Impact-resistant roofs offer protection against hailstones, wind and wind-blown debris.

Impact-resistant shingles can cost 15% to 25% more than standard asphalt shingles.

Metal, clay and slate roofs and asphalt shingles are often impact-resistant.

When hail and falling debris strike an asphalt shingle roof, the impact can cause tears, leaving the area underneath susceptible to moisture damage. Different roofing materials offer various levels of protection from this type of weather damage, with impact-resistant roofing being the most durable.

“An impact-resistant roof is designed to withstand the force of hail, wind-blown debris and strong winds,” said Jason Joseph, owner of Matthew Lorand Roofing in Austin, Texas. “Impact-resistant roofs incorporate stronger composite materials and reinforcing elements to offer the highest level of protection a shingle can offer,” Joseph added.

Asphalt Shingles

A new asphalt roof costs $5,435–$12,129 on average.

Metal Roofing

A metal roof replacement ranges from $10,987 to $25,711 on average.

Clay Tile and Slate Roofing

Clay tile and slate roofs can cost between $24,113 and $37,266 on average.

What types of roofs are impact-resistant?

“You can get a Class 4 roof replacement with asphalt shingles, metal roofing, clay tiles and a few other materials that are not as popular in modern roofing, such as wood, slate or rubber,” said Niki O’Brien, operations manager of Custom Exteriors in Berthoud, Colorado.

The best roof type for you will depend on your budget, design preferences and location. Here’s a look at four of the most impact-resistant roofing options.

Impact-resistant asphalt shingles

You can choose from two types of impact-resistant asphalt shingles: polymer-based shingles and Styrene Butadiene Styrene-based (SBS) shingles. Polymer-based shingles combine asphalt and polymers for increased durability and impact resistance. SBS is a rubbery polymer that creates a flexible, crack- and thermal-resistant shingle when combined with high-quality asphalt.

Metal roofs

Most metal roofs have a Class 4 impact-resistant rating, the highest rating a roofing material can earn. These roofs help protect a home against high winds and hailstorms, although they are susceptible to cosmetic damage such as dents from hail and wind-blown debris.

Depending on factors such as maintenance and the local climate, metal roofs can last 40 to 80 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

Clay tiles

Clay tiles perform well during heavy rains and hailstorms, with many brands earning Class 3 and Class 4 certifications. Maintenance and climate can affect how long roofs last , but a clay tile roof can have a life span of over 100 years, according to the InterNACHI.

Not all clay tile roofs have high impact-resistance ratings , so check for UL 2218 or FM 4473 certifications.

Slate roofs

Slate is a highly weather-resistant roofing material that can withstand hailstorms. While certifications vary by brand and the slate’s thickness, this roof type often earns Class 4 hail-resistant certifications. Natural slate roofs are low maintenance and can last up to 150 years, according to the InterNACHI, but they are heavy and expensive.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of impact-resistant roofs?

Impact-resistant roofs can protect your home but aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the pros and cons.

Benefits

Thanks to their strong construction, impact-resistant roof types can withstand the impact of hailstones and window-blown debris. This reduces the chance of roof leaks, which means a longer roof life span.

Depending on where you live, replacing your standard roof with impact-resistant roofing products can also earn you a significant discount on your homeowner’s insurance premium because these materials are less likely to experience damage. However, you should check with your insurance company for complete coverage and discount details.

“Unfortunately, some insurance policies won’t cover damage that is just cosmetic,” explained O’Brien. So, you may not be covered if your roof gets dented during a storm, but otherwise still protects your home.

Another cost-saving benefit of impact resistance is that it increases insulative value compared to standard shingles. It’s also better able to withstand high winds. All these benefits are a selling point if you decide to sell your home.

Drawback

The main downside to impact-resistant roofing is the upfront cost. Impact-resistant shingles can be about 15% to 25% more expensive than standard shingles. This extra cost may not be worth it if you live in a location that doesn’t experience frequent extreme weather or hailstorms.

How much do impact-resistant roofs cost?

“Impact-resistant shingles cost around 15% higher than standard shingles, and designer shingles cost around 20%–25% higher than standard shingles,” Joseph said.

The average cost of an impact-resistant roof ranges from $5,435 to $37,266, according to our analysis of data from RSMeans, a construction cost database. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest option, averaging $8,927 for a 2,000-square-foot roof.

Slate roofs are the most expensive option, at an average of $29,564 for a 2,000-square-foot roof.

Are impact-resistant roofs worth it?

If you live in a climate that experiences frequent hail or wind storms, the cost of impact-resistant roofing may be worth it. “They can definitely weather a lot of severe storms, which will prevent a homeowner from having to replace the roof multiple times while living in a house for long periods of time,” Joseph said. He also stated that most homeowners’ insurance companies offer discounts for installing impact-resistant roofs.

On the other hand, if you live in a climate with mild weather and don’t experience hailstorms, the added cost of installing impact-resistant roof materials may not provide much benefit.

What are impact-resistant ratings?

Impact-resistant ratings classify how well a roofing material can withstand hail damage per standardized laboratory testing. UL Solutions and FM Approvals are two organizations that conduct these types of tests.

The UL 2218 tests involve dropping steel balls from various heights onto roof coverings and examining the shingle’s backside. Depending on performance, the roofing material is certified with one of four ratings: Class 1, 2, 3 or 4.

FM 4473 tests rigid roofing materials by dropping freezer ice balls ranging from 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches in diameter on the roof. Each area is struck at least twice to ensure the roofing material can sustain multiple impacts without damage. The roofing material is then certified with a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 rating.

Though each organization’s testing methodology differs, a Class 4 rating means the roofing material didn’t show breakage or visible cracking when struck twice in the same location with a 2-inch ice ball or steel ball. A Class 3 rating is the same, except the ball is 1 3/4 inches.

Impact-rated roofing materials are often certified as Class 4, although some may fall into the Class 3 category.

What’s next?

Impact-resistant asphalt shingles, metal roofs, clay tiles and slate can all protect your home from severe weather. Work with a trusted professional to ensure that the product you choose has undergone UL 2218 or FM 4473 testing and is certified as Class 3 or Class 4.

We recommend talking to local roofing contractors to find the best products for your climate and to have a licensed professional install your impact-resistant roof. Also, consider your budget, personal tastes and home style before deciding.

Cost information in this article, unless otherwise noted, was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian ™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.

Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.