Impact resistant shingles: The X factor

Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS)

At Integrity Roofing and Painting, we think impact resistant shingles are cool…really cool! Did you know that in Colorado as much as 40 percent of all homeowners insurance claims result from hail damage? Also, Colorado has more storms with large-size hail (diameter greater than 1.5 inches) than any other state in the country! By having your Colorado roof upgraded with not only Integrity’s Integrated Integrity Roofing System, but also with top-of-the-line impact resistant shingles, your roof will not only look better than it ever has, but will also be ready for any challenges that mother nature hurls its way.  By upgrading to high impact resistant shingles you can not only have more confidenece that the next hail or wind storm will be not match for your homes’s roof, but you can also reap benefits like reduced insurance deductibles.

So, what makes impact resistant shingles different?

If you’re like us then you’re probably wondering, what is the difference between impact resistent roofing shingles and regular asphalt roofing shingles? The answer to this question lies in one key ingredient: Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS). Roof shingle manufacturers are increasingly incorporating this powerful substance into their shingles due to the over-all strength that it adds. When SBS is added to the asphalt used to produce roof shingles that asphalt becomes polymer modified asphalt, which is far better suited to resist heavy impact from rain, hail, and wind than standard, traditional blown asphalt.

What is SBS?

Styrene Butadiene Styrene is a synthetic rubber copolymer consisting of styrene and butadiene. It has good abrasion resistance and good aging stability and can be found in other products such as car tires, shoe heels and soles, gaskets, and even some types of chewing gum! In a recent test of impact resistant shingles made from SBS, 2-inch steel balls were dropped from 20 feet above the shingles in an attempt to break them. The majority of the SBS shingles passed with flying colors! Another amazing thing about SBS impact resistant shingles is that, in some cases, they are actually able to heal themselves. This is due to the extreme flexibility that is added to the shingle when SBS is introduced. If the SBS shingle cracks and it’s flexible, it can heal itself. Adding polymer to the shingle also increases its resistance to cold weather and thermal shock.

With all the benefits there are to be gained by upgrading your roof with impact resistant shingles, why not do it? Call Integrity Roofing and Painting today for a free inspection, and start realizing the benefits of the Integrated Integrity Roofing System, with high impact resistant shingles!