Bad weather can bring damaging results to homes, which may turn out to be expensive and headaching to repair. Some of the worst forces of nature are hailstorms, which can badly affect the roof of a home. The good news for homeowners in areas prone to hail is that they do not have to be at the mercy of such storms.
Installing an impact-resistant roof by Community Roofing of VA would be a good investment that not only better protects your property but also saves you money in the future. Whether building a new home or upgrading your current roof, it is critical to understand the long-term benefits to get roofing services in Virginia.
In this blog, we will look at the many benefits of impact-resistant roofs, why they are important for hail-prone areas, and how you can select the right roofing material to protect your home from nature’s wrath.
Understanding Hail and Its Impact on Roofing
Before going into the benefits of impact-resistant roofs, a proper understanding of hail and the damage it may cause to roofs should be developed. Hailstones-which range in size from that of a pea to that of a baseball-form when thunderstorm updrafts carry raindrops into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere. These droplets freeze and grow in size as they are repeatedly lifted and dropped, eventually falling to the ground as hail.
The hailstones dent, crack, and sometimes even puncture the roof upon impact. It can cause damage to not only the appearance of the roof but also its structural integrity. In worse cases, hail can even puncture roofing material, resulting in leaks, water damage, and mold growth inside the house. For those people who live in areas where frequent or severe hailstorms are a common thing, the installation of impact-resistant roofs is important for long-term protection.
What is an Impact-Resistant Roof?
An impact-resistant roof is designed to stay intact amidst the strong forces from hail, fallen branches, and other debris that normally characterize a storm. Such roofs are made of different materials usually resistant to penetration and damage upon impact, hence offering super protection to the home’s structure underneath.
Impact-resistant roofing systems are rated based on the different levels of impact they can withstand. The most common materials for impact-resistant roofs include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and synthetic roofing products. Each of these materials provides different levels of protection, though all are designed to provide a higher resilience level than traditional roofing materials.
Why Hail-Prone Areas Require Impact-Resistant Roofs?
For homeowners in hail-prone areas, the risk of roof damage from hailstorms is an ongoing concern. In the United States alone, regions such as the Midwest, Rocky Mountains, and parts of the Southeast are more prone to frequent and heavy hailstorms. That being said, an impact-resistant roof for these homeowners is no longer a taboo issue but rather a necessity.
- Protect Your Home from Costly Repairs: Hail damage can be very expensive, especially when the roof is severely damaged. When roofing materials are compromised, water can easily leak into the home and cause further structural damage, insulation damage, and even electrical damage. The cost of repairs will escalate real fast, which can leave you with a very high bill. An impact-resistant roof stops the possibility of costly repairs and the headache associated with insurance claims.
- Lower Insurance Premiums: The insurance premiums are usually higher for those living in hail-prone regions. However, if you provide your home with an impact-resistant roof, then it may qualify you for discounts with your homeowner’s insurance policy. It is recognized by the insurance providers that such impact-resistant roofing systems will be less prone to damage from hail; hence, they charge lower premiums for homes equipped with these types of roofs. This can lead to long-term savings, making the investment in an impact-resistant roof even more worthwhile.
- Long-Term Durability: An impact-resistant roofing system is normally built to last. Normal rooftops made using conventional materials such as asphalt shingles do wear out during their life with frequent and regular hailstorm attacks.Impact-resistant metal roofings or specially manufactured shingles effectively resist such vagaries of Nature without degradations in their contribution. It is going to continue providing the said protection for quite a long term and saves nearly a lot to you financially relating to repairs as well as replacement.
- More Protection towards Your Family: The strong and impact-resistant roof holds first position in acting as a shield against the elemental pressure. In addition, apart from protecting your property, such impact-resistant roofs protect the health and comfort of your family. In the case of a hailstorm, it is seen that your roof is exposed to very harsh conditions, and hence an impact-resistant roof provides complete peace of mind, keeping you convinced that it can bear the impact created by the falling hailstones and debris. This added layer of protection can be essential for families with young children, elderly individuals, or anyone who may be more vulnerable during extreme weather events.
- Better value for your residential property: By installing an impact-resistant roof, there is a case for increasing property values. More so, homebuyers who anticipate living in regions prone to hail are even willing to go beyond normal prices for property with roofs designed to withstand it. A durable long-serving roofing adds value to any property and tends to help its resale once the owner ever changes intentions.
- Environmental Benefits: Some of the impact-resistant roofing materials, such as metal roofing, are also friendly to the environment. Metal roofs are extremely recyclable, and many manufacturers use recycled materials in their productions. Moreover, these impact-resistant roofing materials will provide energy efficiency through reflecting sunlight and reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your roof. This may help you lower your energy bills while it keeps your home cooler during the summer months, adding to the long-term savings.
Common Impact-Resistant Roofing Material Types
When it comes to choosing the right impact-resistant roof for your home, several materials are available, each with their benefits and considerations. The most common options include:
- Asphalt Shingles Class 4
Asphalt shingles are still the most popular roofing material because of their cost and multi-functionality. Class 4 asphalt shingles have the highest rating in resistance against impact for asphalt, and that is why they are highly recommended for use by home owners who experience hailstorms in their areas. These will withstand the impacts brought about by big hailstones, and they are presented in numerous colors and shapes. They are also cheaper than most of the other impact-resistant roofing materials, hence highly affordable to the ones on a budget.
- Luxury Roofing
Luxury roofing is the epitome of durability, aesthetics, and premium protection for your home. These roofs are crafted using high-end materials. While luxury roofing materials tend to be on the higher end in terms of cost, they offer unparalleled protection and aesthetic appeal. These roofing systems are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures.
- Strip Roofing
Strip roofing refers to roofing materials that are installed in long, narrow strips, typically made from asphalt or wood shingles. Unlike larger roofing tiles or panels, strip roofing materials are smaller and easier to install, making them an appealing option for homeowners who prefer a straightforward and cost-effective roofing solution.
How to Choose the Right Impact-Resistant Roof for Your Home
Choosing the proper impact-resistant roof has to do with many factors: the intensity of hailstorms, budget, and the look one wants to achieve. Here are a few tips for making the right choice:
- Assess Your Budget: Resistance to impact varies with the type of roofing material; thus, the budget consideration for each roofing material will differ. While metal and synthetic roofs are more expensive to install, they will last longer and may save you money in the long run.
- Consider Local Weather Patterns: If you are located in a place that usually faces hail storms or is more prone to the calamity, investing in the toughest roofing materials available such as metal and synthetic roofing might be a worthy option. If hailstorms in your location are infrequent or not usually too heavy, then Class 4 asphalt shingles will work just fine.
- Work with a Professional Roofing Contractor: The process of installing a new roof requires careful preparation for performance. If this is not correctly installed, one may not experience the protection the roof is set out to provide. A professional is important in leading one through need assessment, the right material selection, and correct installment of the roofing system.
- Check for Insurance Discounts: Finally, before making your final decision, check with your insurance provider to see if installing an impact-resistant roof would qualify you for discounts. Many insurance companies offer reduced premiums for homes with impact-resistant roofing systems.
Conclusion
For people living in hail areas, an impact-resistant roof is money well spent. Some of the key benefits of impact-resistant roofs include protection from costly repairs, insurance premium reductions, increase in home values, and many more.
Choosing the right type of impact-resistant roofing material from Community Roofing of VA for your house will ensure your property remains better protected against hailstorms and increasing severe weather events. From asphalt shingles to strip roofing, our impact-resistant roof will give you peace of mind and long-lasting protection for your home and family.
To know more about our various impact-resistant roofing, visit our website.