Storm-resistant shingles gain traction in hail-prone markets

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors are increasingly using impact-resistant roofing systems to help homeowners manage rising storm damage costs and insurance challenges. 

In a recent Read Listen Watch® (RLW) webinar sponsored by TAMKO, the conversation focused on helping contractors navigate growing demand for resilient roofing systems in hail-prone regions. The discussion explored how contractors can better educate homeowners about long-term roofing performance, insurance trends and impact-resistant products designed to withstand severe weather. 

During the webinar, TAMKO® representatives Brian Dunn and Jon Abernathy* discussed the increasing frequency of hailstorms across the United States and the financial pressure homeowners are facing as deductibles and insurance premiums continue to rise. According to Jon, many homeowners in hail-prone regions are now paying significantly more out of pocket after repeated storm events. “We're starting to see that change, and the homeowners are actually becoming customers,” Jon said. “They're having to pay the bill now.” 

The conversation centered heavily on TAMKO’s new HailGuard™ shingle, which was released earlier this year. Brian explained that the product was developed in response to ongoing insurance market shifts and increasing storm severity. He noted that the product incorporates an upgraded fiberglass mat and proprietary coating designed to improve flexibility and impact resistance beyond traditional Class 4 testing standards.† 

Contractors are also being encouraged to shift conversations away from reactive storm restoration work and toward long-term roof system performance. Brian said contractors can help homeowners better understand the long-term financial implications of repeated roof replacements by discussing deductibles, premium increases and manufactured-backed limited system warranties during the sales process. ‡ 

Jon emphasized that contractors who educate homeowners on premium roofing systems and manufacturer warranties can create stronger differentiation in competitive markets. ‡ “I’m all about offering premium,” Jon said. “Premium sells to homeowners and at least offering them what's best for them and really educating them on what it means and what could happen if they don't.” 

The webinar also highlighted TAMKO’s ongoing contractor training initiatives, including in-person storm response events, virtual education programs and expanded warranty offerings tied to certified contractor programs. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about storm-resistant roofing systems and contractor education strategies. 

* The views and opinions expressed are based on the author’s long tenure and personal experiences as a roofing contractor prior to coming to TAMKO. As such, his views are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice regarding insurance, financing, legal matters, or business transactions. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions related to their business operations. 

†“Beyond Class 4” is a marketing term and does not refer to any official UL impact rating. HailGuard™ shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. UL 2218 utilizes a dropped steel ball which may not correlate with real world rooftop experience with the impact of storm driven hail or other objects. Currently, UL testing does not include classifications higher than Class 4; however, TAMKO has successfully tested HailGuard™ shingles at impact energies exceeding UL 2218 Class 4. See TAMKO’s HailGuard™ Extended Limited System Warranty for complete terms and details. 

‡ TAMKO Professional Certified Contractors can offer certain Enhanced Limited System Warranties. See tamko.com/edge for details.