Revolutionary Impact-Rated Composite Materials Are Transforming Home Protection Against Severe Weather in San Diego County

While San Diego County is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, homeowners are increasingly recognizing the value of impact-resistant siding as climate patterns evolve and extreme weather events become more unpredictable. Infrequent measurable amounts of hail occur in San Diego, but when severe weather does strike, having the right protective materials can make the difference between minor repairs and costly damage.

The Science Behind Impact-Rated Composite Materials

Modern composite siding represents a breakthrough in building material technology. The best siding for hail resistance is a durable material like steel. With a Class 4 impact rating, the highest available, it offers peak protection from damage like hail. However, composite materials are increasingly competing with traditional options through innovative engineering.

ASCEND is the world’s first composite cladding engineered with a combination of Glass-Reinforced Polymer and Graphite-Infused Polystyrene. This exclusive (GP)2 technology was developed to achieve superior performance in tests for wind load and impact resistance, workability and flame/smoke spread. These advanced composite materials incorporate glass particles for added structural stability, strength, and heat resistance, while titanium dioxide protects against ultraviolet degradation, and impact modifiers help resist dents and dings.

Class 4 Impact Rating: The Gold Standard

The Class 4 impact rating represents the highest level of protection available in building materials. Class 4 is an impact test standard used for shingles and metal roofing, ensuring the highest performance and safety levels. When it comes to siding, Quality Edge Vesta and TruCedar siding options have the highest class 4 impact rating.

This rating system provides homeowners with confidence that their investment will withstand severe weather conditions. With Class 4-rated metal systems, your roof is far more likely to remain watertight even after storm damage. Therefore, purchasing products with a Class 4 rating means you will have a smaller likelihood of damage after a hail event or a storm where debris has made contact with your roof.

Composite vs. Traditional Materials: Performance Comparison

When evaluating siding options for weather resistance, composite materials offer distinct advantages over traditional choices. Our siding has been tested for hail damage and showed no cracks or breaks by 1.75″ hail at 81 MPH. During third-party testing, vinyl siding showed signs of impact by 1.25″ hail and fiber cement siding showed dents by 1.75″ hail.

Revolution siding is made with recycled wood, and is currently available in nine colors ranging from white to red “Tuscan Clay.” Alside claims independent lab tests showed Revolution siding can withstand a Category 5 hurricane, and is more impact-resistant than fiber-cement or real cedar.

Traditional materials face significant limitations. Vinyl Siding is perhaps the most inexpensive siding material, but it is also likely the most prone to hail damage. Hail may just dent or crack the siding, but it is also very likely to punch a hole through the siding. Meanwhile, When considering the strength of siding, fiber cement is another material that is highly recommended. While fiber cement is a very durable material, it can still experience cracking and similar damage during a hailstorm.

San Diego County’s Unique Climate Considerations

San Diego County’s weather patterns, while generally mild, present unique challenges for exterior building materials. The risk on the most dangerous fire weather days in San Diego is very high. The number of these days per year is expected to increase through 2050. Additionally, The share of precipitation during the biggest downpours in San Diego is projected to increase. A downpour for San Diego, CA is a two-day rainfall total over 0.5 inches.

These evolving weather patterns make impact-resistant materials increasingly valuable for local homeowners. While The San Diego, CA area has had 0 reports of on-the-ground hail by trained spotters, and has been under severe weather warnings 0 times during the past 12 months. Doppler radar has not detected any hail at or near San Diego, CA in the past 14.6 years, the changing climate patterns and occasional extreme weather events like the storm caused significant flooding in several neighborhoods of the city along Chollas Creek and in other jurisdictions, causing devastating damage to homes and businesses demonstrate the importance of protective building materials.

Professional Installation Makes the Difference

The effectiveness of impact-rated composite materials depends heavily on proper installation. Selecting the right material is only half the battle; proper installation is what ensures your siding will hold up when a hailstorm hits. An expert installer, well-versed in the intricacies of siding application, is indispensable. They ensure that every panel and plank is securely fastened and sealed, eliminating any weak points that could be exploited by hail.

For San Diego County homeowners seeking professional Siding Installation San Diego County, CA, working with experienced contractors who understand both the materials and local climate conditions is essential. MRH Pro Construction & Painting has been transforming homes across San Diego County for 16 years. We recently obtained our B general and C33 licenses, giving you the confidence that comes with working with properly licensed professionals. What sets us apart in Bostonia is our commitment to direct work—no subcontractors, no middlemen.

Long-Term Value and Protection

Investing in impact-rated composite siding provides multiple benefits beyond immediate weather protection. The integrity of Class 4 impact-resistant composite tiles lessen long-term maintenance and repair costs, lengthen the roof’s lifespan, adds resale value to a home, and can lower insurance rates. Furthermore, the ease of installation of Class 4 impact-resistant composite tiles reduce installation costs.

The advanced engineering in modern composite materials also addresses maintenance concerns. (GP)2’s integral weatherable pigments provide strong fade resistance, even on ASCEND’s dark colors, and its non-moisture-absorbing materials prevent rotting, warping, shrinking, and swelling.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

As weather patterns continue to evolve, San Diego County homeowners are wise to consider the long-term protection that impact-rated composite materials provide. This is why hail-resistant siding installations aren’t just a wise choice – they’re an essential investment in your property’s future. With storms becoming more frequent and intense, the urgency to protect your home’s exterior has never been greater.

The combination of advanced materials science, proper installation by experienced professionals, and the peace of mind that comes with Class 4 impact ratings makes these innovative composite materials an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want to protect their investment while enhancing their property’s value and curb appeal.