The First Asphalt Shingle Hail Warranty

TAMKO just announced HailGuard™, calling it the first and only asphalt shingle system backed by a hail warranty. Not a higher impact rating. Not a new marketing label. An actual hail warranty.

The product is positioned as “Built for Hail™” and marketed as going “Beyond Class 4.” While UL 2218 testing currently caps at Class 4, TAMKO says HailGuard™ shingles have demonstrated performance at impact energies exceeding traditional Class 4 testing standards.

How It Actually Works

This is not a blanket “we cover hail damage” promise. It’s a system-based warranty with conditions. These are the key points: 

1. The Hail Has to Qualify

The warranty only applies to “Verified Hailstones” measuring 3 inches or less in diameter, confirmed by the National Weather Service or approved data sources.

Hailstones larger than 3 inches are excluded.

2. There Must Be an Inherent Manufacturing Defect That Causes a Leak

The warranty applies only if the shingles: “are determined to have an inherent manufacturing defect, which directly results in leaks caused by the penetration of Verified Hailstones.”

If that threshold is met during the 7-year HailGuard™ Extended Limited System Warranty Term, TAMKO processes the claim under:

  • The 10-year Full Start Period (non-prorated materials and labor, excluding tear-off and accessories)
  • Or the prorated structure after that

After the Full Start Period, labor is not covered, and shingle compensation is prorated.

Industry Reactions: Disruption or Marketing Play?

The reactions rolled in immediately.

Mike Goldenstein posted to Meta:

“This is industry disruption. TAMKO Building Products just dropped the first ever asphalt shingle system with a hail warranty. This is the biggest news in the roofing industry since the Lifetime Warranty announcement in 2011.”

Matthew Lehman added:

“It’s for 3” hail tested on 20 year weathering of the shingle. The insurance companies will drive demand. The other manufacturers will be forced to follow. The nail in the coffin on hail claims. Welcome to the world of retail roofing! I’m Excited for the weeding out of poorly run companies in our industry!”

Concerns About the “Manufacturing Defect” Language

Anthony Markgraf wrote:

“TAMKO’s warranty specifically states coverage applies only if there is an ‘inherent manufacturing defect which directly results in leaks caused by the penetration of Verified Hailstones.’ It also excludes hailstones greater than 3 inches and any damage not tied to a manufacturing defect. That’s not a general hail damage warranty, it’s a defect warranty that may be triggered by hail. Keyword DEFECT lol. Important distinction for homeowners.”

Jacob OnThe Roof commented:

“The only issue is that it only protects you if the reason the hail caused a leak is a material defect... I believe this warranty is ultimately a huge marketing play that will end up with confused and ultimately screwed homeowners.”

Mark Hurd added:

“Yeah, I wanna see the first #Warranty get processed”

Insurance Industry Reaction

Steven Badger, Partner at Zelle LLP (who frequently represents insurance carriers), also weighed in. He wrote:

“Under this warranty, TAMKO will fully replace the roof -- materials and labor -- if up to 3" hail impact results in a loss of function to the shingles.”

And noted the alignment angle:

“The initial thing that crossed my mind is that for the first time with any roofing product the positions of the roofing product manufacturer and insurance company are aligned. They both now will ask the same question: Did the hail impact affect the function (water shedding capacity) of the roofing system?”

Overall, he called it:

“a very positive development.”

Bottom Line for Contractors

For the first time, a major asphalt shingle manufacturer is offering a hail warranty tied to system installation and performance criteria — not just a Class 4 rating.

Will this shift retail selling? Will carriers embrace it? Will competitors follow?

That all remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: The hail conversation in roofing just changed.