Architectural shingles cost is determined by project size, material quality, and roof condition. Find out how much they'll cost for your home.
Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth It?
When you know the benefits, you won’t be able to resist them
Get quotes from roofers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from roofers near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Impact-resistant shingles compared with regular shingles are manufactured to a higher standard, designed to resist cracking from hail and solid debris impacts.
Expect to pay 10% to 20% more for impact-resistant shingles, but you can avoid costly repairs, with average hail damage roof repairs around $4,250.
Your impact-resistant shingles offer longer life spans than standard shingles, lasting around 50% longer and helping you save money on future roof replacements.
Hiring a local emergency roofing professional provides reliable help with roof repairs after storms and ensures your home stays protected from water damage.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Your roof sees the worst Mother Nature has to offer, and if that means hail storms, hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes for your area, then impact-resistant shingles are worth the added investment. They can add up to around 20% more than standard shingles, and they’re proven to be less likely to crack and expose your home to water damage.
What Are Impact-Resistant Shingles?
Impact-resistant shingles are manufactured to a higher standard and are designed not to crack or shed shingle grit when they’re hit with solid objects. Since they’re designed to perform in areas prone to extreme weather, they often also have higher wind resistance, making them ideal for areas that see extreme weather events.
The primary testing protocol for impact-resistant shingles is carried out by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) under the UL 2218 certification test. This involves hitting the shingles with solid steel balls from different heights to simulate impacts from hailstones. There are four class ratings for shingles based on the results, with higher class numbers indicating greater impact resistance:
Class 1: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 1.25 inches in diameter from a height of 12 feet.
Class 2: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 1.5 inches in diameter from a height of 15 feet.
Class 3: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 1.75 inches in diameter from a height of 17 feet.
Class 4: No damage sustained when struck with a steel ball 2 inches in diameter from a height of 20 feet.
Are Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth It?
Impact-resistant shingles are more expensive than standard ones, but they’re often worth the added investment if you live in an area that sees extreme weather. You can expect to pay between 10% and 20% more for the materials, but you stand to avoid expensive roof damage over the life of the product.
When you consider the average cost to repair hail damage on a roof—around $4,250—it’s easy to see how paying more up front for your shingles can save you money. You’ll be less likely to need roof repairs or a full roof replacement after hail damage or another severe weather event.
Since impacts can crack standard asphalt shingles more easily and expose the materials underneath, impact-resistant materials also mean a lower risk of roof leaks and water damage, which can be even more costly.
If your area sees frequent hail storms, hurricanes, tropical storms, or tornadoes, or you commonly notice signs of storm damage to your roof, impact-resistant shingles are almost always worth the investment.
Pro Tip
Some things to look for that may indicate you should opt for emergency tarping or roof repair include missing or damaged shingles, interior water leaks, visible damage to the components of the roof, or signs of large debris, like tree branches, on your roof.
Pros and Cons of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Photo: CatLane / istock / Getty Images
There are a few benefits and drawbacks to consider before investing in impact-resistant shingles for your home.
Pros
The most obvious upside is that your roof is less likely to sustain damage from impact, including roof damage from a hailstorm. This alone could help avoid thousands of dollars in repair costs and the hassle of having to call a local emergency roofing company after a storm.
They also tend to stand up better to stronger winds, so there’s a lower risk of wind lifting your shingles up and exposing the materials underneath to the elements. This means ultimate peace of mind that your roof will continue protecting your home as it should, and you won’t be on the hook to repair wind damage to your roof shingles.
Impact-resistant shingles have a longer life span than standard shingles—around 50% longer. You’ll pay more for the product, but you also won’t be facing roof replacement costs as often, so they save you money over time, too, even if there isn’t extreme weather you’re concerned about in your area.
Finally, many insurance companies offer discounts on insurance premiums when you upgrade to impact-resistant shingles. This alone can offset any additional money you pay for the premium product over its life span.
Cons
The only real downside to impact-resistant shingles is the cost, which can add between 10% and 20% to your roof installation costs. Homeowners who live in extreme weather-prone areas can offset those costs through discounts on homeowner’s insurance premiums or by avoiding repairs that might be necessary with standard roofing products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
The homeowners guide to roofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
What is an impact-resistant roof? It uses materials that can stand up to harsh weather, like hail and windstorms. Learn more about this design’s pros and cons.
Looking for the right roofing product to avoid wind damage? Learn about the best shingles for high winds and which is right for your specific property.
Algae can destroy your roof and kill your curb appeal. But are algae-resistant shingles worth it? Learn about the ROI and value you can get from this upgrade.
Learn about whether asphalt versus fiberglass shingles would be better for your home to make sure you get the most value out of your roof.
A metal roof protects your home from the elements and may even lower your insurance costs. Learn why installing a metal roof could save you money on insurance.