Roof Shingle Ratings: How High-Quality Roofing Lowers Risks and Reduces Costs
A strong roof is one of the most important defenses your home has against harsh weather, especially in the Southeast, where hail-producing severe thunderstorms are common in spring and early summer. In 2018, Huntsville, Alabama recorded the state’s largest hailstone at 5.38 inches across—larger and heavier than a softball. While exceptionally large hail is rare, stones ranging from pea- to golf-ball-size or larger are more common, and larger hail carries a higher risk of damage. A roof’s ability to withstand hail damage depends heavily on the quality of its shingles.
Shingles make up the outermost layer of your roof. These individual, durable pieces are meant to protect the layers beneath from water and weather. Hail can dent, crack, or wear away shingles, and if damage isn’t repaired, water can seep in, leading to mold, rot, structural damage, and costly repairs. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover hail damage to a roof, though the amount paid depends on your policy, deductible, and the roof’s age and condition. High-quality, impact-resistant shingles and roofing materials tend to extend a roof’s lifespan, which can lead to fewer replacements over time, lower repair costs, and reduced insurance premiums.
What is a hail impact-resistance rating?
A strong roof begins with shingles that resist impact without cracking or breaking. In the United States, most residential roofs are covered with asphalt shingles, which vary widely in durability and performance. Performance ratings provide a clear measure of how well shingles withstand severe weather, making it easier to compare durability and reliability. In 2025, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) released numerical scores and performance ratings for 24 impact-resistant shingle products. With this information, homeowners can make confident choices that protect their home while reducing costs.
How are shingles rated?
The IBHS is an independent, nonprofit research organization that studies how homes and building materials perform in severe weather. For its 2025 evaluation, the IBHS tested many of the most widely used asphalt shingles by simulating real hail impacts and measuring the resulting dents and ridges, tears, and granule loss. Each shingle received a numerical score and was placed into one of four categories: Excellent, Good, Marginal, or Poor.
No shingle earned an Excellent rating, but several were rated Good. Homeowners can review the detailed sub-ratings to see how each product performs in different areas. Shingles rated Marginal or Poor are generally not recommended for regions prone to hail.
How can I ensure my roof is built with high-quality materials?
The IBHS offers the FORTIFIED Home program, which provides guidance and construction standards based on decades of research. When hiring a roofing contractor, look for one in the FORTIFIED network. These trained contractors can handle full roof installations, replacements, or targeted upgrades, using high-quality shingles and materials designed to protect homes from the types of severe weather common in your area. Using a FORTIFIED contractor ensures that both materials and installation meet verified, third-party standards. Be sure to routinely inspect your roof and notify your Alfa® agent when improvements are made.
Stronger roof. Safer home. Smarter savings.
Roofs built or upgraded to FORTIFIED standards receive a FORTIFIED roof, silver, or gold designation based on the level of protection. Alfa Insurance offers lower premiums for these homes, helping you protect your investment while saving money. Contact your Alfa agent to review your coverage and see if roof improvements could lower your premium.
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.