Is Euroshield Rubber Roofing Worth the Cost? A Deep Dive into Durability, Cost, and Hail Protection
When it comes to selecting the right roofing material for your home, the stakes are high. The roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and its performance and durability can significantly impact your home’s overall protection and value. Among the options available, Euroshield rubber roofing emerges as a unique contender, especially for those in hail-prone regions. But is the investment in Euroshield justified? Let’s explore the intricacies of Euroshield, compare it with leading asphalt shingle products like Malarkey and CertainTeed, and unpack the true value of its hail-proof guarantees.
Understanding Euroshield’s Unique Proposition
Euroshield Rubber Roofing products are made from recycled rubber, offering an eco-friendly solution that doesn’t skimp on performance. The material’s inherent durability and flexibility make it an excellent choice for weathering severe storms, including hail. Unlike traditional roofing materials, Euroshield provides a blend of sustainability with unparalleled hail protection, but more on that later.
Euroshield Rubber Roofing also offers beautiful slate and shake profile interlocking systems that give maximum wind resistance and make for a beautiful focal point of any home. Due to its thick rubber profile Euroshield is a designer product that competes aesthetically with the top specialty roofing materials and synthetic roofing alternatives such as Davinci or CeDur. The detail in the rubber shingles can be nearly indistinguishable from true slate or shake to the average onlooker.
The Value Behind Euroshield
The initial cost of Euroshield roofing might appear steep compared to conventional materials. However, its value becomes evident when considering its lifespan, minimal maintenance, and exceptional durability. Euroshield roofs are engineered to last, with some lines boasting lifespans of 50 years or more. This longevity, coupled with the material’s resistance to extreme weather, mold, mildew, and even fire, positions Euroshield as a cost-effective, long-term roofing solution.
While asphalt shingles have “Limited Lifetime Warranties,” and are often marketed as “50 Year Shingles,” the reality is these products are generally only ¼” thick and onl regularly last more than 15 years in optimal conditions. You may be asking why a “30 year” or “50 year” product may only last 15 – 20 years. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are vulnerable to ultraviolet light! That’s right…the SUN! Just like the road outside cracks over time due to expansion and contraction and long term sun exposure – so will your asphalt shingle. The granules (or small stones that give your roof its color) protect the asphalt from the harmful UV light, however they fall out over time due to rapid temperature swings, wind, snow, hail, and rain. Unless you are in a very temperate climate with significant overcast throughout the year, it is unlikely that you will reach the marketed life expectancy of an asphalt roof system!
Hail Proof Warranties: Beyond Class 4 Impact Ratings
A critical aspect that sets Euroshield apart is its hail-proof warranties. While many roofing materials, including top-tier asphalt shingles, boast Class 4 impact ratings, it’s crucial to understand what this rating truly signifies. A Class 4 rating indicates a shingle’s ability to withstand impacts from a two-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet, simulating hail impact. However, this rating is not a warranty or guarantee against hail damage.
Research and real-world experiences have shown that a high volume of dense hailstones measuring 1.5 inches in diameter or greater can damage most asphalt shingles, regardless of their impact rating. This revelation underscores a significant limitation of relying solely on impact ratings as a measure of hail protection.
Euroshield’s approach to hail protection is markedly different. The brand offers products guaranteed against hailstones measuring 2 inches in diameter and, in some lines, up to 4 inches! This guarantee provides homeowners with a unique layer of protection, ensuring that their roofs can withstand even the most severe hailstorms without sustaining damage.
Comparing Euroshield with Asphalt Shingles from Malarkey and CertainTeed
Even top shingle brands such as Malarkey and CertainTeed who are reputable brands in the asphalt shingle market, known for their quality, durability, and aesthetic options fall well short of the protection provided by Euroshield Rubber Roofing. Their products, many of which carry Class 4 impact ratings, are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of residential roofing projects. Certainteed and Malarkey are both known for having extremely precise manufacturing methods, heavier product offerings, and affordable product lines that offer enhanced impact ratings to the average consumer. However, when it comes to hail protection, even the best products such as the Malarkey Windsor or the industry’s heaviest shingle – the Certainteed Presidential Shake Triple Laminate can not offer the same level of assurance as Euroshield’s hail-proof guarantee.
Furthermore, the warranties provided by Malarkey and CertainTeed, while comprehensive, typically focus on manufacturing defects and may offer limited coverage against wind damage. Enhanced warranties such as the Certainteed 5 Star or the Malarkey Emerald Premium even cover the workmanship of well qualified contractors. They do not, however, guarantee the same level of protection against hail as Euroshield does.
The Rising Costs of Asphalt Shingles
It’s also worth noting that the price gap between Euroshield Rubber Roofing and asphalt shingles has been narrowing. The costs of asphalt shingles have been climbing due to increases in raw materials and production expenses. This trend, combined with the potential need for more frequent replacements and repairs associated with asphalt shingles in hail-prone areas, makes Euroshield’s value proposition even more compelling.
Since 2020 the roofing industry has seen a nearly 40% increase in the cost of roofing materials, while Euroshield Rubber Roofing has a more stabilized price point, as their product is primarily manufactured with recycled tires. This is important to consider if you are a homeowner in a market with volatile weather conditions and regular wind or hail storms. While the average 30 square asphalt roof replacement may cost $15,000 – $20,000 today, that cost could double in the next 10+ years. This means investing $35,000 to $45,000 in a Euroshield Rubber Roof for the same size project may save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Is Euroshield Worth the Investment?
When evaluating whether Euroshield rubber roofing is worth the cost, consider the long-term benefits and protections it offers. Its unparalleled hail-proof warranty, coupled with the product’s durability, sustainability, and aesthetic versatility, presents a strong case for homeowners, especially those in regions frequently hit by severe hailstorms.
The decision to opt for Euroshield should be informed by a comprehensive assessment of your specific needs, priorities, and the local climate. For those prioritizing long-term performance, minimal maintenance, and robust protection against hail, Euroshield emerges as a prudent, cost-effective choice.
While the upfront cost of Euroshield may be higher than that of traditional asphalt shingles, the investment is justified through its superior durability, environmental benefits, and, most notably, its unique hail-proof protection. As the climate continues to change and severe weather events become more frequent, the importance of choosing a roofing material that can withstand the elements while offering peace of mind cannot be overstated. Euroshield rubber roofing stands out as a forward-thinking choice for homeowners seeking the ultimate blend of protection, sustainability, and value.