Chaque année, les ouragans provoquent des milliards de dollars en pertes pour les propriétaires de maison dans tout le pays. In an effort to combat this, the roofing industry has made advances to help reduce the impact caused by storm damage, including specially designed shingles that can handle heavy impacts and high winds.
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, here's what you need to know about hurricane shingles designed to handle the high wind speeds and debris impacts that can come with major hurricanes.
Understanding Impact-Resistant Shingles
Hurricane Shingles, (or impact-resistant shingles) are built to withstand both impacts and high wind speeds. They're robust, often created from a unique combination of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and asphalt, providing more strength than non-reinforced asphalt shingles.
In hurricane-prone areas, sharp winds can easily blow debris and other large objects—like tree branches—onto a roof. Shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistant test are most effective at limiting impact damage. Ces bardeaux sont testés en laissant tomber une balle en acier de 2 pouces d’une hauteur de 20 pieds. Cette balle en acier impacte de nombreux endroits cibles des bardeaux sur le platelage d’essai. Ce test inclut deux impacts par endroit cible. The shingles must handle the impact while showing no evidence of ruptures or cracks through the shingle.
These shingles should also be able to withstand Category 3 hurricane wind speeds, ranging from 111 to 129 mph.
Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Roof
When deciding between hurricane shingles, consider their wind classification, impact resistance, and warranties.
Wind Classification
Quality, UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistant shingles should be able to handle at least 110 mph wind speeds. Ces bardeaux sont souvent fabriqués en métal ou en asphalte mélangé avec du SBS. For example, the GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System is effective against high wind speeds due to layers of protection, innovatively designed to help protect your home against the elements.
Résistance aux chocs
Quality hurricane roofing materials, including impact-resistant shingles come with enhanced protection against impacts from objects, especially hail. Bien que ces bardeaux peuvent être plus chers que les bardeaux en asphalte non renforcés, ils requièrent généralement moins d’entretien. And since these shingles can withstand certain kinds of impacts that often happen during a hurricane, it may not need as many repairs.
Garanties
Consider the shingles' warranties and what you're protected against. A wind warranty can guarantee roof repair and replacement for specific wind speeds as long as you meet all the warranty's requirements.
GAF Hurricane Roofing Innovations
Certain GAF shingles like Timberline® AS II have the best possible wind and impact resistance ratings. Ils correspondent au meilleur classement possible, la classe F pour la méthode d'essai standard pour la résistance au vent des produits de toit à forte pente (ASTM D3161). This means they can withstand wind speeds up to 110 mph.
Timberline® AS II shingles also have the highest rating, Class H, for the Classification for the Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles (ASTM D7158). Cela signifie que les bardeaux peuvent résister au soulèvement par le vent à des vitesses allant jusqu’à 150 mi/h. If that wasn't enough, these shingles' Class 4 classification for the UL 2218 test means they can handle a 2-inch steel ball drop test from 20 feet above.
With the highest possible ratings for all these tests, the Timberline® AS II shingles are proven and tested against the closest possible hurricane-like conditions (testing performed under controlled laboratory conditions). The robust SBS-modified asphalt material and LayerLock® technology help fortify your roof against wind, rain, and hail. These GAF shingles are also eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty**, which provides infinite wind speed protection when installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories.
Shingle Installation and Roof Maintenance Tips
Properly installing impact-resistant shingles is essential for them to perform their best, so choose an experienced roofer. Ils sauront comment clouer correctement les bardeaux et s’assurer qu’ils sont solidement attachés entre eux et au toit afin d’éviter toute ouverture pour des fuites ou faiblesses. Also, ask your roofer if they know how to install hurricane clips to help prevent your roof from flying off during a storm.
Once your roof is installed, perform regular maintenance every year before and after hurricane season. Remplacez tout bardeau manquant ou cassé, et fixez tout bardeau mal fixé. Remplacez également tous les clous ou solins qui sont rouillés. As part of roof maintenance, confirm your gutters are working properly and clean out any leaves, allowing water to flow away from your home.
A weak point on a roof can degrade even further in harsh hurricane weather, and ensuring your roof is in stable condition can help keep you and your home safe.
FAQ
What are the best shingles for high wind?
The best shingles for high winds are classified as Class F for the ASTM D3161 and Class H for the ASTM D7158 test. These two classifications mean the shingles have the best ratings for handling hurricane winds.
Do impact-resistant shingles last longer?
Due to their durable construction, made with SBS-modified asphalt, which makes shingles more flexible and better able to withstand impact stress than standard architectural shingles, GAF impact-resistant shingles are built to last many years.
Preparing for the Next Storm
After the hurricane season, check your roof for damage. View this GAF guide on roof storm damage to learn what to look for and what to expect for possible repairs. If your roof needs work before or after a storm, reach out to a certified contractor* in your local area for guidance and support.
*Les entrepreneurs inscrits aux programmes de certification GAF ne sont pas des employés ou des agents de GAF, qui ne contrôle pas et ne supervise pas ces entreprises indépendantes. Les entrepreneurs peuvent recevoir des avantages, tels que des points de fidélité et des remises sur les outils de marketing de GAF pour avoir participé au programme et offert des garanties améliorées GAF, qui exigent l'utilisation d'une quantité minimale de produits de la marque. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.
**15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty covers GAF Shingles with LayerLock® Technology only and requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visitez gaf.com/LRS pour connaître les produits GAF admissibles. For installations not eligible for the WindProven limited wind warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
