Residential Roofing; Impact-Resistant Shingles

The Impact-Resistant Shingles to Consider in Hail Prone Regions

Homes in hail prone areas can benefit from the added protection that impact-resistant shingles provide. This article dives into impact-resistant shingles.

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8/11/2022 by Karen L Edwards (GAF)

For many homeowners, protecting their home from roof to foundation is a top priority, especially if they live in storm prone areas. Customers in need of a new roof are making an investment that will impact their home and their families. As a roofing contractor, your customers are trusting you to help them make the best choice. As a contractor in a hail region, you want to consistently help your customers choose the shingle that addresses ALL their personal concerns, including impact, wind and algae.

GAF's Timberline® AS II impact resistant shingles are a smart option for you to offer to your customers. These shingles have all the wind and algae protection of Timberline® HDZ, but they're built for areas where precipitation leaves bruises. They have a UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance rating, meaning that they had no visible damage or cracks when a two-inch steel ball was dropped on it twice from a height of 20 feet. UL 2218 Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance rating available, making Timberline® AS II shingles a smart choice for homes located in areas prone to hail and severe weather*.

The Timberline® AS II shingle is flexible and durable as a result of being manufactured with GAF's proprietary SBS polymer-modified asphalt formulation. The polymers result in the shingle having a more rubber-like feel that helps to reduce stress on the shingle when hail hits it.

Same Easy-To-Install Process

Timberline® AS II shingles feature the same LayerLock™ Technology as Timberline HDZ® shingles, which means that installers have a wider nailing zone for ease of installation. In our test, the StrikeZone™ nailing area was found to help an installer fasten the shingles 30% faster than our traditional Timberline® HD shingle with a smaller nailing target.

Since the layers are mechanically attached together during the manufacturing process, you only need four nails (unless local codes require more). Crews can work more efficiently without jeopardizing quality.

Unsurpassed Protection and Style

In addition to providing a UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance rating, these shingles deliver other powerful benefits. Here are some key points to share with your customers about why the Timberline® AS II shingles are the right choice to protect their home.

Style. Timberline® AS II shingles provide an aesthetically pleasing finished roof. GAF's proprietary shadow bands are applied using computerized technology, resulting in a beautiful shingle with unmatched depth and dimension. This adds to the curb appeal of the home and can help increase the resale value.
Potential Insurance Cost Savings. Some insurance companies offer homeowners discounts on their insurance policies when they choose UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance rated shingles. Encourage homeowners to contact their insurance company to find whether they may be eligible for a discount.
Algae resistance. The Timberline® AS II shingle features GAF's Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology. It allows GAF to offer a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty** against blue-green algae discoloration.
Warranty protection. Because Timberline® AS II shingles feature LayerLock™ Technology, the shingle is eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty***, the first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation when installed with the required combination of four GAF accessories.

The Smart Choice

As severe weather becomes more common throughout the country, you can be confident that you are recommending the toughest shingle that GAF offers.

In addition to giving your customers peace of mind, you'll also be enhancing the curb appeal and beauty of their home, leaving them highly satisfied with the finished result. For more information on Timberline® AS II shingles, contact your local Territory Manager.

*Timberline® AS II Shingles are not warranted to withstand hail damage.

** 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions, and qualifying products.

***15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock technology 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. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.