What is the Best Roof Material to Prevent Hail

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Facts About the Hail and Hailstorms

At American Roofing USA, we’re always amazed that the largest hailstone to ever fall happened in 2010, in Vivian South Dakota. This hailstone measured 8 inches in diameter, weighed 1.94 pounds and is now on display at the National Center of Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. We also are amazed that the second highest number of hailstone-related claims in the United States took place in Colorado, from 2013 – 2015, totaling 182,591 hailstones. One more fact to consider is that a hailstone can fall up to 120 miles per hour.

In other words, hailstones can cause a lot of damage.

Knowing this and that roofs often take the hardest hits, which is expected as they were built with the intention of protecting you and your home, the likely question is, has a hail-proof roof ever been invented?

Hail-proof vs Hail-resistant

To begin with, using the words “hail-proof,” is misleading because no roof has ever been proven to be 100% resistant to the damaging effects of a treacherous storm, or other catastrophic event. So, the more accurate answer would be that there are varying degrees of incredibly hail-resistant roofs available. This includes a variety of roofing materials that do provide the greatest amount of protection while suffering the least amount of damage.

Hail-stone Resistant Roofing Materials

For instance, consider each of these products and their ability to resist pounding hailstones:

Asphalt – created from waste paper, cellulose, wood fiber and other materials, an adhesive asphalt is then added, along with a solid granule finish, making this product highly waterproof. However, these shingles are susceptible to damage, which is why a modified asphalt shingle is preferable because of its rubber-like compound that makes it more bendable and durable.

Metal – metal roofs are durable and can take the impact of hailstones, however, metal roofs lend themselves to visible dents, which are not aesthetically appealing.

Clay, slate, concrete or hard plastic – while appealing to the eye, these materials are vulnerable to cracking as the result of a hailstorm.  

Rubber roofing – rubber roofing is the sturdiest product, when it comes to hailstones. Made from recycled materials and low maintenance, rubber roofing is the most hail-resistant roofing available.

The best rule of thumb is to remember: to prevent roof damage, from the start, it’s important to  purchase a roof with a rating of Class 3 or 4 for impact resistance.

Call American Roofing USA, today, at  1-720-500-7663 (ROOF) and let us help you help you choose the most appealing  roof for your home that has the highest amount of resiliency for your geographical location.

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