Why Impact-Resistant Shingles Are a Smart Choice for Carolina Homes
When you’re talking about home improvement, there’s nothing more important than a sturdy roof. It’s the first line of defense against all that nature throws at you. Especially in the South, where hurricanes often have a field day with weaker roofs throughout the summer and fall.
Every homeowner needs a roof that will hold up against the elements. After all, who wants to replace their roof every three years because leaks have turned their living room into a private swimming pool? This is where impact-resistant shingles come in. In this post, we’ll cover how these shingles work, why you need them, and what you ought to look for when you’re planning to buy.
Quick Answer
Impact-resistant shingles are specially designed asphalt shingles tested to withstand hail and storm debris, with Class 4 shingles offering the highest protection. They help homeowners save on repairs and may qualify for insurance discounts, while also boosting property value. Though they cost more upfront, they’re a smart choice for coastal and storm-prone areas in the Carolinas.
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What Are impact-resistant shingleS?
Impact-resistant (IR) shingles are specially designed to withstand harsh weather—particularly damage from hail. These shingles are reinforced, often with a polymer-based mesh beneath the traditional asphalt layer. This added strength helps the shingle absorb and deflect impact without cracking or breaking.
The result? A highly durable, flexible roofing material that resists damage under pressure. IR shingles are among the most resilient options on the market, offering strong protection against hail, sleet, and heavy rain, while helping extend the life of your roof.
Do I Need Impact-Resistant Shingles?
In the Carolinas, your roof takes a beating—hail, high winds, driving rain, even the occasional hurricane. Over time, all that exposure adds up. Luckily, impact-resistant shingles are designed to stand up to the elements and help your home weather every season with less risk and fewer repairs.
Roof longevity
Standard shingles can start to crack, tear, or lift after just a few rough storms, sometimes without you noticing until water starts to find its way inside. IR shingles are built tougher from the start, helping prevent hidden damage and prolong your roof’s life by years, even decades.
Market appeal
A reinforced, weather-resistant roof is a major financial asset if you ever decide to sell. Buyers want to know the home is protected, and they’re more likely to make an offer when they see a roof built to last. IR shingles can be a major selling point when assessing the full value of a home, especially in weather-heavy areas like around Asheville or the coast.
Money Savings
Fewer repairs mean fewer bills over time. And because of their proven durability, IR shingles can qualify you for discounts with many homeowner’s insurance providers. It’s a smart investment that pays for itself in peace of mind and long-term savings.
Which shingles are the most impact-resistant?
So, how do you know which shingles are impact-resistant? Well, it’s pretty simple. Most shingles are evaluated for impact resistance using the steel ball test. This is an experiment in which a small steel ball is dropped onto the shingles from twenty feet above to simulate the damage done by hail. The results are then used to give the shingles one of four UL 2218 Class ratings:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | The sample resisted being hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball with a diameter of 1.25 inches. |
| Class 2 | The sample resisted being hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball with a diameter of 1.5 inches |
| Class 3 | The sample resisted being hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball with a diameter of 1.75 inches |
| Class 4 | The sample resisted being hit twice in the same spot by a steel ball with a diameter of 2 inches |
If you want the most impact-resistant shingle on the market, you should keep an eye out for a Class 4. Most shingles that are marketed as impact-resistant are Class 4’s. Some Class 3’s may slip into that classification as well. Because of that, when in doubt, always check your shingle’s class rating. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best option available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Impact-resistant shingles are labeled with a UL 2218 Class rating (Class 1–4). Look for packaging or product documentation that specifies Class 3 or Class 4, as these shingles have been tested to withstand steel ball impacts that simulate hail. Manufacturers like CertainTeed and Owens Corning clearly mark their impact-resistant lines.
Class 3 shingles pass the UL 2218 test against a 1¾-inch steel ball without cracking. They offer solid protection against medium-sized hail and moderate storm debris, making them a good option for areas with occasional severe weather but which don’t bear the brunt of hurricane season directly.
Class 4 is the highest rating for asphalt shingles, withstanding the impact of a 2-inch steel ball without showing damage. They’re considered the gold standard for durability in coastal regions and may qualify homeowners for insurance discounts.
Yes. Many insurers offer 5%–30% discounts on premiums if your home uses Class 3 or 4 shingles, since they reduce the risk of storm damage claims. Availability and savings vary by state and provider, and homeowners in storm-prone regions like the Carolinas often see the biggest benefit.
Although they often cost 10%–50% more upfront than standard asphalt shingles, they usually pay for themselves in the long term through reduced repair costs and potential insurance savings. In the Carolinas, where hail and hurricanes are common, they’re especially cost-effective.
No. The difference they make is entirely functional, since impact-resistant shingles are designed to look like standard asphalt shingles. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so homeowners don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal for durability.
Yes. While much tougher than standard shingles, even Class 4 shingles are not 100% hail-proof. Very large hailstones, as well as debris from tornadoes and hurricane winds, can still cause damage. However, IR shingles greatly reduce the risk compared to traditional shingles.
Most Class 3 and Class 4 shingles last 30–50 years, similar to premium asphalt shingles. Their storm resistance often extends the time between replacements, especially in storm-heavy regions.
IR shingles truly are a game-changer in the roofing market, keeping your roof strong and sturdy for decades on end. So, if you’re interested in protecting your home while also improving its value and resiliency (and saving a little money along the way), they’re a worthwhile addition to your home improvement repertoire.
Why Homeowners Across the Carolinas Trust Baker Home Exteriors
Our company was formed out of Baker Roofing Company—one of the oldest and most respected names in the roofing business, with over 100 years of experience.
When you work with us, you get:
- A roofing team that actually lives in your area—and understands the right materials for your job based on the area and climate
- Free, professional roof inspections and design consultations on what works best with your home
- No hassle, no pressure consultations and honest feedback on what you need
Considering Impact Resistant SHingles? Let’s talk about your needs.
Before you decide what type of shingles to put on your home, have a talk with one of our experts. You can complete the form below and if we’re in your area—we’ve got most of the Carolinas covered—someone will visit your home to assess your roofing needs.
