Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth the extra cost in Texas?
In areas with frequent hail, they often are. A Class 4 shingle passes the UL 2218 test, in which a two-inch steel ball is dropped on the shingle twice in the same spot without cracking it. Class 4 shingles typically cost about ten to twenty percent more than standard architectural shingles, and many Texas insurers offer a yearly premium discount that can offset that cost over the life of the roof.
What the Rating Means
UL 2218 is a laboratory test. A steel ball is dropped from a set height onto a shingle sample twice in the same place, and the shingle passes if it does not crack. A two-inch ball dropped from twenty feet is the Class 4 test, the highest rating. Classes 1 through 3 use smaller balls dropped from lower heights.
Class 4 shingles are made with a tougher mat or a modified asphalt blend. Most major manufacturers offer one, and from the street they look like any other architectural shingle.
What It Costs
The shingles cost more, while the labor is about the same. On a full roof, that usually works out to about ten to twenty percent more than a standard architectural shingle, or roughly one thousand to three thousand dollars on an average home. The cost estimator on this site includes a Class 4 option.
Insurance Discounts
Many Texas insurance companies offer a discount on the wind and hail portion of a homeowners premium for a Class 4 roof, commonly ranging from about ten percent up to thirty percent of that portion, depending on the company and the county. Over the life of the roof, the discount can make up the difference in cost. Ask your insurance agent for the exact figure before you choose a shingle.
Insurance companies usually need documentation of the shingle and its rating after the roof is installed.
Things to Keep in Mind
Some insurance companies pair the discount with a cosmetic damage exclusion, which means dents that do not affect how the roof works are not covered. This matters more on metal roofs than on shingles. Review your policy before you decide.
An impact-resistant shingle still needs to be installed correctly, with sound decking, a starter course and proper flashing.
Related Questions
Does a Class 4 roof look different?
No. From the street, a Class 4 shingle looks like a standard architectural shingle and comes in similar colors.
Will insurance pay for the upgrade on a claim?
An insurance claim generally pays to replace what was there before. An upgrade to Class 4 is usually the homeowner's cost, and a roof replacement is a good time to make it.
How long does a Class 4 shingle last?
A Class 4 shingle has a lifespan similar to a quality architectural shingle, often 20 to 25 years in Texas, and it is more likely to hold up to hail along the way.
