On May 8, 2017, a catastrophic hailstorm caused $2.3 billion in the Detroit Metro area. And that’s just one storm. Colorado’s Front Range has been dubbed “Hail Alley” because of its numerous damaging hailstorms. So, if you’re a homeowner in the Centennial State, avoiding hail damage isn’t an easy task. Fortunately, there’s a new shingle that reduces that threat significantly. It’s called the F-Wave shingle. Here’s what it is and how to find the right contractor to install it.
What Is the F-Wave Shingle?
The F-Wave shingle is a premium roofing shingle that’s designed for maximum protection against hail and wind. It’s a new one-piece synthetic shingle without granules or asphalt. It has very high tear strength and excellent impact resistance.
F-Wave shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating, which is the highest rating in the industry. Impact resistance ratings are determined by the results of testing. The test usually consists of hitting the roof with steel balls at the speed of 90 miles per hour. Or, sometimes plastic or ice is used to simulate the hailstones. Four different sizes are used to simulate hailstones of various sizes. The roofing material gets its rating based on how well it withstands this test.
What does this Class 4 rating mean to you as a homeowner? Simply put, it means that when you roof your home with these shingles, they’ll withstand hailstorms better than any other class. So, while your neighbor with lower-rated shingles may need a completely new roof after the next hailstorm, your roof will remain relatively unscathed. What’s more, the high winds that often come with hailstorms won’t affect your roof, as F-Wave shingles are rated for 130-mile-per-hour winds.
Finding the Right F-Wave Installer
Once you decide to protect your home with shingles designed to hold up to the weather, you need to find an installer who will do the job right. In fact, you need the right roofer no matter what roofing system you choose. Here are some tips for hiring the best roofer out there.
Demand Good Communication
Working with a roofer that doesn’t keep you informed is always frustrating. It can lead to misunderstandings as well. Find a roofer that is happy to answer your questions. They also need to explain their warranties thoroughly.
Get a Professional Roofer
Some people who put on roofs work part-time and only come to town after a damaging hailstorm. They make big promises. One is that they’ll do the work without charging you for your insurance deductible, basically encouraging you to commit insurance fraud. And, they want money to buy the materials before they’ll start on your roof.
It’s far better to get a roofer with a roofing business that operates year-round in your local area. You need a company that will openly share their references with you and even suggest that you call them to find out about their reliability, skill, and creditworthiness.
Make Sure They Have the Right Paperwork
Before you hire a roofing company, get their certificate of insurance and a list of references. If they hesitate, it’s best to go to another contractor. As for the contract, make sure it details the scope of the project, the product list, and any other information that’s important to the work. Don’t sign any contract for a roof installation if the roofer pushes or pressures you. A reputable installer will give you the time and the opportunity to make the decision that’s right for you.
When you combine the powerful impact-resistance of F-Wave shingles with a reputable, reliable roofing contractor, you have what you need to prevent hail damage to your roof. Then, you can avoid the need for a new roof for years into the future.
Final Words
GS Exterior Experts is ready to help you get your roof in better condition. We offer F-Wave shingle installation to meet your highest expectations. Call us at (720) 683-6288 or use our Contact Us form to get started right away!
