Making the Most of Insurance: Consider Upgrading Your Roof During a Claim

Are you considering upgrading your roof but unsure if it's possible or a good idea?

When your insurance claim is approved for a full roof replacement, the insurance company typically only pays to restore your old roof to a brand-new version of itself.

This means using the same materials and components, with some additions to bring it up to code. However, if you want to go beyond just restoring your old asphalt shingle roof and upgrade to a new one, it is indeed possible and can be a great idea.

Upgrading your roof can bring numerous benefits, including increased home value, improved curb appeal, long-term savings on energy costs, and potentially even discounts on insurance premiums.

By investing in high-quality roofing materials that are designed to withstand the specific climate conditions in Colorado Springs, you can ensure your home remains well-protected and energy-efficient for years to come.

But how do you go about upgrading your roof and ensuring a successful insurance claim?

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process and provide valuable insights on choosing the best materials, ensuring you receive a fair insurance settlement and the importance of proper insurance documentation.

Don't settle for a one-for-one roof replacement - take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade your roof during your insurance claim.

Should You Upgrade Your Roof During an Insurance Claim? 

When you file an insurance claim, if you have a Replacement Cost Value Policy (RCV), you'll only have to pay your deductible, making it the ideal opportunity to upgrade your asphalt shingle roof without incurring significant costs.

Keep in mind that if you decide to upgrade your shingle, you will be responsible for covering the additional cost. By upgrade, I mean transitioning from a standard architectural asphalt shingle to an extreme weather impact-resistant (IR) Class 4 shingle.

One of the most popular upgrades for asphalt shingle roofs is transitioning from a standard architectural shingle to an impact-resistant (IR) Class 4 shingle. This type of upgrade is not only easier and more affordable when the bulk of your roof is paid for by insurance, but it also provides more durability and protection for your home while reducing the likelihood of future claims.

This is why many homeowners take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their roofs when insurance covers the cost of a new one.

3 benefits of upgrading from a standard architectural shingle to an impact-resistant (IR) Class 4 shingle.

Now that you understand the importance of upgrading your asphalt shingle roof when insurance covers the cost of a new one, let's delve into the benefits that come with this decision. It's worth noting that the most common type of upgrade in the Colorado Springs area is transitioning from architectural shingles to impact-resistant (IR) Class 4 shingles. With that in mind, we will focus on the advantages of upgrading from an architectural shingle to a Class 4 shingle.

1. Impact Resistant Class 4 Shingles provide eligibility for discounts on insurance premiums 

It's important to understand that materials rated as impact-resistant have undergone rigorous testing by third-party material testing companies to demonstrate their ability to withstand adverse weather conditions.

As a result, insurance companies are less likely to have to pay out claims, and they often offer discounts to homeowners who have impact-resistant materials on their roofs. This not only provides you with added protection but also saves you money in the long run.

In our experience, we have found that most homeowners receive approximately a 10 to 20% discount on their insurance premiums.

Securing impact-resistant discounts for your upgraded roof is a simple and straightforward process.

Start by discussing with your insurance agent to determine the qualifying materials and then consult with your roofing consultant. They will assist you in selecting from a range of eligible materials and guide you through the entire insurance procedure.

Once the chosen material is installed on your roof, you need to submit a certification document confirming your eligibility for the discounts. Here's an example of a Class 4 Certification form from USAA. 

It's that easy to start enjoying the benefits of impact-resistant discounts!

2. More durability and protection during extreme weather events

When it comes to protecting your home during extreme weather events, upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles is a smart choice. These shingles provide enhanced durability and protection compared to dimensional asphalt shingles. With their ability to withstand adverse weather conditions, they greatly reduce the likelihood of damage to your roof.

Class 4 Impact-Resistant shingles must pass Underwriter Laboratories (UL) toughest impact-resistance test — UL 2218 Class 4¹ where a 2” steel ball is dropped twice from a 20-foot height onto various target locations to evaluate the shingles’ ability to withstand the impact. Proving Class 4 IR shingles are capable of withstanding blows delivered by Mother Nature.

So, if you have the opportunity to upgrade your roof during an insurance claim, don't hesitate to choose Class 4 impact-resistant shingles for maximum durability and protection.

3. Class 4 IR options can offer higher curb appeal than standard asphalt shingles

When upgrading your roof during an insurance claim, you want to choose materials that provide durability and protection and enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Colorado Springs' most common upgrade is transitioning from standard dimensional shingles to impact-resistant (IR) Class 4 dimensional shingles.

However, some Class 4 IR options offer higher curb appeal than standard asphalt shingles. With their sleek and stylish design, they can transform the look of your home and make it stand out in the neighborhood. Whether you choose designer asphalt shingles, synthetic shake/slate style shingles, or stone-coated steel, upgrading to any of these Class 4 IR options will not only provide you with added protection during extreme weather events but also give your home a new and attractive appearance.

F-Wave Synthetic Class 4 IR Shingle

Tips for hiring the right roofing contractor for your insurance claim

Now that you know the three advantages of transitioning from standard dimensional shingles to Class 4 IR dimensional shingles when undergoing a roof replacement through insurance, it's crucial to note that while this upgrade is the most common, there are alternative options.

You can elevate your standard dimensional shingle to designer asphalt, synthetic shake/slate style shingles, or stone-coated steel. However, it's important to recognize that such upgrades are more expensive and may not make sense for some homeowners.

Whether you opt for a shingle upgrade or stick with the standard option during an insurance claim, selecting a qualified roofing contractor is paramount. They should not only have a quality track record of workmanship but also boast experience in insurance-related projects.

Since 1979, Holladay Grace has handled every project as if it were our own home. If you’re local to the Colorado Springs community, we would be pleased to help you with all of your roofing needs.