Many home insurance claims filed in the warmer months stem from damage caused by hailstorms. To reduce the impact of hail on your property, investing in a durable material to replace your damaged roof is worth considering. Here’s what you need to know.
Right now, the International Building Code doesn’t require the consideration of impact resistance in selecting roofing materials. However, you have to take it into account, especially if you live in a hail-prone location. While the average lifespan of some roofing systems is 20 years, those in areas that experience severe hailstorms during the summer months often need to be replaced between seven to 10 years.
Identifying hail damage on roofing systems isn’t as straightforward as that of storm damage. This can make things complicated when it comes to your insurance claim. Your roofing contractor and the insurance adjuster will have to work hard to determine the extent and severity of the roof damage. Disputes can delay your claim, especially when some forms of damage can be passed off as merely cosmetic rather than functional.
Choosing the right materials on your roof is the key to its performance during severe weather conditions, including hailstorms. When you repair or replace your roof, be sure to consider those that are rated by UL 2218 or FM 4473 as Class 3 or 4. These are standards recognized by roofing companies that indicate that the materials have been tested for impact resistance.
Roofing shingles with a Class 4 rating underwent tests to simulate the damaging impact of a two-inch hailstone by dropping a steel ball of the same diameter onto the same spot twice from a height of 20 feet. To be given the highest possible rating for impact resistance, the roofing material cannot show signs of fracture or damage.
Turn to The Great American Roofing Company if you need a fix for your leaking roof. As a GAF Master Elite® roofer, we offer asphalt shingles that are tested to withstand impact from not just hail but also bits and pieces of building material carried away by strong winds during storms. Learn more about our top-of-the-line roofing products by calling (201) 825-2955. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free quote.