When it comes to roofing in hail-prone regions—like the highlands of Idukki or occasional storms sweeping across the Kerala Ghats—homeowners want assurance: Will my shingles survive a hailstorm? While most roofing shingles come with impact resistance ratings, the real question is: how do these ratings compare to actual field performance?
At Scaffs India, we combine technical know-how, lab data, and real-world project experience to guide you on how shingles truly behave under pressure.
🧪 Lab Ratings: The Basics of Impact Resistance
Roofing shingles are typically rated using the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test, which classifies products from Class 1 (least resistant) to Class 4 (most resistant).
Here’s how it works:
Steel balls (up to 2 inches in diameter) are dropped from set heights onto the shingles.
After impact, shingles are assessed for cracking, granule loss, and substrate damage.
Class 4 shingles can withstand impacts similar to a hailstone over 2 inches in diameter without splitting or puncturing.
🔗 Explore Scaffs India’s Premium Shingles Rated for Storm Impact »
🌧 Field Reality: What Happens Outside the Lab?
🛠 Real-World Factors That Influence Shingle Survival:
Roof slope – Steeper roofs deflect hail more effectively.
Age of shingles – Older shingles may lose flexibility and become brittle.
Installation quality – Poor underlayment or nail placement weakens impact zones.
Size and angle of hail – Not all hail falls vertically like in lab tests.
👉 In regions of Kerala where occasional hail events occur during pre-monsoon thunderstorms, homes with architectural or laminated asphalt shingles show far fewer cases of surface fracturing compared to older 3-tab designs.
🔗 View Our Architectural Shingles for Extra Durability »
🧱 Which Shingles Handle Hail Best?
✅ Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Multi-layered build absorbs impact
Flexible base resists splitting
Lab-rated for Class 3 or 4 hail protection
🧱 Tejas Borja Ceramic Roof Tiles
Dense, hard-baked ceramic resists dents
Ideal for areas where large hailstones are rare but wind and rain are strong
Withstands sudden temperature shifts post-hail
🔗 Explore Borja-Tech Tiles for Superior Elemental Resistance »
📊 Field Data: Case Study Snapshots
🔹 Kumily Villa (2022) – Roof withstood hail and strong wind with minor granule loss. Used premium architectural shingles from Scaffs India.
🔹 Munnar Guesthouse (2023) – Upgraded from 3-tab to laminated asphalt after post-hail inspection showed cracking. No damage reported after switch.
🔹 Wayanad Farmhouse (2021) – Installed TB-12 ceramic tiles; tiles remained intact, though gutters collected hail debris. No surface compromise.
🔗 View More Roofing Project Examples »
🔍 Lab vs. Field: A Clear Comparison
| Feature | Lab Rating (UL 2218) | Real-World Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Angle | Vertical only | Angled wind-driven hail |
| Shingle Age | Brand-new | May be aged or weathered |
| Substructure Condition | Perfect lab decking | Can vary with site condition |
| Hail Size Consistency | Controlled | Natural hail varies in size |
| Rebound & Wind Factor | Not tested | Always a field factor |
🛠 Installation & Maintenance Still Matter
Even Class 4 shingles won’t perform well if installed poorly or without proper underlayment. Scaffs India recommends:
Reinforced waterproof underlayments
Correct nailing patterns and wind sealing adhesives
Regular inspection post-storm
🔗 Browse Our Shingle Accessories & Ventilation Products »
🏡 Ready for All Weather Roofing?
Whether you’re bracing for the occasional hail, constant monsoons, or coastal windstorms, Scaffs India’s hail-resistant shingles and tiles give you the best of both science and field performance.
👉 Talk to Our Roofing Experts »
👉 See All Shingle Types for Kerala Homes »
Final Word
Don’t just trust the label—trust the experience. While lab ratings give you a standardised baseline, it’s field-proven design, materials, and professional installation that truly protect your roof during hail events. With Scaffs India, your roofing system is built to last—even when nature strikes hard.
At Scaffs India, we provide comprehensive roof inspection and repair services. Our team will assess the damage and ensure your roof is in top condition. Learn more about our roof repair services.
Scaffs India is your go-to expert for premium roofing shingles in Kerala—combining aesthetics, performance, and protection for every project.We invite you to explore some of the beautiful roofing choices.For more information regarding how IKO Roofing shingles can be used for your roofing project, visit our
contact page link here and get in touch. or call +91 96455 55534.
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