Impact Resistant Shingles

Will impact resistant roof shingles save you money?

Homeowners insurance isn’t cheap, especially in states that are hard hit with storms each year. Texas ranks first in the number of hail storms each year followed by Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Information provided by State Farm states they recorded their fifth highest claim payout ever, when 68,000 claims were filed in Fort Worth, Texas in 1992.

Why this is important for Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana

We live in a geographic zone that “by nature” can produce massive thunder, hail laden, storms. The Gulf moisture pumps up to our area and meets the descending mountain cool air that can explode into tornados, hail storms, and torrential rains. Mix in rapid temperature changes that Texas and Oklahoma get and you have the makings of some dangerous damaging weather.

How much savings?

In order to receive a discount, you must install a roof material that;

• has been tested by Underwriters Laboratory
• has a certification, called a UL Listing, of Levels 1,2,3, or 4.
• You must live in a designated area for hail damage

Level 4 is the highest resistance rating and brings the highest discount of 35%; but there is that catch of where you live, based on potential for hail damage loss. The discount goes all the way down to 1% if you live in the lowest rated hail zone and use a Level 1 UL rated roof material. You can get a list of roofs with complying with UL 2218 at State Farm Impact-Resistant List.

How was the Underwriters Laboratory rating created?

Steel balls, weighted and measured, were dropped from different heights to measure consistently the damage to each roof type submitted. A base measurement was established for each of the Levels. Those roof materials with recorded damage below each levels maximum, received the corresponding certification. Most certified roof materials are Level 4, the highest category.

Where to get more information

It wouldn’t make much sense to tear off an good, existing roof to install an impact-resistant new roof; but when your roof gets older before you have problems there local Dallas Roofing Experts that can help with deciding what to do. Impact-resistant shingles are more expensive today, but also lower your insurance costs saving you money in the long run.