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What Is A Class 4 Roof And Why It’s Needed For Winter Weather

Every roof is at risk of damage during the winter months, as the harsh weather takes its toll on it. However, if you’re living in an area that gets more storms and harsh weather than most, then you’ll want to look at reinforcing your roof any way you can. A class 4 roof is just what you need if you want to give the roof a fighting chance against weather and storm debris. Here’s everything you need to know about it and why it’s the best option for you. 

What Is A Class 4 Roof?

So what is meant by a class 4 roof? This is a roof that has been completed using a special grade of shingles that have been made to resist severe weather. These should be able to take severe impacts without being damaged, keeping your home safe. You may also see these shingles being sold as ‘Impact Resistant’ or ‘IR’ shingles.

The classification comes from tests that were developed in the mid-1990s to test the resistance of roofing materials to impact. This was after a series of hail storms across the US that caused a lot of damage to homes across the country. 

If a roofing shingle is going to get the class 4 rating, then it needs to be able to withstand a 2-inch steel ball being dropped on it from a height of 20 feet. For context, if that ball were to hit a 4-inch concrete paver from the same height, it would split it in half. 

While class 4 is the highest rating for roofing, there are lower ratings you can get too. These are down to class 2, so a class 3 or 2 roof will have less resistance to impact. 

How Class 4 Roofing Shingles Are Constructed

As you can see, a class 4 roof is highly sturdy and won’t take on damage from even some strong storms. How are they made to withstand that pressure?

There are two different ways that they can be constructed. Firstly, they are polymer-based mesh shingles that have that mesh added to the back of a regular asphalt shingle. It is embedded into the back during production, and so will help hold it together should anything strike it and cause damage. 

Then there are rubber-like polymers that can be added to asphalt shingles when they’re being made. These are polymers such as SBS, which create a rubber effect in the shingle. That makes it more flexible and less likely to break should it be hit by hail or debris.

Class 4 Roofing And Wind Resistance

While it’s so important to protect your roof from hail and debris, high winds are another concern during periods of bad weather. Can a class 4 roof resist the wind? 

If you choose a class 4 roof, it may not always be more resistant to wind. That’s because this is a separate classification, so the shingles will need to be constructed in a certain way. If wind resistance is important to you, you’ll need to search for shingles that have high ratings for both impact and wind resistance. Your local roofer can help you find one that’s best for you.

When To Choose A Class 4 Roof

With all this in mind, you’ll need to consider if a class 4 roof is what you need. You have a lot of options when it comes to roof replacement, so getting it right is important. 

The most important question to ask is whether you get more hail storms than other parts of the country. Even if you don’t live in these states and you see a lot of inclement weather, then a class 4 roof is worth considering. They can help resist severe weather that leads to debris being blown onto your roof, so they are a good option in many cases.

The Benefits Of Class 4 Roofing

If you’re still considering whether to get class 4 impact-resistant roofing, then it’s helpful to know the benefits. There are many reasons why you may want to look into having them installed on your roof. 

  • Save money on your insurance: One benefit of getting a class 4 roof that you may not have considered is savings on your premiums. As you’ll have a roof that’s far harder against impact and the elements, many insurers will consider that lower risk and so lower those insurance premiums for you. You’ll want to get in touch with your home insurance company and ask them about any discounts you’d get if you have this roof installed. You’d be surprised at how much it will lower those rates. 
  • Reduce the repairs needed on your roof: Over time, every roof is going to need repair. How many repairs, though, will depend on the weather in your area and the type of roof you have installed. If you have a class 4 roof installed, then you’ll be able to reduce the number of repairs you need to be done. As the shingles are impact resistant, you’ll need to replace shingles much less frequently. 
  • Extend your roof’s lifespan: You’ll want your roof to last as long as possible when you have it installed. After all, it’s an expensive job. With a class 4 roof, you’ll find that it’ll last longer as it takes a lot longer for it to see the damage, thanks to the elements. That means you won’t need to replace your roof until much later. 

A class 4 roof is a great idea for many homes. If you live in an area that sees a lot of hail or debris being blown onto your roof during storms, then you’ll want to look at having one installed. You’ll soon see the difference they make. 

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Shingles & Slate

How To Protect Against Shingle Hail Damage

Your roof is at risk of all kinds of damage, and so you need to be on the lookout for anything that could harm it. That includes high winds, water damage, tree branches, and more. Another danger you need to be prepared for is shingle hail damage.

Here’s why it’s dangerous, and why you need to be careful about it.

How Does Hail Affect Your Roof?

Can hail really affect your roof? It certainly can. As hail is small pieces of ice hitting your roof at high speeds, it can do more damage than you’d think. As such, you need to be on the lookout for any damage that it may cause.

As the hail hits your roof randomly, it can waken parts of the roof, creating a chink in its armor. You may see ‘bruising‘, where hail has hit a shingle. You may also see shingles coming loose, or even come away altogether. Bigger hailstones can remove the granular coating on the shingles, exposing them to further damage. If this happens, the shingles will lose their protective top layer, making them weaker.

In the most extreme cases, you’ll see that hailstones will damage the protective mat under your shingles. When they damage this, they’ll actually allow water to seep through into the roof structure itself. It’s obviously not great, as it can lead to all kinds of issues like wood rot and mold.

How Hail Damages Your Roof Over Time 

Hail will do damage in the short term, loosening shingles and removing protective elements. That’s not where the damage ends, though. As they’ve weakened the shingles, they’re not going to be able to protect the roof properly.

As such, there are several knock-on effects that will damage your roof. The shingles’ lifespan will be reduced, so they will need to be replaced much more quickly. You’ll also see water coming in through the roof in bad cases, as the hail has opened up small holes in the roof’s defense.

You also need to be aware that if hail does damage your roof badly, it can be classed as an act of God by your insurance company. That can leave you with a very costly repair bill at the end of the day.

In the most extreme cases, you’ll need to replace your whole roof. An asphalt tile roof should last around 20 – 25 years, but if you’re experiencing hailstorms, that’s going to bring the replacement date up.

How To Look For Hail Damage

The best way to protect your roof is to look for damage as soon as possible. Once a hail storm has passed, you’ll want to inspect the roof as quickly as possible. If you can spot the damage quickly, you’ll be able to get repairs done ASAP and prevent any further damage.

When inspecting your roof, look for any holes or chunks that are missing from the shingles themselves. They’ll look as though they’ve had lumps torn out of them in severe cases, and that’s a sign that they’ve been compromised.

Also, get into your attic and take a look for any moisture or leaks. You’ll need to see if any water has started to get into your roof, as that’s another sign that your roof has been damaged by hail.

In most cases, if you’re just seeing damage to the shingles then you can solve the issue by replacing them as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to keep a box of shingles when you have your roof replaced, so you have the right matching ones for repairs such as this. If there’s more damage or you don’t know where to start, then you’ll need to talk to an expert for help.

How To Prevent Hail Damage

Of course, the best way to stop hail damaging your roof is to prevent it from happening in the first place. How can you do that?

There isn’t much you can do to prevent hail from happening, and the truth is that asphalt shingles are particularly vulnerable to it. This is something you have to keep in mind when you’re having your roof replaced. Shingles have a lot of benefits, such as being a cost-effective option, and the fact you can just replace a shingle or two if anything gets damaged. This is one of the downsides though, and you’ll have to balance them to see what’s right for you.

If you live in an area with frequent hail storms, then you should consider replacing the roof with a more resistant material. There are some very hardy roofing options out there, like metal or slate. These will cost more, but they have longer life spans as well as other benefits. Consider what would be right for you.

If replacing the roof isn’t in your budget, then you can ensure you’re keeping your shingle roof in good condition. If you regularly inspect it and have repairs done as and when you need to, it will be in good condition for a long time.

Call In The Experts

One of the most important tips is that you should call the experts if you’re ever unsure. You don’t want to make mistakes when attempting to fix hail damage. Yes, you’ll need to pay more when you call, them, but it’s cheaper than making a mistake and having to have the roof replaced.

Finding a good contractor will make all the difference, as they will be able to spot issues with your roof and put them right as and when they need to. Have a good roofer on speed dial, and they’ll ensure your roof stays in good condition.

Repair Shingle Hail Damage

As you can see, hail can wreak all kinds of havoc on your roof. You obviously don’t want that to happen, so make sure you’re examining your roof after every hailstorm and having repairs done as needed. If you do this, you’ll prevent your roof from, suffering further damage, and even needing to be replaced entirely.

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Shingles & Slate

Which Shingles to Choose for Your New Roof

Replacing the shingles on your home’s roof can be an expensive home improvement—which means that doing it right and taking time to think about what options might be best for your home is especially important.

It looks simple at first, since it comes down to only two questions: What style shingle and what color. Sounds easy, right?  For many homeowners who wrestle with the numerous options while finding their way to the right combination of style and color to suit their homes exterior, the process can feel more difficult than not.

To make it a little easier for you, we’ve created some questions and guidelines to help get you started on your way to a beautiful new roof that complements your home’s exterior.

Let’s Start with Style…

If you are putting a shingle roof on your house, most likely you will be using asphalt shingles, which make up over 80% of the residential roofing market. They are made of either an organic paper fiber or fiberglass mat infused with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.

For asphalt shingles, there are two style choices: traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated architectural shingles.

3-Tab or Architectural: Which is Right for Your Home?

The difference between architectural and three-tab is that architectural shingles aren’t made with cutouts. They also contain extra asphalt, which gives it more curves than three-tab shingles. Architectural shingles are waterproof but aren’t recommended for roofs with a low slope due to the roof’s susceptibility to wind-driven rain.

To choose between these two options, the following questions will help determine the best style for your home.

Does My Home have a Steep Pitched Roof?

Stand on the ground in front of your home: Can you see a lot of roof? This indicates that your home has a steep pitch. With a home that has a steep-pitched roof, architectural shingles will give it an interesting and complex texture. They are multi-layered and laminate, adding style to your home’s roof.

Do I Want My Home to Stand Out?

Architectural shingles give homes a distinct and individual look, from slate to shake-like.

Is Algae Discoloration a Concern?

Architectural shingles are a good choice if algae is a concern, since many types feature an algae-resistant system to protect them from algae discoloration.

Now for the Hard Part: Shingle Color

Choosing the color of your shingles is the most difficult part of this process because your color decision will be based on factors like climate in your area, what the neighboring houses look like, style of your home, and the colors of your siding and trim. Here are some questions to consider when selecting your color:

What Climate Do You Live In?

  • The color you choose will help keep energy bills from skyrocketing.
  • Your roof color can affect the temperature in your attic by 20 to 40 degrees and make a real difference in heating or cooling your home.
  • White or light shingles reflect sunlight and help keep the temperature of your home down.
  • Dark shingles absorb heat and will help homes in colder climates stay warm. They also help melt snow and ice from your roof.

What Color is the Exterior of Your Home?

  • Dark gray or black work well with a gray or blue house.
  • Use a brown or mix of cream and brown roofing shingles if you have a brown, cream or tan colored house.
  • Use dark gray or black on a white house. It will give your house a traditional look.
  • Green, red or yellow-painted homes give you more flexibility in choice with shingle color. You can use brown, gray or black.

What Color Can Create the Most Curb Appeal?

  • Neutral colors are safe and ensure a good resale value. Tans, creams, brown, blacks, grays and clays are among colors which can be considered neutral.
  • To get trendy, think about using color combinations such as a palate of various tones of brown or a mixture of blues, blacks and grays. A professional can help with these choices to ensure the best result.
  • High-contrast colors highlight features of your home while low-contrast colors tend to hide defects.

Do I Want My Home to Appear Larger or Smaller?

If your house is large and tends toward the imposing side, consider a dark color to make the house appear smaller. On the other hand, light colors will give the illusion of a larger house. This can add to curb appeal and attract buyers if you have a small home.

What Do the Neighboring Houses Look Like?

  • Check with your neighborhood association, if you have one, to make sure your choice of roofing color does not violate any neighborhood rules or covenants.
  • Even if you don’t have set rules to follow, think about how your roof will look alongside your neighbor’s house. Try not to duplicate their roof unless that is the norm in your neighborhood. On the other hand, try not to make it clash. Be sure result is harmonious.

Does the Exterior of My House Contain Brick or Stone?

  • If you are incorporating stone which is generally much more patterned than brick on your exterior, stay away from multi-colored shingles that can create a very busy look for your exterior.
  • Coordinate them with the natural colors in your brick or stone, and opt for a custom color if necessary.

Want Great Results for Your Roof? Choose a Reputable Roofing Company

In addition to choosing the style and color of your shingles, one of your important choices is deciding on a roofing company to install your new roof. Your best bet is to choose a local contractor who is reputable (check out online reviews to find out), has insurance, and gives you the job specs and estimate in writing. The roofing company should give you a fair price (check out other local companies) and communicate professionally on the job. With the right roofing company to do the job, you will be on your way to a beautiful new roof!

 

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