Are impact resistant shingles worth it in Texas?
What Class 4 impact resistant shingles are, how they hold up to North Texas hail, the insurance discount in Texas, and when the upgrade makes sense.
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In North Texas hail country they often are. Class 4 shingles pass the toughest impact test in the UL 2218 standard, so they resist hail better than standard shingles, and Texas insurers offer premium discounts for qualifying impact resistant roofs. They cost more up front and they are not hail proof, so compare the price difference with your discount before you decide.
What Class 4 means
Impact ratings come from a lab test called UL 2218, where steel balls are dropped onto the shingle. Class 4 is the top rating, passed with a 2 inch ball. A Class 4 shingle is tougher, but very large hail can still damage it.
The insurance discount
Texas insurers offer discounts for qualifying impact resistant roofs. The size of the discount varies a lot between companies, so ask your agent for the number on your policy before you choose. Keep the shingle certificate we give you, because your insurer will ask for it.
Some policies have a cosmetic damage exclusion for impact resistant roofs, meaning dents that do not affect function are not covered. Read that part of your policy too.
When the upgrade makes sense
It usually makes sense if you plan to stay in the home for years, your insurer's discount is meaningful, or your roof has already been replaced after hail before. If you are selling soon, standard architectural shingles may be the better value.
General information, not legal advice
Policies differ. Read your own policy, and for legal questions about a claim talk to a licensed public adjuster or an attorney. Appraisal Roofing is a roofing contractor, not an adjuster, appraiser or law firm.
Related questions
Do impact resistant shingles look different?
No. Most look like standard architectural shingles and come in the same colors.
Are Class 4 shingles hail proof?
No. They resist hail better, but very large hail can still damage them.
How much more do they cost?
It depends on the shingle line and the roof. We price both options side by side in your quote.
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