When it comes to financial losses due to weather, many will assume that tornadoes lead the list. Damage from hail is connected to $8-13 billion in damages as noted by Insurance Information Institute. This sum pales to $14 billion in financial losses from tornadoes spanning a decade (2010-2020) Spring thunderstorms and hurricanes (June-October) that spawn major storms bring hail and the possibility of damages. This means that for North Carolinians, eight months out of the year are prone to hail.
A large part of the damage totaled from hail will happen to the roof of homes and businesses. When hail falls in storms, the hail will pelt the roofing shingles. The impact will leave small tears and cracks under the shingle allowing water to seep into the roofing system. After hail, depressions and barely visible cracks may show. Hail that is a more substantial size can fully crack or tear a shingle in half.
The Shingle Ranking System
Shingles are graded and rated according to their impact resistance. The ratings go from Class 1 to Class 4. Class 4 is the strongest and most resistant to impact damage. Underwriter Laboratories (UL) simulates conditions roofing shingles may face with weather and rates them. A Class 4 shingle is able to sustain impact for a 2-inch metal ball dropped from 20 feet above without splitting or tearing the shingle.
How Do Shingles Rank Up
In order to be classified as Class 4 Impact Resistance, a shingle must be able to withstand the impact of the steel ball twice in the same spot and leave no visible cracking, splitting, or tearing.
Although there is an increased cost associated with upgrading to Class-4 rated impact-resistant shingles, the long-term benefits will far outweigh and negate the extra costs.
A few of those long-term benefits include:
Damage-resistant shingles equate to a longer lifespan for your roof
A longer lifespan of the roof results in savings over time
Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with Class 4 shingles. According to NBC News, State Farm offers substantial discounts of up to 35% on select premiums for homeowners with Class 4-rated impact-resistant shingles
Some impact-resistant shingles also meet other standards for roofs such as being resistant to high power winds which offer a layer of protection in hurricane-prone impact areas like North Carolina.
The National Association of Realtors' 2019 Remodeling Impact Report found that a new roof adds the most value to a home when it comes time to sell it. Also, impact-resistant shingles can increase the resale value of a home because buyers will like how low-maintenance and long-lasting they are.
The Value of Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles
Damage from hail will impact the longevity and integrity of a roof. Hail damage crates channels for water to seep, leading to issues like mold and mildew in the roofing system and home. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles will keep your roof resistant to the damages associated with hail and other types of impact. With an upfront increased cost for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, it may be easy to get caught up on the initial out-of-pocket. However, the physical and financial benefits substantially offset the higher price tag. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can withstand the weight of damaging hail and other debris without tearing or cracking which will save in repairs and maintenance over time. Class 4 impact-resistant tiles easily prove they are a worthwhile investment. For North Carolina residents who live n areas prone to spring hair storms and hurricane damage from June to the end of October, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can add a layer of protection to your home and peace of mind when the time comes.
At Herring, we offer quality at a fair price and that includes the products we recommend to our clients. Reach out today for a roof inspection and free estimate with our roofing experts.