Metal’s Impact Resistant Roofing Benefits

Hail Proof and Impact Resistant Roofing

Hail can be a big problem in certain areas of the country and the roof damage it causes is one of the top insurance claims for property insurance carriers. Prior to 1996, although it was common knowledge that certain materials made for more hail resistant roofing, providing better protection against hail damage, no defining standard existed. Consequently, in 1996 the insurance industry teamed up with the Institute of Business and Home Safety and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) to develop the UL 2218 classification.

The UL 2218 classification set a standard for impact resistant roofing whereby materials were rated on their resistance to impacts with steel balls simulating 90 mph hailstones of various sizes. The Classifications for impact resistance are expressed as Class 1, 2, 3 or 4, which relate to a roof covering's ability to withstand impacts from 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 1-3/4 and 2 in. diameter steel balls, respectively. Impact resistant roofing materials that are rated Class 4 provide the best resistance to hail damage.

In certain states, insurance carriers offer discounts for homeowners who install impact resistant roofing. These discounts can be as high as 35% of the annual premium. While there is no such thing as a 100% hail proof roof, Union metal roofs meet the highest Class 4 testing requirements and can allow homeowners to achieve significant savings for installing hail resistant roofing. Check with your homeowner insurance provider for discount eligibility if you install hail / impact resistant roofing.