If you live in an area that has hailstorms, you probably want the strongest roofing material for your home. Some storm seasons are worse than others, depending on the weather patterns, so you always need to be prepared. That means keeping your roof in good condition and replacing it before it gets old and worn out.

When it's time for a new roof, you may wonder what type of material is best for a hail-prone area. Here's how popular types of residential roofing compare when it comes to hail impacts.

Class 4 Roofing

Asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and metal roofing all have options with a Class 4 impact rating. A Class 4 rating is the highest available and means the material offers the best protection against impacts. The testing involves shooting steel balls at the materials to simulate hail falling and then checking the shingles, panels, or tiles for signs of damage.

If you want the best protection, choose Class 4 materials no matter what type of roof you buy. However, Class 4 roofing is more expensive than lower grades, so you may need to choose more affordable roofing after comparing your choices.

Metal Roofs

Metal is one of the most durable types of roofing. It's a good choice for hail protection. However, large hail might dent metal panels. When this happens, the damage might just be cosmetic, but you probably don't want dents all over your roof.

Before you choose a metal roof, you might want to talk to your insurance agent about your coverage and if it covers a roof replacement due to hail damage. Since the strikes might not lead to a roof leak, your insurance may not pay for a roof replacement if your policy doesn't cover cosmetic damages.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles offer varying amounts of protection depending on the grade of the tiles. Clay tiles can crack easily. Even small hail might cause a hairline crack that leads to leaking. These cracks are often difficult to detect too. Larger hail might chip off part of a tile.

Depending on the severity of the storm, you may be left with several cracked or chipped clay tiles that need to be repaired or replaced. If you want a tile roof and you live where hail is common, talk to your roofer about the best tiles to buy.

Asphalt Shingles

Lower grades of asphalt shingles may stand up to small hail when the roofing is new. The problem with asphalt shingles is that they lose protective granules as they age. When your roof is old and has sun exposure degradation, hail can take a toll on the roof. However, both old and new shingle roofs can be damaged by hail, especially by large stones.

Signs of hail damage on shingles include cracking and bruising. If your roof is covered in this kind of damage, you'll probably need a roof replacement since the risk of leaking is high.