HailGuard™ shingles introduce a new standard for hail protection

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A closer look at how this warranty-backed asphalt shingle system is reshaping performance expectations in hail-prone regions. 

As severe weather continues to reshape priorities across the roofing industry, contractors and homeowners are placing greater emphasis on systems that deliver both proven performance and long-term certainty. That shift is reflected in the introduction of HailGuard™ shingles from TAMKO^R, a system designed to move beyond traditional impact ratings by combining advanced testing with warranty-backed protection. A system designed to move beyond traditional impact ratings by combining advanced testing with warranty-backed protection. † 

This evolution begins with how performance is defined. While many asphalt shingles meet UL 2218 Class 4 impact standards, HailGuard™ shingles have been tested at impact energies exceeding those requirements,† signaling a focus on conditions that more closely reflect real-world storm events rather than controlled laboratory benchmarks. That distinction is reinforced by what the manufacturer identifies as the first and only asphalt shingle system backed by a hail warranty,‡ shifting the conversation from rating alone to a combination of tested durability and defined coverage. 

From there, the system approach extends into installation and long-term protection. When installed as part of a qualifying assembly by a TAMKO® certified contractor, the system may include hail warranty protection for up to 20 years,†† workmanship coverage extending up to 25 years* and 50 years non-prorated protection through the Full Start® non-prorated period.** Rather than treating performance and coverage as separate considerations, these elements work together to create a clearer framework for both contractors and property owners. 

That alignment is supported by material design at the shingle level. Built with ImpactCore™ technology, the system incorporates next generation polymer technology and advanced fiberglass mat engineering intended to absorb and disperse impact energy during hail events. The result is a design that prioritizes structural integrity under stress while maintaining consistent installation and sealing performance in the field. 

As the industry continues to evaluate roofing systems as integrated assemblies rather than individual components, solutions that connect testing, material engineering and warranty support are gaining traction. Within that broader shift, HailGuard™ shingles reflect a move toward roofing systems designed not only to perform during severe weather, but to provide clarity and confidence in the aftermath. 

Learn more about how HailGuard™ shingles combine advanced impact testing, ImpactCore™ technology and warranty-backed protection to support performance in hail-prone regions!

†“Beyond Class 4” is a marketing term and does not refer to any official UL impact rating. HailGuard™ shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. UL 2218 utilizes a dropped steel ball which may not correlate with real world rooftop experience with the impact of storm driven hail or other objects. Currently, UL testing does not include classifications higher than Class 4; however, TAMKO has successfully tested HailGuard™ shingles at impact energies exceeding UL 2218 Class 4. See TAMKO’s HailGuard™ Extended Limited System Warranty for complete terms and details. 

†† Enhanced HailGuard™ limited system warranty periods are only available under a TAMKO Shield™, TAMKO ProShield®, TAMKO MasterShield® and TAMKO DiamondShield™ enhanced limited system warranty. See tamko.com/edge for details. 

‡As of March 2026. See TAMKO’s HailGuard™ Extended Limited System Warranty for complete terms and details. 

*Contractor Workmanship is only available under a TAMKO MasterShield® (10 years) or TAMKO DiamondShield™ (25 years) enhanced limited system warranty. See tamko.com/edge for details. 

**Must include Synthetic Guard™ and Moisture Guard® in order to qualify for the HailGuard™ Limited System Warranty.