Duration Shingles Are Now Impact Resistant. Here’s What That Means for Homeowners
Here in Omaha, installing impact-resistant shingles is highly recommended for homeowners. Impact-resistant shingles can better protect your home against hail and other storm damage, and often this results in long-term roofing savings by lessening the severity of repairs and potentially averting replacements.
For some homeowners, however, it may not be necessary to install new shingles on your roof in order to gain impact-resistant protection. Recently it was announced that Owens Corning’s Duration line now qualifies as Class 3 IR. As Omaha’s trusted roofing professionals, Anchor Roofing is here to help answer questions and share what this may mean for you as a homeowner!
Duration Shingles Newly Rated for Impact Resistance
Shingles are assessed for their performance in various conditions, including moisture resistance, wind resistance, and impact resistance. Much of this testing is carried out by Underwriters Laboratories (or UL Solutions), which assigns designations to products according to their ability to perform during various tests.
These tests are carried out periodically, as minor changes to product composition and other factors can affect the results. After further testing was conducted on the Duration line of shingles, the entire line garnered a Class 3 rating for impact resistance, officially designating them as IR shingles.
Weren’t Duration Shingles Already Impact-Resistant?
Some homeowners may recall Duration shingles being recommended as a storm- and impact-resistant roofing solution. In fact, we’ve always recommended Duration as one of our top high-wind shingles. Previously, though, only certain Duration shingles were rated for superior impact resistance, including the Duration FLEX and Duration STORM products, which carry a Class 4 rating.
Now, however, all Duration shingles have achieved the IR distinction, with some receiving a Class 3 rating and others retaining their existing rating. This includes products such as the basic Duration line, Duration Designer, Duration COOL, and more.
What Does This Mean for My Roof?
If you recently had Duration products installed that were not already rated for impact resistance, congratulations! You now have an impact-resistant roof. Of course, the designation will not change the performance of your shingles—but we know it can bring homeowners greater peace of mind to know that their home is well protected from hail damage.
In addition, it’s also a good idea for homeowners affected by this updated rating to call their insurance providers. Insurance companies base your home’s level of risk on various factors, including the quality of materials used in your roof. The new impact rating on Duration shingles is an important detail to share with your provider, as while every insurance provider varies, this may affect your premiums and coverage.
If I Have Class 3 Shingles, Should I Upgrade to Class 4?
While Class 4 shingles are the gold standard for protection against impact damage from hail and debris, the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 shingles may not be worth the cost to replace your roof. This is especially true if your roof was recently installed.
That said, if you have a roof that is Class 3 impact resistant but nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider upgrading to a Class 4 shingle. Class 4 shingles provide greater protection overall and may make the difference between minor hail damage and needing a roof replacement.
Protect Your Home with Owens Corning Duration Shingles
Here at Anchor Roofing, we always recommend that homeowners consider impact- and storm-resistant roofing materials for their homes. Omaha’s weather is severe and unpredictable, with high winds and hail constantly pushing roofs to their limits.
With impact-resistant shingles, you can raise that limit and provide greater protection for your home—and with their newly achieved impact ratings, Owens Corning’s Duration line of shingles could be the right fit for your home.
As certified OC installers, our team is ready to protect your home against Omaha’s legendary storms! Reach out today to get started with an inspection and estimate.
Image courtesy: Owens Corning