Trying to figure out what shingle to go with for my roof replacement, and I keep seeing these “impact resistant” types from OC and a few others. We get some pretty gnarly hailstorms here in Colorado, so I’m hoping to avoid another insurance claim anytime soon. My old 3-tabs got shredded last year—literally found pieces in my backyard for weeks.
Are the impact-resistant shingles actually worth it? Do they really make a difference or is it mostly marketing? Also, how’s the look compared to regular architectural shingles—like, do they stand out in a weird way, or blend in? Would love to hear if anyone’s had them installed for a while and can share how they’ve held up (and if your insurance gave you any break on premiums). Any regrets or stuff you wish you’d known before picking a brand?
I’ve seen a lot of roofs with impact-resistant shingles after hailstorms, and honestly, sometimes they still get banged up—just maybe not as badly as standard ones. Have you checked how much more they cost versus what your insurance would actually discount? It’s not always a huge savings. As for looks, I’ve noticed most brands blend in fine, but a few have a thicker profile that stands out a bit more, especially if you’re comparing to old 3-tabs. Curious if anyone’s had trouble with warranty claims on these, too…
Curious if anyone’s had trouble with warranty claims on these, too…
You’re right to be cautious about the warranty side. I’ve managed a few properties with impact-resistant shingles and, honestly, getting a claim approved can be a hassle. Manufacturers sometimes chalk up hail damage as “cosmetic,” which isn’t always covered. As for cost, I’ve noticed the insurance discount barely offsets the higher price in my area. Still, they do seem to hold up better than standard shingles—less granule loss and fewer leaks after storms. The thicker look can be noticeable, but most folks don’t mind unless you’re right up close.
I went with impact-resistant shingles last year after a hailstorm turned my old roof into Swiss cheese. The warranty thing is a bit of a joke, honestly. I read the fine print (which is basically a novel) and it’s wild how much they can wriggle out of covering. My neighbor tried to claim after a storm and got told it was “cosmetic” too—meanwhile, his gutters looked like someone took a baseball bat to them.
On the insurance side, I got maybe $80 off my premium, but the shingles cost way more than that. Not exactly the windfall I was hoping for. Still, I haven’t had any leaks or missing shingles since, so maybe it’s just paying for peace of mind? They do look chunkier up close, but unless you’re standing on my lawn squinting at the roof (which would be weird), you’d never notice.
If you’re in hail alley like me, it’s probably worth it just to avoid dealing with repairs every other year... but don’t count on that warranty saving your bacon.
That’s kind of what I was worried about with the warranty—seems like they always find a way out. I’m leaning toward impact-resistant just for the hassle factor, but the price jump is tough to swallow. Did you notice any difference in noise during storms? My current roof sounds like a drumline when hail hits.
