An impact-resistant roof can help protect your home from hail. It can also be a smart investment if you live in an area that experiences strong winds or storms throughout the year. Read our guide to learn about the pros and cons of impact-resistant roofs, style options, and whether the investment is worth it.

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What Is an Impact-Resistant Roof?

An impact-resistant roof is designed to withstand the force of hail, wind-blown debris, and strong winds. Standard roofs are often battered by hail and other severe weather events, which can lead to leaking and water damage. Impact-resistant roofs incorporate stronger composite materials and reinforcing elements to offer superior protection.

Though several types of roofs could be classified as impact-resistant, most impact-resistant roofs use special shingles. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global safety science company that performs performance review testing on roofing materials and systems. It created a test that duplicates the effects of falling hail to assess the durability of impact-resistant shingles. Shingles fall into one of four categories based on the results:

• Class 1: Can withstand a 1.25-inch steel ball dropped twice from 12 feet
• Class 2: Can withstand a 1.5-inch steel ball dropped twice from 15 feet
• Class 3: Can withstand a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped twice from 17 feet
• Class 4: Can withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice from 20 feet

To be classified as impact-resistant, a shingle must withstand a steel ball’s impact twice in the same spot without experiencing any cracking or damage. You can determine the durability level by the ball’s size and impact frequency. Choose Class 4 shingles if you want the highest impact protection because they’re considered the hardiest shingles on the market.

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Advantages

You should be able to use Class 4 impact-resistant roof shingles even if your roof has an unusual design. They’re thicker than a standard shingle but can be trimmed and framed over your existing roof shape—just like a normal shingle. Additionally, you should be able to keep your gutters exactly as they are.

Impact-resistant roofs have several distinct advantages over traditional roofing materials.

Enhanced Durability

Impact-resistant roofs are specifically designed to withstand hailstorms, which can significantly damage regular shingles. This is particularly beneficial in areas prone to hailstorms, reducing the risk of roof leaks and costly repairs.

Hail is not the only peril impact-resistant roofs protect against. The standard wind rating for a normal shingle is 110 mph. Impact-resistant roofs can withstand winds as high as 130 mph. That means that a properly installed Class 4 shingle can withstand Class 4 hurricane winds.

Potential Cost Savings

By minimizing damage from hail, debris, and strong winds, impact-resistant roofs save you money on the costs of making roof repairs. They also have a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt shingles, which means a better return on investment and a longer period of time before you need to pay for a new roof.

Many home insurance companies, such as State Farm, offer discounts for homeowners with Class 4 impact-resistant shingles in certain states. Insurance premium savings vary by company and location, but some insurers give discounts as high as 33%.

An impact-resistant roof can also improve your home’s insulation, saving you money on heating and cooling. It’s easier to regulate the temperature in a well-insulated home. That means your HVAC system will use less energy, which translates to lower electric bills.

In the video below, heating and home tech experts Richard and Ross Trethewey explain how improved insulation reduces the strain on your HVAC system and saves you money:

Peace of Mind

Knowing your roof is better equipped to handle various weather elements can provide peace of mind and a sense of security for your home and family. Shingles with a Class 1 hail rating typically carry a 30-year warranty, while Class 4 shingles usually carry a 50-year warranty.

An impact-resistant roof can also be a more eco-friendly choice than traditional asphalt shingles. Many impact-resistant roofing materials are made from recycled or recyclable materials. Regardless, their enhanced durability means they require less frequent replacement, which reduces waste and your carbon footprint.

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Disadvantages

The only downside of impact-resistant roof shingles is the initial cost, which can be significantly more than a standard roof.

The exact cost of your new roof depends on your location, shingle type, and roofing contractor. Impact-resistant shingles are often 50% to 100% more expensive than standard shingles. On the plus side, the labor shouldn’t be any more expensive for an impact-resistant roof installation. Avoid contractors who mark up labor costs for impact-resistant shingles.

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Options for Impact-Resistant Shingles

There are two types of impact-resistant shingles homeowners can choose from:

• Polymer-based shingle: A polymer base is combined with a high-quality asphalt shingle to protect against cracking.
• Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) based shingle: Styrene-butadiene-styrene is also a type of polymer, but it’s more rubbery than a polymer-mesh shingle. SBS is more flexible and better suited to withstand falling hail than other materials. Furthermore, the granules adhere well with an SBS shingle, which can improve the life span and ability to reflect the sun’s heat—not to mention help keep it looking fresh.

Each shingle comes in several colors, and some styles look like slate or wooden shingles.

Keep in mind that architectural shingles are not the only option. Metal, slate, concrete, and clay can also be impact-resistant. These types of roofs cost more than asphalt or composite shingles but may last significantly longer.

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Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth the Investment?

Impact-resistant shingles cost more than basic three-tab shingles. The cheapest option will likely be architectural shingles, which cost $2–$4* per square foot for materials alone. However, not all architectural shingles are impact-resistant, and those with a Class 3 or Class 4 rating typically fall at the higher end of the cost spectrum.

Though impact-resistant shingles have a higher upfront cost, they offer several money-saving benefits that make them worth the investment:

• Reduced damage: They can minimize cracks, dents, and punctures caused by hail or flying debris, leading to less frequent repairs and replacements.
• Lower insurance costs: Some insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners with impact-resistant roofs due to the lower risk of claims.
• Longer lifespan: With better protection against damage, impact-resistant roofs can potentially last longer than traditional ones.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 6,962 major hail events across the country in 2023—including over 1,000 instances of hailstones larger than 2 inches in diameter. Though the majority of these hailstorms occurred in the South and Midwest, at least one event occurred in each of the 48 contiguous states.

Statistics from the insurance industry indicate that hail damage causes billions of dollars in damage each year. State Farm alone paid out $3.5 billion for hail claims in 2022, and that number is likely to be higher in 2024.

* Cost data sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.

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Our Conclusion

Investing in a Class 4 impact-resistant roof is money well spent. Impact-resistant shingles protect homes from extreme weather events, lower homeowners insurance premiums, and minimize future roof repair costs. The only downside to Class 4 roofing shingles is their upfront cost. However, if you can afford shingles with a high impact-resistant rating, they’ll help protect your home for the foreseeable future.

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FAQ About Impact-Resistant Roofs

What is an example of an impact-resistant roof?

An example of an impact-resistant roof would be metal roofing or a roof made of impact-resistant shingles. Both can withstand hail impact and other weather events and have long warranties.

Are impact-resistant shingles worth it?

Impact-resistant shingles are often worth the investment for homeowners in areas with extreme weather conditions. Hail damage can easily damage a roof to the point of disrepair and necessitate a complete replacement. An impact-resistant shingle’s value may vary between locations and homeowners, but they provide peace of mind at the very least.

What is Class 3 or 4 impact-resistant shingles?

Class 3 or 4 impact-resistant shingles resist hailstones, high winds, and other severe weather events. A shingle’s class refers to a rating system that scores how strong a shingle is, and Class 4 is the highest and most durable rating.

What is a Class 4 impact-resistant roof?

A Class 4 impact-resistant roof can withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice on the same spot from 20 feet during an impact test.

What are some disadvantages of impact-resistant roofing?

There aren’t many disadvantages of impact-resistant roofing. The only downside is that they cost more than standard roofs. Home insurance policies sometimes have loopholes, so homeowners should confirm with their insurance company what conditions qualify for a new roof should their roof ever need to be replaced after a storm.

What is the difference between impact-resistant and heat-resistant roofs?

An impact-resistant roof should resist the impact of hail, while a heat-resistant roof reflects infrared rays and mitigates the transfer of heat from your roof to your home’s attic or top floor. The composition of Class 4 impact-resistant shingles is naturally more heat-resistant than standard shingles. Class 4 shingles should cover both needs if you live in a hot area that also experiences severe storms.

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