Underwriters laboratories inc ul an independent for profit company has developed a series of laboratory test to measure how well roofing materials resist hail.
Hail resistant roof ul.
Even an extremely durable well built roof can suffer damage during a violent storm with large hail and heavy winds.
These tests are widely accepted by the roofing industry and the results are widely quoted in industry promotional materials.
The roof will be protected against an average hail storm so the chances of a damaged roof claim are much smaller but there is still a chance for the roof to see hail damage during a bad storm.
Ul standard 2218 describes a series of tests which involve dropping steel balls from various heights onto roofing materials and then measuring whether the material cracks.
Impact resistant shingles and other roofing materials are designed to resist damage from hail and flying debris abuse that might damage ordinary shingles.
Hail resistant is not hail proof it s important to remember that no roof is 100 immune to the damaging effects of an intense storm or some other catastrophic event.
Class 4 roofing shingles are considered to be a premium product and therefore may cost more than standard non impact resistant shingles.
Shingles on an impact resistant roof are designed to withstand high winds and hail damage and have a class 4 rating see below.
It is also important to understand that a hail resistant roof can still be damaged by large wind driven hail.
Hailstorms are responsible for more than 10 billion in annual property damage and they are particularly hard on roofs.
A thicker metal panel will resist punctures and form stronger seams between panels.
However due to the various benefits of class 4 impact resistant shingles the extra cost upfront may be a worthwhile investment if you live in an area where hail and wind storms frequently occur.
Trudefinition duration flex shown in the color brownwood a class 4 impact resistant sbs roofing shingle from owens corning roofing.