Texas weather can bring severe spring hail, powerful winds, and intense summer heat. Replacing your roof, however, does not have to be only an out-of-pocket expense—it can also be a long-term investment that helps reduce your costs. Installing Class 4 impact-resistant shingles may better protect your Texas home from hail and high winds while potentially qualifying you for a homeowners insurance discount. This guide will help you understand how Class 4 insurance discounts work and how they can benefit Texas homeowners.
How Class 4 Insurance Discounts Work in Texas
Since 1998, the state of Texas has required property insurers to offer Class 4 impact-resistant roof discounts to homeowners. Insurers won’t automatically apply the Class 4 shingles insurance discount; homeowners have to ask for it and provide the proper documentation to verify that they have installed a qualifying Class 4 impact-resistant roof.
While the state requires that the discount be offered, they do not dictate what the discount will be. That is left up to the individual insurance companies to decide. They use a variety of factors to determine the savings, which can range from 15 to 35 percent.
The region of Texas where your home is located can affect the discount. For instance, if you are in an area that is more prone to hail, such as North Texas or the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, you might see a discount that is higher than other areas of the state. In addition, the age of your roof or its design can also affect the amount of the premium savings you are eligible to receive.
The Science Behind the GAF Timberline UHDZ®
Shingles that earn a Class 4 impact resistance rating have earned the highest rating during the UL2218 impact resistance test. During the test, different sized steel balls are dropped onto the shingles, which are then evaluated for damage or cracking on the back of the shingle. To earn Class 4, the shingle must withstand a two-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 20 feet.
GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles deliver the Class 4 impact resistance that Texas homeowners need for their homes. Ultramat™ high-performance fiberglass mat technology works at the core of the shingle to strengthen its support layers, contributing to its Class 4 performance rating.
In addition to the impact resistance, GAF Timberline UHDZ® features additional properties that stand up to severe Texas weather. When installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories, they qualify for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.2
Finally, you don’t have to sacrifice appearance for performance. These shingles feature a patented Dual Shadow Line that adds incredible depth, taking your home’s curb appeal to the next level.
Want to see how Class 4 protection looks on your home? Use our Roof Visualizer Tool.
Class 4 Shingles Cost: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
It’s true that installing a Class 4 shingle roof will cost more upfront, but often the savings can be recouped within a couple of years through the reduction in your insurance premium alone. In addition, having a more resilient roof means your risk of damage from impact and paying high hail deductibles is minimized.
A higher performing roofing system means you will benefit from a longer service life with fewer repairs needed after severe weather. GAF’s 30-Year StainGuard Plus Pro™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty3 keeps your roof looking beautiful and algae-free throughout its lifetime.
How to Secure Your Impact Resistant Roof Discount: A Texas Homeowner’s Checklist
Before you purchase - Contact your insurance company to secure written discount estimates and make sure you understand what documentation they require to receive the discount. Be sure to ask if there are exclusions for cosmetic damage that doesn’t impair functionality of the roof.
During installation - Work with a GAF-certified contractor to ensure that the exact Class 4 product details are itemized and documented for the insurance company.
After installation - Gather documentation required to receive the discount, including your invoice, the GAF specification sheet, dated photos of your new roof and be sure the contractor has signed off on the PC-068-Impact-Resistant Roofing Installation Form.
At Renewal - Confirm that your discount will be applied again when you renew your coverage. Be sure to ask how roof age will impact your discount level each year.
Why Texas Homeowners Trust GAF Class 4 Shingles
Texas experiences a wide range of weather that can vary depending on where in the state you live. GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles bring the protection and resilience that homes in any part of the state need.
The infinite wind speed warranty protection makes it an ideal choice for homes along the Gulf coast as well as those in areas subject to the strong, gusty winds that are frequent in the panhandle and high plains areas of the state. Protect your home with the best. Explore GAF Timberline UHDZ® with UltraMat™.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Class 4 shingles insurance discount in Texas?
The insurance discount for Class 4 shingles varies based on a variety of factors, such as age of your roof and your location, but it ranges from 15 to 35 percent.
Will my insurance carrier require an inspection after installation?
In most cases, an inspection after installation is not necessary as long as you have the documentation from the manufacturer, the installer and submit photos.
Do Class 4 shingles prevent all hail damage?
Class 4 shingles are impact resistant meaning they can better withstand being subject to hail impacts, but no shingle is 100 percent hail proof.
What happens if hail hits a Class 4 shingle—does it still get replaced by insurance?
When a Class 4 shingle is subject to a hailstorm, it can typically absorb the impact with little to no damage. In this case, an inspection by a GAF certified contractor can verify that the shingle is still going to deliver the protection your home needs against future storms.
What is the GAF Timberline UHDZ® class 4 hail rating?
The GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingle was subject to UL2218 testing and earned a Class 4 rating by withstanding the impact from a two-inch steel ball dropped from a height of 20 feet.
Will cosmetic damage exclusions affect me?
It’s possible. Some insurance companies will exclude payment when damage is considered cosmetic only and the roof is still structurally sound and able to provide protection for your home.
Does roof age affect the discount?
Yes – the age of your roof can affect the amount of your discount. Each insurance company has their own guidelines so be sure to contact your insurer to understand how age can affect the discount you receive.
Can I upgrade only part of the roof?
Upgrading only a portion of your roof typically does not qualify for a discount. Most insurance companies require a full roof replacement to earn the discount.
How do I get a quote?
Get a free quote from a GAF-certified contractor today.
1Only Timberline UHDZ® shingles sold in packages bearing the UltraMat™ high-performance mat logo and UL 2218 Class 4 Classification statement are rated for Class 4 impact resistance. UL 2218 Class 4 Impact-Resistance Test performed by Certerra Analytical - PRI under controlled laboratory conditions. GAF makes no express or implied warranty about the impact performance of this product against hail. Hail damage is not covered under the limited warranty.
215-year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty on GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installations not eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
330-year StainGuard Plus PRO™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus PRO™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.fimpact resistance test performed under controlled laboratory conditions. GAF makes no express or implied warranty about the impact performance of this product against hail. Hail damage is not covered under the limited warranty.
