Yes—impact resistant (IR) shingles are often worth the investment because they provide added protection against hail and storm damage, reduce repair needs, and may even lower insurance premiums. While they cost more upfront, many Omaha homeowners find the long-term value and peace of mind to be well worth it.
Why Some Omaha Homeowners Hesitate
Impact resistant shingles are more expensive than traditional shingles, and not every year brings damaging hail. This leads many homeowners to question whether the upgrade is necessary.
But after years of serving Omaha, the team at Anchor Roofing has seen firsthand how these shingles prevent costly roof replacements after major storms. In fact, we recently completed a project where upgrading to impact-resistant shingles provided both added protection and a beautiful new look.
What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?
Impact-resistant shingles are roofing products designed to provide greater resistance against damage from hail, debris, and other impacts to the roof. They come in various “classes,” which refer to the shingle’s performance in testing by Underwriters Laboratory, and generally Class 3 or Class 4 is what is meant by “impact-resistant.”
- Class 3: able to withstand the impact of a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet
- Class 4: able to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet
- Examples: Owens Corning Duration FLEX, multiple CertainTeed products including Landmark ClimateFlex, NorthGate ClimateFlex, Presidential Shake IR
The composition of these shingles varies depending on the manufacturer and the specific product, with some using proprietary material formulations, reinforcement, or a combination of methods.
Key Benefits of Impact Resistant Roofing
Impact-resistant shingles provide many key benefits to homeowners, including:
- Protection against hail and other storm damage
- Potential for reduced insurance premiums
- Lower maintenance demands over time
Beyond these benefits, IR shingles also provide peace of mind. While homeowners with IR shingles should still schedule an inspection following major storms, they can rest easy knowing that their home is better protected against damage.
Real Performance in Omaha Conditions
Our team at Anchor Roofing has a long history of experience installing Class 4 and Class 3 impact-resistant shingles. We’ve seen firsthand the benefits these products provide, not just in protection from storms but in adding curb appeal.
Here’s an example of a project where we upgraded an Omaha homeowner’s roof to IR shingles.
A Widowed Omaha Homeowner
Our client on this project was a wonderful and friendly Omaha homeowner who had sadly been widowed. Her roof had become severely damaged, and the wood shakes were at the end of their lifespan.
A Denied Storm Damage Claim
This homeowner’s claim for storm damage had previously been denied, which meant she was now facing a significant financial challenge in paying for a roof replacement. Because of this, she called Anchor Roofing, as our team has long been known for our thorough roof inspection process.
After scheduling an inspection with us, we got to work in documenting the full extent of the damage. We were able to build a strong case for storm damage on this wood shake roof, and in the end, the insurance company agreed to pay for the roof replacement.
The Solution: CertainTeed Presidential Shake IR
Our client loved the look of her wood shake roof, but she understood when we informed her that wood shake can no longer be installed on new roofs. Luckily, CertainTeed Presidential Shake IR was designed to provide the same look in addition to its Class 4 impact rating.
The Result: An IR Upgrade That Will Be Well Worth It
We removed the previous wood shake roofing and carefully disposed of the materials, prepping the home beforehand to avoid leaving splinters around the property. We installed the new IR roofing system, and the result was stunning! Our client was delighted with her new roof.
What’s more, we were confident that the impact-resistant shingles would be worth it in the long run. They’ll protect her home better against damage, and adding impact resistance brings insurance benefits as well.
Cost of Impact Resistant Shingles vs. Long-Term Value
Will impact-resistant shingles be worth it for every homeowner? Maybe not, but the benefits are certainly worth considering against the drawbacks.
Pros:
- Greater durability against hail and storm damage
- Fewer repairs throughout the life of the system
- Less headaches and insurance claims
- Potential for insurance discounts
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Potentially limited range of colors
Overall, the tradeoff is well worth it for many homeowners, especially those in storm-prone areas—such as here in Omaha.
Ready to Upgrade to IR Shingles?
In our experience as seasoned Omaha roofers, upgrading a roof to impact-resistant shingles is virtually always worth the cost. Not only is there less risk of storm damage, but insurance companies may look favorably on customers with damage-resistant roofs compared to more traditional materials.
If your roof is due for a replacement, consider taking this opportunity to upgrade to IR shingles. And if you’ve experienced storm damage, reach out to Anchor Roofing to schedule the most comprehensive roof inspection in Omaha.