Impact-rated Materials
Impact-rated Materials | Storm Damage Restoration | Roofing | Cleveland
Cleveland’s lake-effect weather can turn a calm afternoon into a barrage of hail, wind-driven rain, and flying debris. When the shingles start curling and the leaks creep in, homeowners across Northeast Ohio call HEP for fast, dependable storm damage restoration. Our certified crews arrive with thermal drones, moisture-mapping tools, and decades of local know-how to diagnose every hidden bruise your roof has suffered.
But fixing yesterday’s damage is only half the story—we also future-proof your home with impact-rated materials engineered to shrug off hailstones and 130 mph gusts. From Class 4 asphalt to stone-coated steel, we install products tested to outlast the toughest Great Lakes storms and backed by industry-leading warranties. Add in our insurance-claim assistance and flexible financing, and protecting your roof becomes as stress-free as watching the sunshine return over Lake Erie.
FAQs
What are impact-rated roofing materials and how do they differ from standard shingles?
Impact-rated materials—often labeled Class 3 or Class 4 under UL 2218 testing—are engineered to resist damage from hailstones, wind-blown debris, and heavy sleet. During testing, steel balls are dropped onto sample shingles; Class 4 products must show no cracking, splitting, or rupturing. Compared with traditional asphalt shingles, impact-rated options use thicker asphalt, woven fiberglass mats, or rubberized polymers that absorb and disperse energy. For Cleveland homeowners, this means fewer granule losses after hail, a lower likelihood of leaks during freeze/thaw cycles, and a roof that typically lasts 5–10 years longer in our harsh Lake Erie climate.
How can I tell if my roof has storm damage after a Cleveland weather event?
Start with a ground-level inspection. Look for displaced or missing shingles, granules collecting in gutters, bent flashing, or water stains on soffits. Indoors, check attic decking for damp spots and ceilings for discoloration. Because hail bruises and hairline cracks are hard to spot, schedule a professional assessment within 24–48 hours of the storm. Our HAAG-certified inspectors document damage with photos and moisture readings, create a repair estimate, and assist with insurance filings—often at no upfront cost.
Are impact-rated shingles cost-effective for Northeast Ohio homes?
Upfront, Class 4 shingles cost about 10–20 percent more than standard architectural shingles. However, Cleveland sees an average of 3–4 hail events and 20+ days of 50 mph winds per year. Impact-rated roofs reduce repair frequency, extend service life, and can lower homeowners-insurance premiums by 10–30 percent (depending on your carrier). Over a 30-year span, most customers recoup the premium through fewer claims, lower deductibles, and improved energy efficiency thanks to better insulation and reflective coatings.
Will my insurance pay to upgrade to impact-rated materials after storm damage?
Most carriers cover a “like-kind and quality” replacement, meaning they pay to restore the roof to its pre-loss condition. To get an upgrade, you have two options: 1) If your policy includes an Impact-Resistant Roof Endorsement, the insurer will pay the full cost difference. 2) Without that rider, you pay only the material-upgrade cost difference while insurance covers the base replacement. We provide itemized estimates highlighting the delta so you can decide before work begins and supply all paperwork your adjuster needs for possible premium discounts once the upgrade is installed.
How long does a typical storm-damage restoration take in the Cleveland area?
Once the claim is approved, material delivery and crew scheduling usually take 5–7 business days. A full tear-off and replacement for a 2,000-square-foot roof with impact-rated shingles is typically completed in one to two days, weather permitting. Gutters, skylight reflashing, or decking repairs can add an extra day. We monitor Cleveland’s lake-effect radar and never remove more roof area than we can dry-in before nightfall, ensuring your home stays watertight throughout the process.
What should I look for in a contractor to install impact-rated roofing in Cleveland?
Verify that the company holds an Ohio Roofing License, carries at least $1 million in general liability and workers’ comp coverage, and is certified by the shingle manufacturer (e.g., Owens Corning Platinum Preferred or GAF Master Elite). Ask for proof of HAAG residential roof inspector training, which ensures accurate storm-damage evaluation. Finally, request local references from projects completed after major storms (e.g., the May 2022 hail event) to confirm long-term workmanship and warranty support in Northeast Ohio’s demanding climate.