What Makes Roofing Products “Impact Resistant”?

In a previous blog we mentioned using impact-resistant roofing products to repair or replace your roof if it’s been heavily damaged by hail.

But what exactly does “impact-resistant” mean, and how do manufacturers know these products work? We’re here to give you the inside scoop.

It starts with testing…

Heavy summer and winter storms–especially in the Midwest–can produce hail that grows alarmingly large. (Think golf-ball sized.) When plummeting from the sky, that hail picks up a lot of speed and “punches” your roof again and again when it impacts. The results: fractures, cracks, and tears on the backside of your shingles.

UL 2218 impact testing replicates these scenarios by dropping steel balls of various sizes from different heights onto test materials, then checking for damage on the backs. If a roofing product can withstand being hit by a 1.75-inch steel ball falling 17 feet, it gets a Class 3 rating. But if it can survive a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet, it gets a Class 4 rating–the very highest there is.

…and ends with layering.

UL2218 Class 3 and Class 4 products are made even more effective by pairing them with underlayment that dampens the impact of the hail. A good example would be SBS-modified asphalt shingles that flex under stress, with an UltraMat™ product underneath. Some shingle product lines have this type of matting built right in.

“Should I only choose impact-resistant products?”

When it comes time to choose materials for your roofing repair or full roof replacement, make sure you’re consulting with a certified roofing contractor who knows the manufacturers’ standards and which options best serve you. And if you’re not sure whether you need a replacement or just some repairs, consider getting an annual roof inspection done for free. At Ideal Roofing Inc. we can easily set one up for you. Just click here.