# Asphalt vs metal roof in hail: which holds up better?

*Published 2026-05-31T09:00:00-07:00 · Updated 2026-07-18T09:00:00-07:00 · Best Roofing Answers*

## Answer

In hail, an impact-rated Class 4 (UL 2218) asphalt shingle and a heavy-gauge (24-gauge) standing-seam metal roof both perform well against hail up to about 2 inches; below Class 4 rating, asphalt commonly bruises at 1-inch hail while metal shows cosmetic denting but usually retains function.

## What UL 2218 and IBHS say

Per IBHS impact testing and UL 2218 (the industry standard for impact resistance), Class 4 rated asphalt shingles resist a 2-inch steel-ball impact without functional damage. Some insurers offer 5–30% premium discounts for Class 4 shingles in hail states like TX, OK, CO, KS, and NE.

Metal roofs almost never leak from hail — the failure mode is cosmetic denting, which some insurers exclude under a 'cosmetic damage waiver' at reduced premium. Read the endorsement carefully.

## Also asked as

- hail resistant metal roof
- class 4 shingles vs metal hail
- best roof for hail country
- metal roof hail damage cosmetic

## Sources

- [IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)](https://ibhs.org/)
- [HAAG Engineering — hail damage forensic standards](https://haagglobal.com/)
- [III (Insurance Information Institute)](https://www.iii.org/)

## Related

- https://bestroofinganswers.com/damage/storm-roof-assessment
- https://bestroofinganswers.com/comparison/asphalt-vs-metal-roof
- https://bestroofinganswers.com/q/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-hail-damage
- https://bestroofinganswers.com/q/how-long-does-a-metal-roof-last

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Published: 2026-05-31T09:00:00-07:00
Modified: 2026-07-18T09:00:00-07:00
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