Hail, wind, and flying debris can take a serious toll on your roof and shingles, especially if they’re already brittle from years of exposure to the elements. Impact-resistant (IR) shingles are often marketed as an upgrade that can hold up better to hail strikes and other weather-related issues like high winds.
The only catch? They’re up to or over 25% more expensive than asphalt shingles, and that high price tag doesn’t typically include the cost of labor that comes with putting them on.
Roof Maxx is a cost-effective alternative that can make your current asphalt shingles more durable for a fraction of the price. Get to know the features and benefits of each option below in this article from our team of home exterior experts.
Asphalt shingles are made from petrochemical oils that make them flexible and pliable. You should be able to bend a new shingle in half without any granules popping off or cracking the shingle itself—in fact, that’s a great way to test shingle strength if you’re ever shopping in person.
But like fresh tar on pavement, asphalt doesn’t stay flexible forever. Constant exposure to the elements will dry out your shingles over time and cause them to become brittle. That’s bad news if you live in an area where impact damage is a problem.
Here’s how hail and other debris can damage your shingles when they strike the surface:
Roofs that are over 20 years old often have dozens of dents or shallow holes from impacts over the years that extend all the way down into the underlayment. All those little divots and depressions can also trap water from storms and create the perfect breeding ground for mold.
IR shingles contain extra layers of reinforced material that allow them to absorb the shock of impacts and resist other forms of damage more effectively.
On the surface, they look the same as your run-of-the-mill asphalt shingle, but it’s what’s inside that really counts:
The main trade-off is weight. Because IR shingles are so much heavier, they can actually put strain on the framing if your roof is already compromised (unless you reinforce it first).
Most homeowners who choose IR shingles aren’t solely looking to make their roof more resistant to hail or flying debris during storms. They’re looking for the overall boost in durability that comes with installing stronger, long-lasting shingles instead.
We’re talking about benefits like:
Advantages like these are clear, but how much you personally stand to gain is another story. If you end up paying more than you can afford or more than you’ll save over time, you probably aren’t getting a good deal.
Roof Maxx lets you get more life out of your existing asphalt shingles for up to 80% less than what it would cost to install IR shingles. The treatment process takes less than an afternoon, so it won’t disrupt your life—and it’s scientifically proven to make your roof more resistant to hail.
But protection from impact damage is just the start. Roof Maxx is the better deal because you get more value for your money even though it costs less.
Roof Maxx is made from soy methyl ester—an oil extracted from soybeans grown by farmers right here in the US. It works by re-infusing dried-out asphalt shingles with oils so they can flex, bend, and absorb shock from impacts again.
The treatment process is very straightforward:
The surface of your roof will be dry to the touch within about 30 minutes. The effects will become increasingly pronounced over the first 72 hours.
A flexible shingle is always more durable, so the main benefit is a longer-lasting, more resilient roof. In fact, third-party testing at Ohio State University (OSU) showed that Roof Maxx effectively improved overall durability and permeability while also reducing the size of dents from hail by up to 24%.
Having your roof treated can also:
Roof Maxx also contains a natural fungicide that helps prevent mold, mildew, and algae from forming on your roof. You don’t just get protection—you get performance, savings, and peace of mind, all in one eco-friendly treatment you can feel good about using.
When you have IR shingles installed, you’re paying for so much more than just the product, including labor, waste disposal, and any other unexpected repair needs that crop up along the way. Here’s a rough overview of what most homeowners can expect to pay:
You should factor in any potential savings on insurance, annual maintenance, and repairs before you make your decision, because that’s where you’ll see the most benefit long-term.
Roof Maxx is a one and done treatment—but let’s talk about what that actually means. You pay a flat rate for everything with no hidden fees or incidentals along the way.
Here’s how it typically shakes out:
You’ll get the most value from Roof Maxx if you schedule your first treatment when your roof is 5 to 10 years old, then repeat it every five years. But don’t let these guardrails stop you—we’ve seen the product help people with much older roofs put off early replacement even when they thought all was lost.
ProTip: Ask about our roof tune-up package if you think you might need a few minor repairs. We can often include them in your quote and take care of them before your treatment.
When hail, high winds, and other weather events threaten your home, you have two main options: impact-resistant shingles or Roof Maxx. Both can help make your roof more durable to hail, debris, high winds, and rain, but only Roof Maxx does it for a fraction of the cost.
Before you spend so much money on a total roof replacement, give us a call. You have nothing to lose and you could save thousands in the process. Find a dealer in your area now for a free quote.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
Roof Maxx Technologies LLC
