Minnesota homeowners are familiar with extreme weather, particularly hailstorms.
Hail can occur without warning, and it can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home’s roof. Hail-resistant roofing is more than a luxury, as it’s a wise investment. However, what makes roofing hail-resistant? Also, how do you pick the right materials for your local climate?
Understanding Hail Damage and Its Risks in Minnesota
Hail is created when strong thunderstorm updrafts carry raindrops upward into air that has freezing temperatures. The moisture turns into ice pellets, and they grow larger and harder before falling. In some cases, their speeds exceed 50 MPH. Minnesota hailstorms are commonly spring and summer events. They have the potential for significant property damage, particularly to roofs.
Hail can dent metal, crack shingles, break tiles, and even puncture underlayment materials. The potential results are mold, compromised insulation, and leaks. Over time, accumulated minor impacts will weaken roofing systems, shortening their lifespan. Affected homeowners often end up dealing with additional repairs, increased risks of structural water damage, and higher insurance premiums.
How Hail Resistance Is Measured
Before covering specific materials, it is essential to understand how hail resistance is rated. The UL 2218 rating system is an example of an impact resistance standard used to test roofing materials. It grades products on a scale where Class 1 materials are the least resistant and Class 4 materials are the most resistant. UL 2218 testing uses steel balls to simulate hailstones.
These are dropped from various heights onto roofing materials to measure the physical damage. Class 4 ratings are what you want, because these roofing materials withstand the highest impact levels without breaking or cracking. It’s the gold standard when measuring hail resistance, and many insurance companies covering Minnesota homes offer policy discounts for residences featuring Class 4 roofing.
Best Roofing Materials for Hail Resistance in Minnesota
Now it’s time to explore the most common roofing options used in Minnesota and examine how they withstand hail impacts.
1. Asphalt Shingles (Standard vs. Impact-Resistant)
Standard asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material, mainly due to their affordability. Unfortunately, they’re sometimes the most vulnerable to hailstorms. Cracking, bruising, and granule loss are typical after a storm.
However, there are impact-resistant asphalt shingles designed with reinforced polymer or fiberglass backing. These shingles are Class 4. They require a higher upfront investment, but their durability is significantly better. They often have more extended warranties and survive moderate levels of hail impact without significant damage. This is an excellent option if you want added protection while maintaining the traditional asphalt look.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing, particularly aluminum or steel, is another practical choice for hail-prone areas. These panels can frequently take a beating without physically breaking. Another benefit of metal roofing in Minnesota is its ability to shed snow and ice easily. Unfortunately, not all metal roofing is equal. Thicker gauge steel provides better dent resistance compared to thinner panels.
Additionally, a standing seam metal roof is more likely to withstand the test of time than an exposed fastener system. The potential lifespan of metal roofs can range from 40 to 70 years, as they require minimal maintenance and offer wind and fire resistance. However, installation costs can be higher. Additionally, dents may be visible even when functionality remains intact.
3. Concrete and Clay Tiles
Concrete tiles are durable, heavy, and sometimes featured in high-end homes. Their hail resistance is better than asphalt, but larger hailstones can still crack or break them, particularly if they lack reinforcement or were installed improperly.
Clay tiles are attractive to many homeowners, but they’re more brittle and not often recommended in hail-prone regions. To provide more resistance, a contractor may use a foam or polymer underlayment beneath tiles for enhanced impact absorption.
4. Slate Roofing
Natural slate is beloved by many homeowners for its longevity and beauty. In some cases, it can last more than 100 years. It’s also naturally hail-resistant, especially with thicker tiles. However, slate can be expensive and heavy. Lower-grade or thinner slate is more susceptible to cracking, and tile-matching issues can complicate the repair process.
In addition to resisting hail, thicker slate tiles can be fire-resistant. This material is eco-friendly and an effective long-term investment. The upfront cost can be high, specialized installation is necessary, and it puts a heavy structural load on homes that use it.
5. Synthetic Roofing (Rubber, Plastic, Polymer Composites)
Synthetic roofing is gaining popularity for its combination of flexibility and durability. Composite shingles can mimic the look of shake or slate but are made using engineered polymers or recycled rubber.
These materials are frequently rated as Class 4 and excel at absorbing the impact of hail without breaking. Compared to traditional tile or slate, they’re lightweight and simpler to install. Other benefits of these highly impact-resistant materials include low-maintenance requirements and a wide range of styles. However, they may weather or fade over time, and their quality varies, depending on the manufacturer.
Key Features That Improve Hail Resistance
The roofing material itself is essential, but several installation and design factors also influence how well a roof can withstand hail. These factors include roof pitch, underlayment, installation technique, and the age of your roof. Steeper roofs are less likely to suffer direct hits from hail falling. High-caliber, impact-absorbing underlayment can prevent leaks and cushion physical blows. Poor installation can result in premature failure if shingles are poorly secured or nails are overdriven. Newer roofs might perform better in hail conditions because they have suffered less wear and feature improved material technology.
When selecting a hail-resistant roof, consider impact test ratings, manufacturer specifications, and real-world performance in regions prone to hailstorms. The southern and western parts of the state experience hail events more often than other regions.
Local contractors are more familiar with regional building code requirements and hail risks, but you should always consider upgrades to Class 4 options within your chosen material category.
Review your insurance policy to explore potential coverage improvements or discounts for having a hail-resistant roof. Keep records of documentation of your material’s impact rating and your home’s installation process. These documents will be necessary for future real estate listings and insurance claims.
Schedule routine roof inspections, particularly after major storms, to identify damage promptly and prevent it from escalating into more significant problems. Also, remember that flashing, skylights, vents, and gutters are vulnerable to hail. Consider adding gutter guards and upgrading to hail-resistant models to protect your home and drainage system.
Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready
Minnesota weather is unforgiving at times, but the right roofing material can withstand it. Whether you prefer impact-resistant shingles, synthetic composites, or metal panels, we offer a range of roofing materials that prepare your home for the next big storm.
Homeowners and businesses in the Burnsville metro area count on Schmidt Roofing for roofing inspections, repairs, and replacements. We also handle siding, storm damage, gutters, skylights, windows, and snow and ice removal.
Contact Schmidt Roofing to find a hail-resistant roof for your Minnesota home and be ready for whatever the skies bring your way.
