When it comes to picking out roofing for your Snohomish County home, there are many different aspects and factors to consider about the roofing material. Beyond the look and cost of the roofing is the impact resistance rating.

What is an Impact Resistance Rating?

A roofing impact resistance rating is a number to symbolize the measurement of how well the roofing material will hold up to damage from falling objects and debris. The measurement is based on a standardized test. The test simulates hail by dropping steel balls onto the roofing material from differing heights.

The scale is known as the UL2218 scale and it measures roofing materials into four different categories placing an impact resistance measurement of 1 to 4 on a material after it is tested.

The UL stands for the Underwriter’s Laboratory which developed the system of measurement in 1996 to help homeowners compare the durability of roofing materials. This standard of durability is widely used across the roofing industry.

The Four Different Impact Resistance Categories

Class 4: the Class 4 rating is the highest and signifies that a roofing material has the highest impact resistance capability. This means that the roofing material was tested and did not crack when it was hit twice with a steel ball of 2 inches in diameter from the same spot.

Class 3: A class three rating means that the roofing material stood up to a 1.75-inch diameter steel ball when hit from the same spot.

Class 2: Class 2 impact resistance means a roofing material can stand up to impact from a 1.5-diameter steel ball

Class 1: a class one rating is the lowest rating for impact resistance. The material will hold up to a 1.25-inch diameter steel ball

Pros and Cons of Higher Impact Resistance

Pros

  • Better Weather Resistance: An impact-resistant roof is made with a focus on taking an impact from various different objects. The biggest focus is holding up during a hail storm. The higher the rating the better a roofing material can stand up to wind, sleet, hail, and objects around your home falling on the roof from inclement weather.
  • Insurance Discounts May Apply: Upgrading your roof to an impact-resistant material could bring a homeowner savings of anywhere between 5 and 35 percent each year on home insurance premiums. Not all insurance providers offer this but several do. It is a great idea to check in with your insurance provider to see if they offer this discount. It could pay for the extra cost of a higher-quality roofing material.

 

Cons

  • Upfront Cost: the higher the impact resistance, the higher the upfront cost of purchasing roofing will be. This is due to a higher quality material and increased manufacturing costs. Some impact-resistant roofing materials may also require specialized installation which will be another added cost. But these costs can pay off when you are not replacing your roofing as often or making as many repairs.

 

The best way to decide which roofing material and impact rating is best for your home is to consider the weather patterns in Western Washington and your particular location, (because patterns can be different on the shoreline than they are at the lake or just ten minutes inland.) and to talk over your plans for roofing with a roofing professional. A professional can help you to choose the best material for your home and your budget. They will take into account the location of your home and the size and pitch of your home’s roof.  This will help you to decide what impact resistance rating is best for your home as well as the particular roofing material available with the rating you are searching for.

If you are preparing to get new roofing for your home in Snohomish or Skagit County contact us. We are certified roofing pros serving Arlington and surrounding areas.

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