When it comes to protecting your Minnesota home from the elements, choosing the right roofing material is crucial. The weather here is no joke, with heavy snow, hailstorms, and high winds all taking a toll on your roof. While traditional shingles are a common choice, impact resistant asphalt shingles are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want added protection and durability.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between standard shingles and impact resistant asphalt shingles. We’ll also explain why these enhanced shingles are a smart investment for Minnesota homes. Plus, we’ll explore some of the top brands we use at Shelter Construction, including TAMKO, CertainTeed, Malarkey, and GAF.
What Are Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles?
Impact resistant asphalt shingles are specially designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, particularly hail and high winds. Unlike traditional shingles, which may crack or break when hit by debris or hailstones, these shingles are manufactured to be flexible and durable. They are typically made with reinforced materials, such as polymers or modified asphalt, that allow them to absorb the impact of hail without suffering damage.
This added resilience makes them especially valuable in places like Minnesota, where extreme weather can hit at any time.
How Do Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles Compare to Traditional Shingles?
Traditional asphalt shingles have long been a popular roofing choice because of their affordability and ease of installation. However, they can be vulnerable to damage during severe storms, which can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
Impact resistant asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are rated to withstand stronger impacts. This is especially important in Minnesota, where the weather can cause significant roof damage if the right materials aren’t used. These shingles are tested to meet Class 3 or Class 4 impact standards, meaning they can endure the impact of large hailstones without cracking or breaking.
In addition to better performance in storms, impact resistant asphalt shingles also have a longer lifespan than traditional shingles, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Why Choose Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy snow in the winter and intense thunderstorms in the summer. The frequent hailstorms and high winds in this region put roofs to the test, which is why investing in impact resistant asphalt shingles is a smart choice for homeowners.
The added durability of these shingles means fewer repairs, less worry, and better protection for your home. Plus, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install Class 4 impact resistant shingles, which can lead to significant savings over time.
Top Brands of Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
At Shelter Construction, we work with some of the top brands in the roofing industry to offer the best impact resistant asphalt shingles available. Here are a few that we highly recommend:
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TAMKO Titan XT and StormFighter IR:
TAMKO offers two excellent options for impact resistant shingles: Titan XT and StormFighter IR. The Titan XT features TAMKO’s cutting-edge Extreme Technology, making it durable and stylish. The StormFighter IR is engineered for extreme weather, with a wind warranty of up to 160 mph, making it ideal for high-wind areas like Minnesota. More info: TAMKO Titan XT and TAMKO StormFighter Flex.
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CertainTeed ClimateFlex™
CertainTeed’s ClimateFlex™ shingles are specifically designed for tough weather conditions like those in Minnesota. These shingles combine asphalt with rubber-like polymers for increased flexibility, impact resistance, and durability. They’re ideal for homes facing both extreme cold and powerful storms. More info: CertainTeed ClimateFlex.
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Malarkey Highlander AR and Vista AR
Malarkey Roofing’s Highlander AR and Vista AR shingles use NEX® polymer-modified asphalt for superior weather resistance. These shingles have a Class 3 or Class 4 impact rating, making them perfect for protecting your home from hail and wind damage. Additionally, Malarkey’s shingles are eco-friendly, incorporating upcycled materials that help reduce air pollution. More info: Malarkey Highlander AR and Malarkey Vista AR.
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GAF Timberline® ArmorShield II
GAF is a trusted name in roofing, and their Timberline ArmorShield II shingles offer the perfect blend of classic asphalt shingle appearance and impact resistance. These shingles meet Class 4 impact resistance standards, meaning they can handle hailstorms and high winds with ease, keeping your roof intact and your home protected. More info: GAF Timberline ArmorShield II
Cost of Impact Resistant Asphalt Shingles
While impact resistant asphalt shingles are more expensive upfront than traditional shingles, they offer better long-term value. They’re less likely to suffer storm damage, which means fewer repairs and a longer roof lifespan. Many insurance companies also offer premium discounts for homeowners with Class 4 impact resistant shingles, which can offset the higher initial cost.
Additionally, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof is protected from Minnesota’s extreme weather is priceless.
Insurance Benefits of Impact Resistant Shingles
Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised to learn that installing impact resistant asphalt shingles can lead to lower insurance premiums. Since these shingles are more likely to withstand severe weather, insurance companies see them as a way to reduce risk. If you install Class 4-rated impact resistant shingles, you may qualify for a significant discount on your homeowner’s insurance.
The Shelter Construction Advantage
At Shelter Construction, we understand Minnesota’s weather and the challenges it poses for your roof. That’s why we specialize in installing high-quality impact resistant asphalt shingles from leading manufacturers like TAMKO, CertainTeed, Malarkey, and GAF. Our expert team will help you choose the right shingles for your home and ensure that they’re installed to the highest standards, providing you with years of protection and peace of mind.
Turn to the Pros at Shelter Construction
At Shelter, we offer complimentary inspections and consultations. We will perform minor repairs during the examination to small damage that we find. Call us at 612-284-6985 or contact us today on our website!