Impact-resistant shingles are particularly important if you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, such as hail storms and hurricane-force winds. Architectural shingles have become increasingly popular in recent years, but are they impact-resistant?
In this blog post, we’ll answer this question and all others related to it. At North Star Roofing, we aim to help our readers and customers by sharing our roofing knowledge and expertise. If you’re a homeowner looking for new impact-resistant shingles, this blog post will help you make a decision.
Are All Architectural Shingles Impact Resistant?
Some architectural shingles are impact resistant, but not all of them. Top brands like Owens Corning and GAF provide shingles with different levels of impact resistance, and it’s important to check their impact rating before purchasing. Preferably, you’ll want to look for architectural shingles with a Class 4 impact rating, as these are a smart investment for homeowners in areas prone to severe weather.
What is a Class 4 Impact Rating?
A Class 4 impact rating is a standardized rating system used to measure a roofing material’s resistance to impact damage. The rating is based on tests conducted by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent safety science organization, and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
During the test, steel balls of varying sizes are dropped onto the roofing material from a specific height. The material is then evaluated based on the amount of damage it has sustained. A Class 4 rating indicates that the material sustained minimal to no damage from the impact of a two-inch steel ball dropped 20 feet above the roof’s surface.
So which manufacturers provide impact-resistant architectural shingles? Are GAF Timberline HDZ shingles impact resistant? Let’s find out.
Impact Resistant Architectural Shingles
Leading manufacturers, like GAF and Owens Corning, provide impact-rated architectural shingles that are tested to perform well in areas with frequent wind, rain, and snow.
#1 GAF Timberline Shingles
GAF is one of the leading manufacturers of roofing products. Their Timberline HDZ shingles are among the best-selling roofing shingles on the market, but since GAF does not sell these shingles as impact-resistant, their impact rating is not mentioned on the website.
It’s essential to note that GAF’s Timberline AS II shingles have the highest impact rating. These shingles are designed to provide enhanced durability and weather resistance and have a Class 4 impact rating that makes them highly resistant to hail damage.
These shingles also have a 25-Year Stainguard Plus™ algae protection warranty and Class A fire rating. Another impressive feature of the AS II shingles is how they come with GAF’s WindProven™ limited wind warranty, which is the first and only warranty in the industry with no maximum wind speed limitation.
#2 Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration Storm Shingles
Owens Corning is another well-respected brand in the roofing industry, and their TruDefinition Duration Storm architectural shingles are Class 4 impact rated. The shingles have robust technology, such as SureNail®, WeatherGuard®, and Streakguard™, to withstand environmental damage better than most architectural shingles on the market.
At North Star Roofing, we’re proud to be an Owens Corning Preferred contractor serving Lansdale and other areas in Pennsylvania.
#3 Atlas StormMaster® Shake
Atlas Roofing Corporation is a well-established manufacturer of roofing products, offering a range of shingles, underlayment, and other accessories for residential and commercial roofing applications. Atlas StormMaster Shake shingles have a Class 4 impact rating and are tested against wind speeds up to 150 miles per hour. These shingles are also one of the largest on the market, offering better installation and cost-savings. Overall, the StormMaster shake shingles are a good choice for homeowners who want affordable impact-rated shingles.
If you are ready to upgrade your home with high-end impact-resistant shingles, you can consider composite shingles from the premium brand DaVinci Roofscapes.
#4 DaVinci Shingles
The main benefits of DaVinci’s synthetic shingles are their exceptional durability and curb appeal. They are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, heavy rains, high winds, and other environmental factors that cause damage to asphalt and fiberglass shingles.
Additionally, DaVinci’s composite slate and shake shingles are resistant to fading, cracking, and curling, which means they require minimal maintenance compared to other roofing options. This makes them an excellent investment for homeowners who want a very long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free roofing solution.
Now, many homeowners have other doubts about architectural shingles, such as their hurricane rating and lifespan. So let’s discuss some frequently asked questions that can be helpful for you.
What is the Hurricane Rating for Architectural Shingles?
The highest hurricane wind rating possible for roofing shingles is Class F or Class H. This classification system measures the wind resistance of asphalt shingles, with higher classes indicating greater resistance to wind damage.
To determine the durability of the shingles, they must go through a two-hour wind test in a laboratory. The shingles that are able to pass the test at a speed of 60 mph are classified as Class A. Shingles that can withstand 90 mph winds are classified as Class D, and those that can withstand 110 mph winds are classified as either Class F or H. The latter can handle winds of up to 150 mph.
However, true wind resistance will depend on the installation process. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the shingles provide adequate protection against severe weather. These requirements are also applicable to their durability. But how long can architectural shingles last? Are they better than organic asphalt shingles?
How Long Do Architectural Shingles Last?
The lifespan of architectural shingles depends on shingle quality, climate, and installation. The leading architectural shingles on the market have warranties up to 50 years and can last for several decades with proper maintenance. This includes the shingles we’ve mentioned above. Standard architectural shingles are known to last for 30 years with regular inspections and cleaning to ensure they remain in good condition.
Durability, weather resistance, and cost are all important factors to consider when choosing new shingles for your home. But there are several other aspects that you should take into account to make the best decision.
Factors To Consider When Choosing New Shingles
One important consideration is shingle color and style. Different shingle patterns can either complement or detract from the overall design of your home, so it’s essential to choose a style that fits your taste and complements the architectural style of your home.
Additionally, a shingle color can impact your home’s energy efficiency. Light-colored shingles reflect more sunlight and can help keep your home cooler, while dark-colored shingles absorb more heat and help keep your home warmer in colder climates. You can explore the most popular Owens Corning shingles colors to compare your exterior design possibilities.
Finally, it’s vital to hire a professional roofing contractor who is experienced and qualified to install your chosen shingles properly. Poor installation can result in leaks, premature wear and tear, and other issues that can compromise the integrity of your roof.
If you are looking for the best architectural shingles in Pennsylvania, we can help you make the right choice.
Free Consultation and Estimate on Architectural Shingles
Our experts at North Star Roofing can help you select the right shingles and provide a reliable roof replacement service in Lansdale, PA. We’ve been helping Pennsylvania homeowners for years, and you can trust our experts for exceptional results. Call us at (484) 302-7663 for a free consultation and estimate on your roof installation project. One of our experts will guide you through the process and answer all your questions.
