The popular Heritage series by TAMKO Building Products has recently expanded. The new impact-resistant shingles are called Heritage IR. Coming with the same rich colors and quality that TAMKO is known for, as well as the same expanded limited lifetime warranty, Heritage IR shingles have gained popularity among homeowners and roofing contractors. But just how impact resistant are Heritage IR shingles? Are they a worthwhile investment?
Let’s find out.
About Tamko’s New Heritage IR Shingles
TAMKO’s Heritage IR shingles are laminated asphalt shingles that utilize fiberglass mats that are reinforced with polyester, eliminating backing aggregate. Every shingle is also coated with a layer of weathering-grade materials and ceramic granules. Heritage IR shingles can be placed of roof decks with a slope of 2 inches per foot or more.
Heritage IR shingles have the appearance of wooden shakes, use the Shadowtone feature for more colorful depth and enhanced curb appeal, and come with a generous lifetime warranty. Available colors include Thunderstorm Grey, Rustic Black, Rustic Slate, and Weathered Wood. The warranty includes a 10-year Full Start Period where any manufacturing defect or damages caused by poor installation will be covered completely. There is also a 10-year Algae Cleaning Limited Warranty.
TAMKO Heritage IR shingles have received the following ratings:
- UL C790 Class A Fire Rating
- ASTM D7158 Class H and ASTM D3161 Class F Wind Resistance
- UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance
As you peruse the technical information for other Heritage series shingles, you will notice that others do not have an impact resistance rating. Heritage IR shingles are the only ones that received the UL 2218 Class 4 classification.
What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?
Now, what does it mean for shingles to be impact resistant? Aren’t all shingles able to withstand a certain degree of force? By definition, IR shingles are Class 4 and specially manufactured with something called styrene-butadiene-styrene, or SBS, which is a kind of modified asphalt. You might see it called “rubberized asphalt.” This makes it more resilient to impacts from hail.
A Class 4 rating is not available to all shingles, as it is the highest rating for impact resistance available. This means that TAMKO’s Heritage IR shingles are impact resistant to the highest degree. This strength and resilience is measured with the UL 2218 impact test. A two-inch metal ball is dropped from a height of 20 feet onto the shingles to see if the materials cracked under the force of the impact, which equals about 32 joules of energy. This is done six times to see if the shingle fractures.
If a shingle does not have any visible cracks, it receives a UL 2218 Class 4 classification.
Common Misconceptions of IR Shingles
It is important to understand that impact resistant shingles are not impervious to damage. Here are some things to consider:
- It’s impact resistance, not impact-proof. Even after a hail storm or a brutal bashing from debris, IR shingles can still be damaged or have missing granules. The rubberized asphalt keeps them from cracking, yes, but that doesn’t mean they are invincible.
- Cracking is not always because of defects. Even the UL 2218 test states that results are not an actual representation of what happens once IR shingles are installed. That means that your roof could see more devastating forces than what is done in the UL 2218 test, and your shingles can still crack under that pressure.
- Hail damage is not covered by manufacturer warranties. Be sure to read the warranties thoroughly to see what is covered. Usually, wind damage, algae, manufacturer defects, and poor installation are covered. Hail damage is covered by insurance.
Are TAMKO Heritage IR Shingles Worth It?
So, knowing that TAMKO’s Heritage IR shingles can withstand the impact of a steel ball several times, would it be safe to say that they are a worthwhile investment? It depends.
First, you should know that if you purchase shingles with a UL 2218 Class 4 rating, like TAMKO Heritage IR shingles, you could be eligible for a homeowner insurance premium discount. However, the requirements are dependent on your provider and your region. Be sure to check with your home insurance provider to see if you can receive the discounts.
Second, IR shingles are expensive. You are going to want to consider that cost increase. Unless you live somewhere where your roof is in constant danger of hail or other impacts, Heritage IR shingles may not be the best choice. However, if you are looking to extend the life of your roof and have greater peace of mind, IR shingles are indeed an ideal choice.
Final Thoughts
TAMKO Heritage IR shingles—where the IR stands for Impact-Rated—are TAMKO’s answer to stronger, more impact resistant shingles. Heritage IR shingles have received the highest rating available by the UL 2218 test, ensuring that they will provide exceptional protection during hail storms and have a long lifespan. If you are looking for superior protection for your home, Heritage IR shingles may be correct for you.
Are you ready to discuss TAMKO Heritage IR shingles with a roofing contractor? Have questions that weren’t answered in this article? Get in touch by filling out the contact form!
