4 min readAs extreme weather becomes a growing concern for more homeowners, the roof over your head is the first line of defense in protecting your home—and your family—from the elements. But true resilience isn’t about surviving one storm; it’s about choosing materials designed to hold up against repeated exposure to demanding conditions.
“In the case of roofing, resilience is all about the shingle’s ability to handle punishing impact from hail, falling debris, and the like, and to hold steady in the face of gale force winds and thrashing rain,” says Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Here, he offers his expert advice on choosing roofing materials that can offer an extra layer of protection.
1. Start With the Shingle Itself
Not all asphalt shingles are created equal; the construction of the shingle has a major impact on its durability. “The thickness of the shingle is the first and most important determinant of its resilience,” says DiClerico.
Basic three-tab asphalt shingles can be more susceptible to dents and damage, while architectural shingles like the NorthGate and Landmark ClimateFlex lines offered by CertainTeed feature multiple layers that provide greater strength and stability.
The asphalt itself also matters. “Entry-level shingles tend to be brittle and therefore prone to cracking,” DiClerico explains. “Durable multi-layered roofing is made with asphalt that’s been mixed with different polymers, resulting in a more pliable shingle that can take more abuse.”
2. Look for Impact Resistance
Hail can be particularly hard on a roof, causing dents and other damage that may not always be immediately apparent. One way you can evaluate a shingle’s ability to withstand harsh weather is by looking at its impact-resistance rating.
“To achieve the highest Class 4 rating, a shingle must be able to resist a steel ball dropped from 20 ft on the same spot,” DiClerico explains. Both CertainTeed NorthGate and Landmark ClimateFlex shingles hold a Class 4 rating, meaning they can take on 130 mph winds and hail the size of a billiard ball. “A Class 1 shingle, by comparison, can end up pockmarked by the smallest hail or even a spray of gravel from the driveway,” he adds.
Depending on where you live, that added protection may have financial benefits, too. Class 4 shingles are eligible for insurance discounts in some states, which can help offset their higher upfront cost.
3. Consider Temperature Extremes
More than any other part of your home, your roof is exposed to extreme heat, cold, and rapid shifts in temperature throughout the year. Because multi-layer shingles are more flexible, they offer what DiClerico calls “a kind of ‘bend but don’t break’ display of resilience” that prevents cracking in very cold climates. The rubberizing effects of CertainTeed ClimateFlex shingles also allows them to be handled and installed in low temperatures, so your roof can be repaired any time of year.
In hot, humid climates, look for features like algae-resistance technology. CertainTeed offers a 30-year warranty on shingles with its StreakFighter topcoat, which is infused with naturally algae-resistant copper to prevent unsightly black patches from appearing on your roof.
4. Choose the Right Level of Protection for Your Region
More protection isn’t automatically better for every homeowner. The right roofing material depends in part on the weather conditions where you live.
“If hurricanes and hailstorms are common where you live, you should absolutely think about investing in a resilient roof,” DiClerico says. He notes that while premium resilient roofing can cost more upfront, it will last significantly longer than standard roofing. CertainTeed backs up their products with a 50-year warranty, while standard asphalt shingles typically have 20- to 30-year warranties.
At the same time, homeowners in more moderate climates may not need the highest level of impact resistance. “There are different degrees of resilience, so it’s important to choose the right roofing material for your region,” he says. CertainTeed offers a range of options, including Class 3 shingles, giving you the ability to choose a level of protection appropriate for your needs.
5. Don’t Assume Durability Means Sacrificing Style
Today’s architectural shingles come in a variety of colors and profiles, making it possible to boost protection and curb appeal at the same time. CertainTeed’s Landmark ClimateFlex, for example, is designed to capture the look of natural wood shake, with a dual-layer construction and colors like Burnt Sienna, Colonial Slate, and Weathered Wood.
The NorthGate ClimateFlex shingles offer a bolder look through the brand’s Max Def color palette, with rich, saturated hues like Espresso, Hunter Green, and Moiré Black that bring added dimension and depth. Whether you’re seeking a slate dupe for your historic Victorian or you want to make a style statement, there’s something for every home.
As DiClerico says, “The best thing about resilient roofing is it also looks great—and stands the test of time.”
