What is an Impact Resistant Shingle? 

Shingle manufacturers like GAF have identified that by interlacing a rubber product called SBS into the manufacturing process of a typical asphalt shingle they can achieve a much more durable shingle. Some manufactures use a specialized fabric layer to achieve the impact resistant rating, while tile manufacturers such as Boral rely on a higher ratio of concrete to sand to achieve optimum durability. Suffice it to say, not all roofing materials are created equal. Regardless of manufacturing process, all roofing products are tested in a specific lab where they drop a ball bearing or fire an Ice ball at the shingle to simulate a hail hit. If the material does not break it gets the coveted CLASS 4 Impact Resistant Rating (IR) also known as UL 2218. 

Will Installing A Class 4 Shingle Get me a Discount on my Premium? YES and NO…

Insurance companies are offering premium discounts if you install Class 4 IR shingles on your home, but often with a contingent implication for what you are eligible for on future claims. This Contingency Document is called a “Cosmetic Damage Exclusion”.

What is a Cosmetic Damage Exclusion?

Here is the verbiage word for word from an insurance company that requires all its customers with Class 4 IR roofing materials to sign a Cosmetic Damage Exclusion: 

“By signing this form you agree that in return for the discount, you will not have coverage for cosmetic loss or damage that’s caused by hail and alters the appearance of the roof covering. You will have coverage for hail damage that allows water to penetrate the roof covering.” 

Basically this says if you do not have a hole straight through your shingle your insurance company will likely not pay for repairs or replacement.

There are 2 Major Problems I see with Cosmetic Damage Exclusion:

1. Cosmetic damage is subjective which may make it hard to understand exactly what your insurance company will cover. 

2. Determining whether or not water will penetrate the roof membrane will require the inspector to pry up shingles which will break the tar strip seal causing damage to the roof. 

Questions to ask your Insurance Company When Considering an Impact Resistant Shingle: 

• Do you offer a discount on my premium if I install an Impact Resistant Shingle?

• What products qualify for the discount? 

• Do I have to Sign a Cosmetic Damage Exclusion? 

• If I put Class 4 Impact Resistant  Shingles on my roof will the valuation increase of my home offset the discount I would be receiving? 

I really don’t mean to paint a negative picture of this product — Bravo to the manufacturers such as GAF who are innovating in an effort to create a product designed to protect our homes. Class 4 Impact Resistant shingles are superior and will withstand hail and other damaging weather far greater than a typical asphalt shingle. It’s just important that you understand the upfront cost and potential future out of pocket expenses that may result. Make sure you do your homework, or just give Formula Roofing a call and one of our experts can walk you through your options. 303-600-8696