Are impact-resistant shingles worth the extra money?
In an area that gets frequent hail, they often are. Class 4 is the highest rating in the UL 2218 impact test, which measures whether a shingle cracks when it is struck. Many Texas insurance companies offer a premium discount on homes with a Class 4 roof, which can help offset the extra cost over time. Ask your insurance agent what discount your policy offers before you decide.
What the Class 4 rating means
The UL 2218 test drops steel balls of different sizes onto a shingle and then checks it for cracks. Class 4 is the highest rating, and a Class 4 shingle has withstood a two-inch steel ball dropped from twenty feet without cracking.
The test measures whether the shingle cracks. A Class 4 shingle can still show dents, scuffs or granule loss after a hailstorm, so it is important to understand what the rating covers.
Insurance discounts on Class 4 roofs
Many Texas insurance companies offer a premium discount on homes with impact-resistant roofing. Over the life of the roof, that discount can cover much of the difference in material cost.
The discount is not always applied automatically. Let your insurance company know your roof is Class 4, and keep the manufacturer certificate from your installation, since your insurer may ask for it.
When Class 4 may not pay off
If you plan to sell your home within a few years, you may not own it long enough for the insurance discount to add up. If your insurance company does not offer a discount, the benefit comes from the shingle alone.
A Class 4 roof resists cracking, but it can still be damaged by a severe hailstorm.
Check your policy for a cosmetic damage exclusion
Some policies that offer a discount on impact-resistant roofing also include a cosmetic damage exclusion. With that exclusion, the policy pays for damage that affects how the roof works, but not for damage that only affects how it looks.
Read your policy or ask your agent so you know what your coverage includes before a storm.
Related Questions
How much more does a Class 4 roof cost?
Class 4 shingles cost more than standard shingles, but the installation is the same. Contact us for a free estimate to compare the price for your home.
How can I tell if my current roof is Class 4?
Your installation paperwork or manufacturer certificate will show it. If you do not have the paperwork, a roofer can often identify the shingle during an inspection.
Does a Class 4 shingle resist wind as well?
The Class 4 rating is about impact. Wind resistance is a separate rating, so check both when comparing shingles.
Do you install Class 4 roofs?
Yes. FBM Roofing & Solar installs Class 4 impact-resistant roofs.
