In Florida, there are plenty of roofing hazards. UV rays, humidity, and hurricane-force winds are just a few of the hardships that your roof will have to stand up against. But are impact-resistant shingles something that you need as a Florida homeowner?
That’s the question we’re here to answer. Today, PITCH Roofing is telling you everything you need to know about impact-resistant shingles as well as whether or not your roof needs them. To start off, let’s talk a bit more about what we mean when we talk about these asphalt shingles.
Shingle Impact Resistance Scale
Technically, all shingles are impact resistant to some extent. But how resistant they are can vary a lot, which drastically changes how these shingles perform in real-world conditions. Since 1996, the roofing industry has used a standardized scale to measure the impact resistance of asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles fall into one of these four classes, depending on how well they resist impact damage. Because the goal of these testing conditions is to replicate hail damage, testers will hit the shingles with a steel ball and see if they crack or lose their protective stone granules at the impact site. The more damage they can endure without showing signs of damage, the higher their impact resistance rating.
The four classes break down as follows:
- Class 1: These shingles did not crack when struck by a steel ball with a diameter of 1.25 inches dropped twice from 12 feet.
- Class 2: These shingles did not crack when struck by a steel ball with a diameter of 1.50 inches dropped twice from 15 feet.
- Class 3: These shingles did not crack when struck by a steel ball with a diameter of 1.75 inches dropped twice from 17 feet.
- Class 4: These shingles did not crack when struck by a steel ball with a diameter of 2.00 inches dropped from 20 feet.
Class 4 shingles have demonstrated that they can withstand severe impacts without cracking or losing granules. However, many people are skeptical about the need for impact-resistant shingles because Florida only rarely experiences hail, and it’s usually not especially large. So what can these asphalt shingles offer the Florida homeowner?
Advantages of Impact-Resistant Shingles for Florida Homes
The truth is that impact-resistant shingles have a lot to offer Floridians. While it’s true that hail is only an occasional problem in Florida, there are a lot of other advantages to getting impact-resistant shingles. Let’s talk about some of the biggest perks that you can expect with these high-quality shingle products!
Storm Debris Resistance
Hail isn’t the only thing that can strike your roof. In Florida, storm debris is a major concern for homeowners. During a hurricane or tropical storm, high winds can turn almost anything into a projectile. When this airborne debris hits your roof, it pays to have impact-resistant shingles that can withstand the blow!
Stands Up to High Winds
Despite their name, impact-resistant shingles aren’t just good at standing up to heavy blows. Because they’re especially hardy and durable, they also tend to have higher wind resistance than normal asphalt shingles. In fact, many Class 4 shingles can withstand winds up to 130 mph. This is the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, so you’re unlikely to find shingles in your yard even after major storms!
Long-Term Roof Repair Savings
There’s no denying that high-quality asphalt shingles cost more than flimsy 3-tab shingles. But that upfront cost increase is more than offset by the long-term savings of having a durable roofing system. Whereas a tropical storm could tear apart a roof with 3-tab shingles, your impact-resistant shingles will weather the storm and stay strong, saving you a lot of money on roof repairs over the lifetime of your roof.
Insurance Savings
As the homeowners insurance crisis continues, more and more insurers are increasing their requirements. Impact-resistant shingles can help you meet these requirements, and in some cases they can even qualify you for discount programs to reduce your overall insurance premium. Before getting a new roof, it’s a good idea to check with your insurer and see what discount programs you can qualify for!
Aesthetic Variety
Most impact-resistant shingles are architectural shingles. These asphalt shingle products have unique patterning that creates dimension and texture on your roof. In this way, they boost curb appeal by creating visual interest on your roof. And with a wide variety of color options, you can always get impact-resistant shingles that match your home’s aesthetic.
Peace of Mind
Having confidence in your roof is worth a lot when you’ve got a major storm coming your way. With impact-resistant shingles installed by qualified professionals, you can feel secure in the knowledge that you have a high-quality roofing system that’s ready for the worst Florida can dish out.
Get a Free Quote for Impact-Resistant Shingles
If you’re interested in learning more about what impact-resistant shingles can do for you and how much they’ll cost, the only solution is to get a free, no-obligation roofing quote. With a quote in hand, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision. And we’re proud to say that nobody provides quotes quite like PITCH.
To start the process of getting your estimate, call us at 727-677-4824 or fill out our contact form. We’ll send out a friendly roofing pro to inspect your roof and go over your options with you. Once you’ve made your choices, we’ll prepare estimates for any materials you’re considering. And with itemized quotes, you never have to worry about hidden fees or nasty surprises after the job is over.
PITCH Roofing is proud to be a locally owned and operated roofing company led by veteran Florida roofing contractors. If you’re in need of a new shingle roof, reach out to our friendly customer service team today. We’ll show you that our rave roofing reviews aren’t just hype. When you choose PITCH, you get Roofing Done Right, every time!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
