (SBS), that make them more flexible and resilient than standard shingles. SBS has been used on commercial buildings for decades and is rapidly growing in popularity for residential roofs. They have superior impact resistance, tear resistance, and granular surface adhesion. Another way to increase the impact resistance is to add a polymer-mesh reinforced backing to standard asphalt shingles to hold them together during hail storms.
Modern Innovations
Homeowners have many options for durable, long-lasting roofs. Modern technology has gone a long way in making materials that have impact resistance and curb appeal. For example, stone-coated steel has the appearance of traditional shingles with the durability of metal. Likewise, composite tiles have the appearance of clay, slate, or shingles and are manufactured to be lightweight and durable.
How do roofing shingles qualify for a class 4 impact resistance rating?
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent non-profit organization that rates shingles based on standardized impact testing. The material withstands steel balls repeatedly dropped from 20 feet in laboratory conditions. UL then assigns a ranking of Class 1 – 4. Shingles that survive the heaviest impacts without cracking receive a Class 4 rating.
The Most Durable Type of Roof to Protect Against Hail
In the end, the most durable type of roof to protect against hail is one with a Class 4 impact-resistance rating. The roofing experts at Just Roofs and Gutters have experience repairing and replacing roofs in Colorado. Contact us for a free consultation today.
