The Value of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Roofs are well-known to protect your home against severe weather conditions like hail, strong winds, rain, snowstorms, cold temperatures, and other extreme weather elements. However, older roofings and weaker roofing materials might no longer be efficient and durable to resist and withstand the impact of severe weather. This can create leaks and dents on roofs and damage your property, thereby exposing your family to danger and reducing the market value of your property.
Suppose you live in a region frequently affected by hailstorms, thunderstorms, strong winds, and other severe weather conditions. In that case, it is recommended that you use a type of roof covering called Impact Resistant Shingles (IRS). Impact-Resistant Shingles make your roof more durable and resistant to the effects of extreme weather conditions. Impact-resistant shingles form a watertight and wind-resistant seal which gives protection to your roof against environmental damage.
Impact-Resistant Shingles: What Are They Made Of?
Impact-Resistant Shingles can be made of various materials such as aluminium, copper, plastic, and resin to form a durable shingle. Impact-Resistant Shingles are rated as a “Class 4” type of roofing shingles. Class 4 is the highest rating of impact resistance for roof coverings subjected to extreme weather conditions. These roofing shingles must pass through a very rigorous test.
The Value of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Depending on the area where you reside, thousands of property owners lose their roofing to hail and wind storms annually. Hailstorms are liable for billions of dollars in property damage annually. They are specifically hard on your roofs. Regions that experience intense storms and high winds will benefit significantly from the use of IRS (Impact-Resistant Shingles) as roofing sheets as highlighted below:
1. Cost-benefits: Impact-Resistant Shingles rated as “Class 4” cost about 10 to 25 % more than the standard asphalt shingles. However, Impact-Resistant Shingles minimize the costs associated with long-term maintenance and prevent the frequency at which roof coverings are replaced. Hence, property owners can quickly recover the high costs of Impact-Resistant Shingles. In addition, Impact-Resistant Shingles with a Class 4 rating can also help to save money. They could improve the property’s resale value and enjoy a discount on the property’s insurance premium.
2. Increased Lifespan: The increased durability and efficiency of Impact-Resistant Shingles over regular shingles increases a roof’s lifespan. Several manufacturers of roofing shingles even specify a 50-year warranty. The features of Impact-Resistant Shingles that guarantees a roof’s lifespan include:
- Impact-Resistant Shingles offers protection against hailstorms, winds with speed as far as 177 kmph, and flying debris
- Most Class 4 rated Impact-Resistant Shingles are fire resistant with fire ratings of Class A.
- Reduces significantly the chances of an interior damage caused by a leaking roof.
3. Reduced Insurance Premiums: The additional cost of Class 4 rated Impact-Resistant Shingles over other premium roofing shingles (like Architectural shingles), which guarantees durability over aesthetics, can be compensated for by reducing the insurance premiums.
Conclusion
Class 4 rated Impact-Resistant Shingles May not be appropriate for every property (depending on your area). For properties located in the regions that experience frequent hailstorms and high winds, the additional cost may be offset by low maintenance costs and insurance premiums with an increase in the property value.