Hailstorms are no longer isolated weather events confined to a few high-risk regions. In recent years, hail-related insurance claims have risen sharply, increasing pressure on homeowners, insurers, and contractors alike. According to industry data, wind and hail-driven losses accounted for tens of billions of dollars in residential roof insurance claims in 2024 alone.*

As financial exposure grows, homeowners are beginning to ask a different question: not just whether a roof meets impact testing standards, but whether it offers meaningful protection when severe weather strikes.

The launch of HailGuard™ shingles represents an effort to address that evolving concern.

The Changing Cost of Hail

Hail damage has become one of the most expensive severe weather risks in the United States. Larger deductibles, stricter underwriting practices, and evolving insurance guidelines are affecting homeowners across multiple states.

In many areas, policyholders now carry percentage-based deductibles for wind and hail claims. That means out-of-pocket costs can climb significantly after a single storm event.

For homeowners, roof performance is no longer just about avoiding leaks. It’s also about minimizing disruption, managing repair timelines, and understanding how roofing choices may influence insurance conversations.

Moving Beyond Traditional Impact Classifications^†

Most impact-resistant asphalt shingles are tested under UL 2218 standards and classified up to Class 4. While that classification represents the highest available rating within the current test framework, it does not account for every real-world storm scenario.

HailGuard™ shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance.^† However, the system was developed with a broader performance goal in mind.

Built with ImpactCore ™ technology—a next-generation polymer modified asphalt formulation combined with advanced fiberglass mat engineering—HailGuard™ shingles are are built with an asphalt that is 60-70% more impact resistant than traditional SBS modifieds, has 70-80% greater granule adhesion than standard coatings, and slows the rate of UV erosion by nearly 30%. Combined with the advanced fiberglass mat engineering, HailGuard™ is a shingle capable of withstanding more than twice the impact energy of your typical Class 4 test.^†

It is this system-level engineering that supports what TAMKO describes as performance Beyond Class 4.^†

Introducing the First and Only Asphalt Shingle System Backed by a Hail Warranty^‡

Asphalt shingle systems traditionally aren’t covered by hail warranties.

At least they weren’t until TAMKO released HailGuard™ shingles—the first and only asphalt shingle system backed by a Hail Warranty.^‡ This warranty covers leaks caused by hail, 3" or less in diameter, subject to specific installation requirements and qualifying accessories.

For homeowners, that distinction may influence how roofing decisions are evaluated.

While insurance discounts are not guaranteed and vary by state and carrier, some homeowners may find that installing HailGuard™ shingles can support conversations with their insurance agent regarding potential premium adjustments. Insurance providers evaluate many variables, and roof type is often one of them.

In addition, a roof system designed for impact resilience may help reduce the likelihood of storm damage that can lead to claims, repairs, and higher long-term costs.

A Homeowner Perspective

After experiencing the devastation of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado, one homeowner understands the true cost of severe weather. When it came time to replace her roof, she wasn’t just thinking about curb appeal—she was thinking about resilience, reliability, and how to better prepare for the future.

“I do get really anxious during storms, ” the homeowner noted. “Going through an experience like [the Joplin tornado], I feel like being able to buy a product like [HailGuard™ shingles] and have that asphalt shingle system warranty is really valuable. ”

Her story reflects what many families in hail-prone regions are facing today. With hail damage driving rising repair costs and insurance claims, homeowners are looking beyond traditional impact ratings and focusing on complete protection.

Choosing HailGuard™ shingles—the first and only asphalt shingle system backed by a Hail Warranty^‡—offered added confidence. Because when you’ve seen what a storm can do, knowing your asphalt shingle system has REAL science backing a REAL warranty can make all the difference.

A Contractor’s View on System-Level Protection

Contractors are also closely watching how hail trends are influencing customer conversations.

After installing the HailGuard™ shingles, a roofing contractor with 3J’s Midwest Construction in Joplin, Missouri noted that storm patterns are becoming more intense and less predictable. For contractors, that means balancing installation quality with long-term performance expectations.

“Having something that has a manufacturer warranty backing the hail protection is very important,” said a contractor. “It gives me a lot of confidence as a contractor because I can trust the product and know they're going to stand behind it.”*

Proper installation and adherence to manufacturer requirements help create a stronger, more reliable roof system for the homeowner—supporting long-term performance and overall value. When these standards are followed, contractors may also qualify the installation for enhanced warranty options.^††

Designed for Performance—Without Compromising Curb Appeal

While performance often drives impact-resistant purchases, homeowners continue to prioritize design.

HailGuard™ shingles are available in dimensional color blends intended to maintain visual appeal even after severe weather exposure. The goal is to combine resilience with architectural style, supporting both structural integrity and property value considerations.

Roofing systems are long-term investments. For many homeowners, selecting a product that balances durability and appearance remains a central part of the evaluation process.

What This Launch Signals for the Industry

For decades, impact ratings have served as the primary benchmark for evaluating hail performance in asphalt shingles. While those classifications remain an important reference point, they do not always address the broader question homeowners ask after a severe storm: What happens if my roof is damaged?

The introduction of a hail-warranted asphalt shingle system reflects an effort to go beyond an impact rating by pairing engineered impact performance with coverage designed specifically for hail events.

By combining advanced material engineering with a warranty-backed system approach, this category of roofing product helps bridge a longstanding gap between laboratory testing and real-world homeowner expectations.

For homeowners, that difference may mean:

• Greater confidence that their roofing system is designed with hail protection in mind
• The potential for insurance-related benefits in certain markets
• Added reassurance that performance claims are supported by warranty-backed coverage

Rather than replacing traditional performance metrics, this approach expands how roofing protection is communicated—bringing testing, technology, and warranty structure together in a way that helps homeowners better understand the protection above their heads.