Important Differences Between Standard Roofing Shingles and Impact Resistant Shingles

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Material Composition and Construction

After being a roofing contractor in Central Texas for many years, we’ve seen the difference impact resistant roofing can make. At the same time, we understand the cost effectiveness of standard asphalt roofing shingles, which is why they are the most common roofing material for residential properties.

So, are impact resistant shingles worth the additional cost? We’re providing important details that help property owners determine if making the upgrade to impact resistant roofing shingles is the right move.

Some aspects of these two shingles are similar in the material composition, but the deviations make a significant difference.

Standard Asphalt Shingles

Are made from a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and mineral granules.
Designed primarily for general weather protection (rain, sun, moderate wind).
The asphalt is relatively brittle, especially in colder temps.
Granules can dislodge more easily under impact.

Built For: everyday conditions, not repeated abuse.

Impact-Resistant (IR) Shingles

Are asphalt-based, but reinforced with: polymer-modified asphalt, rubberized additives, SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) additives.
These additives allow the shingles to flex and rebound when struck.
Granules are embedded more securely into the asphalt.

Built For: Engineered to absorb an impact instead of cracking under it.

An experienced Austin roofing company can help property owners compare standard asphalt shingles with impact-resistant roofing based on their roof and local weather conditions. A trusted Austin roofing company can explain the potential benefits of upgrading to impact-resistant shingles and help determine whether they are a practical choice for your property.

Hail Damage and Debris Impact

There aren’t any local building codes in Central Texas that require impact resistant shingles even though there can be extreme weather conditions. But some homeowners install impact resistant roofing because of the shingle’s ability to hold up much better during a storm so there’s less hail damage.

Standard Shingles: Hail can cause cracking, granule loss, fractures that may not cause roof leaks immediately but shorten roof lifespan. Damage often worsens over time as UV exposure causes weakened areas.

Impact-Resistant Shingles: Designed to withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter, depending on the rating. Shingles may dent slightly but typically don’t crack or expose the mat. Dramatically reduces “functional damage” that leads to insurance claims.

UL 2218 Impact Ratings

Impact resistance ratings are one of the big divides between the different types of shingles. Impact-resistant shingles are tested using the UL 2218 rating system. A steel ball drop test is done by dropping steel balls of different sizes from varying heights to simulate hail. The testers then gauge how much damage was sustained to give the roofing a rating from 1-4.

Rating	What It Means
Class 1-2	Minor impact resistance
Class 3	Resists moderate hail
Class 4	Highest rating – resists severe hail

Impact-resistant shingles usually have a Class 4 rating. Standard shingles are sometimes not UL 2218 rated at all.

Longevity and Roof Lifespan

Standard Shingles: Typical lifespan: 15–25 years. Hail damage can cut this short even without obvious roof leaks. More frequent roof repairs or early replacement.

Impact-Resistant Shingles: Typical lifespan: 25–40 years. Better resistance to hail, uplift from high winds, thermal cracking. Slower granule loss = longer UV protection.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

This is where standard shingles have a bit of an edge but only in the short-term. The initial cost of impact-resistant shingles is 15–30% more than standard shingles. However, the longevity of impact resistant shingles means that the long-term cost makes up for the higher upfront cost. When you factor in the need for more frequent roof repairs, the difference in cost is further reduced. Many home insurance companies offer discounts for Class 4 shingles since they hold up much better during severe weather events, which means superior protections with fewer claims and less costly repairs in hail zones. In Texas, some homeowners recoup the upgrade cost within a few years through insurance savings alone.

The Surprisingly Nominal Aesthetic Differences

There are a lot of differences between standard and impact resistant shingles, but the appearance is strikingly similar. Modern IR shingles come in: architectural shingle styles, wide color selections, dimensional profiles. Visually, most people can’t tell the difference from traditional asphalt shingles once installed.

When to Use Each Type of Roofing Shingle

Standard Shingles Are Best If: You live in a low-hail region; budget is the top concern; roof replacement is expected within the next 10–15 years.

Impact-Resistant Shingles Are Best If: You’re in hail-prone areas (Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma); you want long-term durability and fewer repairs; you plan to stay in the home long-term; you want potential insurance discounts.

Feature	Standard Shingles	Impact-Resistant Shingles
Hail Resistance	Low	High
Flexibility	Brittle	Flexible
UL 2218 Rating	None	Class 3–4
Lifespan	15–25 yrs	25–40 yrs
Insurance Discounts	No	Often yes
Cost	Lower	Higher upfront

Want to know if you should upgrade to impact resistant asphalt shingles? Has your roof already sustained hail damage? If your property is located in Central Texas give LOA a call before your roofing project. We can provide a free inspection and estimate with roofing material recommendations.

We're One of the Highest Rated Roofers in Austin for a Reason

Working with Kevin from LOA was a great experience! I needed my roof immediately! My insurance company was trying to non renew simply due to the age of my home. They gave me no time. Kevin and the LOA team worked so quickly and had my roof installed the next day. They were very professional, did a great job cleaning up after and picking up most all the nails. Highly recommended!

— Alicia Donovan

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I highly recommend working with LOA Construction. I shopped around before picking a roofing company and LOA provided the best overall responsiveness and price. Cameron Smith and his team were helpful and communicative leading up to, during, and after the job. The roof looks great and I'm confident in the workmanship. LOA also performed repairs and house painting, both of which we are very pleased with.

— Chris Farrow

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LOA Construction has exceeded my expectations again. This is the second roof installation with them and I couldn't be happier. Specifically, Tyler Griffiths is professional, attentive, and made the entire process of working with my insurance company effortless. My tenant sent a glowing account of their experience as well. Knowing it was a rental, they still diligently protected all property and plants. They were on time every time and went out of their way to not inconvenience the residents. LOA Construction has integrity and takes pride in their work. I couldn't recommend them more.

— Sheri Moran

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I worked with Andrew, from start to finish, it was a pleasure. Communication is the key, Hey explained everything in detail, even kept our driveway clear when supplies we delivered. As promised, for the roof crew showed up about 7am job was completed expertly after 2pm. The Best, Definitely Recommend Loa Construction.

— Tize Peters

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From the very start, I knew I was in good hands. The professionalism was top-notch, but most important, was the caring attitude of the project manager, Dan Harvey, the roofing supervisor, Ambrocio, and the roofing crew. They made sure every detail was covered. They are definitely an asset to LOA Construction. I highly recommend them. Dennis and Suzy S

— Dennis Sanger

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Andrew was very great at getting myself and my wife all the information and getting us started from start to completion. His workers were friendly and professional. If ever I had to contact him, he was quick to respond back. We are very happy with the finished product. Yes, I would and have recommended him and his company to get their work by LOA Construction and Austin. Andrew made sure my wife would be satisfied with whatever roof she liked. Can't thank you enough Andrew and LOA Construction.

— Paul Coleman

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From start to finish Lee and his team took great care of us. He made us feel comfortable during the process and answered any and all questions we had. I would definitely them recommend to anyone.

— Taneisha Jones

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Arthur Harris and his team with LOA Construction did an excellent job on our roof. They finished it in one day. Arthur was very good in explaining all the information to us.

— Crystal Hill

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Will, has been so awesome and easy to work with he gets everything we want done the way we want it and also keeps us updated as we are over the road truck drivers !!! Hands down to LOA Construction for their great service and great customer service !!!

— Tanya Dudkiewicz

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Dan Harvey is Very Knowledgeable and directed me straight to the products that will save us money in the next 3 years the savings on energy costs alone will pay for the installation itself. I highly recommend LOA Construction and Dan Harvey! Actual Customer Jefferson Fara

— Jefferson Fara

★★★★★

Mark from LOA roofing was very professional from the git, the initial estimate process, he quickly identified all the issues that needed to be addressed. The company was very prompt, to coordinate the crew, and for a very reasonable price, got my roof repaired without any hassle. They also took care of all the cleaning, so that it all looked like nothing happened. I would recommend Mark from LOA to anyone needing a roof repair, with no kind of hesitation.

— Ale León

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Loa Construction provides quality services in installing roof and related repairs. I’ll recommend it to my friends and family.

— Peijie Li

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Thanks to Landon Wells of LOA Construction for the beautiful new roof! It was all completed in one day including a meticulous clean up job afterwards. The workers were all polite and professional. Landon made sure everything went smoothly and that all of our questions were answered. I am thrilled with our new roof. I would definitely recommend Landon and LOA Construction to all of my friends and family. Thank you Landon!

— Renee Johnson

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The crew was amazing, hard working men who were careful with my landscape and extremely polite. Daily clean up made sure that I didn't have to worry about my pets. Overall, it was as painless a process as possible with a beautiful outcome!

— Linda Fugit

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Dedicated to excellence, our Austin roofing company ensures quality in every project. Contact our skilled Central Texas roofers for a same-day, hassle-free inspection. Call +1 (512) 375-3654 to book your free inspection.