When To Consider Buying Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles!

Storms happen and when they bring hail with them, expensive hail damage roof repair can be the result.

If you live in an area where this kind of damage occurs frequently, one option to consider is impact resistant roofing.

Designed to withstand the impact of most hail, it could be a great investment if you have previously had to pay hail damage roofers to repair the roof on your home or building.

About Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingle Roofing

Impact resistant roofing shingles are great protection against hail damage that can result in extensive physical damage to many types of roofs and the resulting need for costly widespread hail damage roofing repairs.

The impact resistance of roofing products is rated to indicate the severity of the impact that can be withstood without damage.

It is determined using a steel ball test in which a 2” steel ball is dropped from a height of 20 feet onto various roofing materials, after which the amount of damage caused to the material is measured.

When dropped onto a concrete paver, the ball will break it in half and Class 4 is the highest impact rating, meaning it exhibits no or very little damage from the ball.

According to hail damage roofers, hail resistant roofing is rated with Class 4 impact resistance, the highest rating of any product and it should be able to withstand a strike from 2” hail without being damaged.

Standard shingles usually have an impact resistance rating of only 2 or 3, meaning they can only withstand impact from smaller hail.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing Impact Resistant Shingles?

The list of pros and cons associated with installing hail damage roofing like impact resistant shingles is fairly short, making it easy to decide whether it will be beneficial or not:

PRO

  • Withstands damage from hail up to 2” or more or comparable flying debris.
  • Protects structure against unseen damage that develops over time when shingles have been dented or cracked by hail.
  • Reduces the expense of hail damage roof repair, and may also lower insurance premiums and deductibles in areas where hail damage is common.

CON

  • Considered a premium roofing product, so the price is higher.
  • Not necessarily more wind-resistant than standard shingles - the rating applies only to impact resistance.

When and Where Are Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles Recommended?

Although anyone can install hail damage roofing like impact resistant shingles on their home or building, it is primarily cost-effective when the risk of impact damage is significant.

The more storms that occur in your area especially if there has been hail before, the more helpful that impact resistant roofing shingles can be.

More recently, it has been highly cost-effective in the central states of Texas, Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Nebraska that routinely see 300+ hail storms each year, with Texas and Nebraska seeing approximately 500 hailstorms each storm season.

Prevent Hail Damage With Protective Impact Resistant Roofing Shingles

When it is large enough, hail can be one of the most destructive forces of nature, destroying roofs that will then need extensive hail damage roof repair.

The cost of hail damage roofing repair can be high, sometimes necessitating an entire roofing replacement.

For those in hail-prone regions, impact resistant roofing that does cost more than standard shingles does provide excellent protection against this damage, reducing the chance of needing hail damage roofers out to make necessary repairs.

Got Hail Damaged Roofing in Conroe Texas?

Contact Roofers Conroe for Outstanding Hail Damage Roof Repair!

Call (936) 209-2162 to Learn More!

Low Slope Roofing – 7 Commonly Faced Problems!

roofing in Conroe Texas

 

Low slope roofs are those with less than 14 degrees of angle as measured from the high point to the low side. They are most commonly used on commercial buildings but may be used on some homes as well. When properly installed and maintained by experienced roofing companies, low slope roofs can be just as functional as any other.

The reduced angle does make them more susceptible to a number of roofing problems. It is important that building owners work with experienced contractors who can perform a correct installation and monitor for these issues as time passes.

  1. Leaking - Any roof can leak; however, low slope and flat roofs are more likely to develop leaks than pitched ones. This is due to the lack of angle that allows water to sit longer on the surface. Sharper, steeper angles promote water shedding, while lower, flatter angles allow rainwater to stay longer. If there are any small surface cracks or imperfections as well as any improperly installed flashing, chances are good that a leak could develop.
  2. Tenting and Blow-Offs - It is also common for low slope roofing to experience tenting. This is when the wind blows under the surface, pushes it up, and parts of the surface can actually be blown off by air getting under it. This happens due to improper installation and sealing of the flashing. If there is a way for the wind to get in and under the surface, it will.
  3. Blistering - Blistering and other forms of surface erosion are a result of improper application of the membrane material. When the material is not properly adhered to the decking, air and moisture trapped underneath can blister up after prolonged exposure to the sun. Smaller blisters are not a major concern; however, larger ones need repairs by experienced roofing companies to prevent them from bursting and causing leaks as well as other, more significant damage.
  4. Punctures and Penetrations - Punctures can happen in high traffic areas on any low slope installation simply by walking on the roofing for any reason. Any penetrations made post-installation, like replacing or adding a new HVAC, can increase the chance of leaks at those penetration points.
  5. Water Ponding - Although low slope roofs do have a slight angle to promote water shedding, ponding can occur if there are uneven spots in the surface. These areas are then more susceptible to leaking, especially if other problems affecting the integrity of the membrane exist.
  6. Membrane Shrinkage - Membrane systems are also prone to shrinkage around the edges and penetrations as well as installed flashing. When the membrane shrinks around flashing, it invites problems like leaks and blow-offs. Roofing companies should check for evidence of shrinkage regularly and make repairs as needed.  
  7. Poor Workmanship and Repairs - Low slope surfaces can experience quite a few issues that lead to leaks and other problems simply due to poor workmanship. BUR and membrane roofs require careful attention to details for them to remain properly adhered and functional. When contractors do not pay attention to correct installation practices, problems can arise. In addition, repairs made incorrectly or the use of the wrong materials can cause or increase damage to the surface.

While low slope roofing may seem simple, it is predisposed to a number of problems that could result in considerable damage over time. To ensure the best installation of any low slope membrane roof, it is important to hire roofing companies experienced with these types of systems!

Need Low Slope Roofing in Conroe Texas?

Contact the Experts at GMA Restoration!

Call (936) 209-2162!