THE REAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF IMPACT RESISTANT ROOFS

by | Mar 2, 2021 | New Build Roofing

Though it seems like everyone ought to have an impact resistant roof in Denver, where hail is inevitable, that’s not always the case. Perhaps the biggest reason holding people back is that impact resistant roofs have a higher up-front cost of installation.

While a standard 2,200 to 2,600 square foot roof will cost homeowners anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 in materials and $2,000 to $8,500 for professional installation, top-grade impact resistant roof systems might cost even more. Roofing companies charge by the “square,” or every 10×10 foot patch of roof — so the larger the roof, the higher the costs.

Yet the same might also be said about the potential costs of damage to your roof, especially during a hailstorm like the ones we’ve witnessed this summer. Homeowners tend to spend between 1% to 4% of their home’s overall value on maintenance and repairs every year, and that tends to increase the older the house gets. For a $200,000 home, you can expect at least $2,000 in repairs every year.

One big hailstorm, however, could wipe out that roof altogether if it’s not built to withstand the weather. That’s why insurance companies love to offer discounts or incentives to customers for going with impact resistant roofs when it’s time for a new installation. It’ll save your insurance company a lot of money, and you and your family a lot of potential heartache during those tough storms.

In the end, a more expensive impact resistant roofing material could save you money in the long run on fixes and repairs. Some materials are simply better suited than others to withstand hail damage. Metal roofs are usually more resistant than asphalt shingles, but since up to 40% of your home’s exterior may show as roofing, your aesthetic choice of material is no small matter. Impact-resistant tiles are also increasingly popular and durable.

However, be cautious that insurance claims might only cover functional damage when it comes to impact resistant roofs. They’re less willing to repair dings or missing shingles if it doesn’t affect the overall structural integrity of the roof as a whole.

Before you make a decision, call your insurance company to find out about coverage, discounts, and incentives. Just remember that impact resistant roofs can make a lot of difference during a big storm.

The next time you hear hail starting to fall, you’ll wish you’d acted sooner.