Can Your Roof Handle Weather Extremes?

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. To protect your home, it should be durable enough to withstand fire, hail, wind and frost damage. How can you tell if your roof is durable enough to withstand weather extremes? By checking the roofing materials’ ratings. 

Here’s an overview of the ratings you should look for in roofing shingles: 

 Fire Ratings 

Roofing shingles can be classified under Class A (this rating has the highest fire resistance), Class B (roofing materials with a Class B rating should be able to withstand moderate fires with a maximum flame spread of 8 feet), Class C (roofing materials under this category provide minimal protection against fires), and unrated (you should avoid installing unrated shingles; the lack of a fire rating means the shingles didn’t meet the requirements for the lowest rating). 

Hail or Impact Resistance Ratings 

There are four categories for hail resistance, the highest of which is Class IV. To get an impact resistance rating, shingles need to undergo the Underwriters Laboratory 2218 (UL 2218) test or the steel ball test. 

Freezing Resistance 

There are different classification systems for roofing materials’ resistance to frost damage. One of them is ASTM 1167 for clay roof tiles. Under this system, a grade 1 rating means a clay tile is able to withstand freeze-thaw damage. However, concrete and clay tiles don’t usually qualify for this rating, as they’re more suited to warm climates. If you live in a temperate climate, asphalt shingles would be a smarter choice. 

Here’s a pro-tip: To learn more about which roofing materials are best suited to your area’s climate, it’s best to consult a local roofer. Since they’re familiar with the local climate and building codes, they can make better recommendations. 

Wind Resistance 

Class D shingles can resist wind speeds up to 90 mph, class G shingles wind speeds of up to 120 mph, and class H shingles wind speeds of up to 150 mph. 

Important note: In general, shingles with the said ratings cost more than regular shingles. However, they’re worth the investment, as they can help lower your roof repair cost and expenses in the long run. 

Looking for experienced roofers near you? 

The Great American Roofing Company has been providing professional roofing services to local residents since 1974. To request a free roof repair estimate, call us at (201) 825-2955 or fill out this form.