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Impact Resistant Shingles: How They protect Your Virginia Multi-Family Property

Roofing

Can impact resistant shingles save your roof from high-speed winds and hail? Learn all about how this durable choice of roofing materials can protect your home with this guide from the expert team at Tidewater Roofing.

 

 

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Posted by Emmit | April 1, 2026

TLDR - What You Can Take Away From This Blog


  • Ultimate Storm Defense: Impact resistant shingles (Class 1-4) offer superior protection against hail, high winds, and severe weather common in Hampton Roads and Richmond, VA.
  • Built to Last: They outlast standard 3-tab shingles (30-50 year lifespan vs. 15-30 years) due to their multi-layered composition of asphalt, fiberglass, rubber, and polymers.
  • Financial Perk: Investing in IR shingles can lead to potential discounts on commercial and multi-family property insurance premiums.
  • Tidewater Difference: Tidewater Roofing provides expert installation, selection guidance, and industry-leading warranties to protect your commercial roofing investment. Give us a call today!

 

Impact resistant shingles are gaining popularity with Virginia-based commercial and multi-family property owners, due to their ability to withstand severe weather conditions. But how do they compare to standard 3-tab shingles, and are they worth the investment? 

 

In today’s blog, the roofing experts at Tidewater Roofing will go over everything you need to know about impact-resistant shingle materials and types, installation processes, warranties and more. Our team proudly installs high-quality shingles of many kinds for commercial and multi-family properties in Hampton Roads and Richmond, VA.

What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?

Designed to endure extreme weather, such as hail storms and heavy rains, impact-resistant shingles are specialized roofing materials. Their classification is determined by their proven ability to withstand the impact of different sizes and speeds of hailstones.

An image of newly installed impact-resistant shingles on a multi-family property.

Material

Impact resistant shingles are typically made from a combination of asphalt and fiberglass, but can also incorporate other materials like rubber and plastic polymers.

 

Structure

Impact resistant shingles are made from multiple layers that provide added strength and durability compared to traditional three-tab shingles.

 

Class Ratings

All impact resistant shingles are organized into four classes. Class 1 offers the least resistance and class 4 offers the most.

How do Impact Resistant Shingles Work?

Impact-resistant shingles protect the roof deck and underlying structure of a property by absorbing and dispersing the energy from any impact. When a hail stone or ice strikes an impact-resistant shingle, three distinct things happen:

Absorption

The top layer absorbs the initial impact, preventing damage to the layers below.

 

Dissipation

The energy from the impact is spread across a larger area, reducing the chance of puncture or cracking.

 

Resilience

The shingles are able to maintain their shape and integrity after impact, ensuring long-term protection, and return on your roofing investment.

A close up image of a roofing contractor with his tape measure, measuring the slope of a residential roof. Measuring is a crucial step before installing impact-resistant shingles.

What are the Benefits of Choosing Impact Resistant Materials?

Opting for impact resistant shingles brings several benefits that help protect your property and your peace of mind, including:

 

  • Enhanced durability
  • Longevity and reduces the frequency of roof replacements.
  • Super weather protection against rain, high winds and hail.
  • Insurance advantages such as potential discounts on premiums for commercial and multi-family properties with impact resistant roofing.

Impact Resistant vs. 3-Tab Shingles: What’s the Difference?

A table comparing impact resistant shingles to standard, 3-tab shingles.

When to Make the Switch

When choosing between impact resistant shingles and three-tab shingles for your roof, make sure to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Would you rather spend more upfront for better protection, or save money now and likely pay more for repairs later? You’ll pay less at the front end for three-tab shingles, but you may pay more in the long run if they become damaged.
  • What kind of weather events are likely to affect your home? Hampton Roads, VA can experience nearly 40 severe weather warnings each year, which means extra protection for your roof could be a smart investment.
  • What warranties will come with your new shingles? Whether you purchase impact-resistant shingles or three-tab shingles, you’ll want to make sure they’re protected. Tidewater Roofing offers industry-leading warranties on all of our work, guaranteeing you a job well done and allowing you to buy new shingles for your roof with confidence.

The Tidewater Installation Difference

Evaluation

We bring expertise to the specific challenges and requirements of commercial and mult-family property structures. Our priority is ensuring your commercial roof replacement perfectly meets your business's unique needs.

 

Your roof installation quote is meticulously calculated based on multiple factors, including size, the materials required, structural and aesthetic preferences, and, critically, safety standards.

 

To provide you with the most accurate estimate possible, we will conduct an in-person assessment at your business or the job site.

Recommendation

We offer top-of-the-line impact resistant shingles designed to provide superior protection against hail and storm damage. Our experts will help you select the ideal impact resistant shingle solution that aligns with your building's architecture, local climate, and budget.

 

And with our industry leading warranties on these durable shingles, you can rest easy knowing your investment is protected for years to come.

Installation

 

We begin your impact resistant shingle installation by removing and disposing of your old roofing material. We complete this part of the process with care, ensuring that we do not cause any unnecessary damage to the roof, building, or surrounding areas. 

 

Once the old roof has been removed, we prepare the area for the new materials to be installed. The preparation is outlined in your quote, including any underlayment, waterproofing, vapor barriers, and other prep-work needed prior to installation of the actual roof.

 

We install your impact resistant shingles per the process needed for the type, slope, and materials. We have worked on traditional sloped shingle roofs, flat roofs, metal roofs, hip roofs, and more; our roofers have the knowledge and experience needed to handle any roofing job you can throw at them.

 

We understand the importance of minimizing operational disruptions during roof replacement. Our efficient planning and execution strategies are designed to complete your project swiftly while maintaining the highest safety standards, and employee and tenant satisfaction.

Continued Maintenance for Continued Peace of Mind

Proper installation and maintenance are essential for maximizing the benefits of impact resistant shingles. Once you’ve had our team put new impact resistant shingles on your roof, take these steps to keep them in excellent condition:

 

  • Conduct visual inspections of the roof every season, especially after severe weather events. 
  • Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and free from debris to prevent water buildup and ice dams. Check for proper water flow and fix any blockages immediately.
  • Trim any tree branches that are hanging over the roof to prevent them from falling and causing damage. 
  • Regularly check for any signs of algae or moss growth. 
  • Inspect flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Ensure that all sealants are intact, and reseal any gaps or cracks to prevent water leaks.
  • Ensure that attic ventilation is adequate to prevent moisture buildup and temperature extremes. 
  • Report any issues to our team right away, we have roofing contractors standing by to help you through any issue with your new impact resistant shingles.

 

Impact resistant shingles represent a smart, long-term investment for Virginia commercial and multi-family property owners seeking superior protection against severe weather events. By offering enhanced durability, potential insurance savings, and a longer lifespan compared to standard 3-tab options, these advanced materials ensure the sustained integrity of your property. 

 

Contact the experts at Tidewater Roofing today to explore how an impact resistant roof can deliver lasting peace of mind and protect your valuable investment.

An aerial shot of Hampton Roads Virginia, showing a tree-lined street in the fall, with multi-family properties lining the street.

What Property Managers in Your Area are Asking About Multi-Family Property Roofing

What services can Tidewater Roofing provide for my multi-family or commercial property?

Tidewater Roofing offers comprehensive roofing solutions specifically designed for property managers. Our services include:

  • Routine roof inspections
  • Customized maintenance programs
  • Emergency repairs
  • Drone inspection services
  • Full roof replacements

We provide tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your multi-family properties, so call us today to learn more.

What types of roof repair can be done on my multi-family property?

We are equipped to handle a comprehensive range of repairs for multi-family properties, from minor fixes to major repairs, all aimed at ensuring the safety and integrity of your building. Our services include:

  • Leak repairs
  • Shingle replacements
  • Gutter repairs
  • Metal and wood trim work
  • Vinyl siding and soffit repairs
  • And more

What warranties does Tidewater Roofing provide?

We’re proud to offer comprehensive warranties on new commercial and multi-family property roof installations, covering both the materials and the workmanship. We have various warranty options based on the materials chosen and the scope of work, contact us today to learn more.

 

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