A Class 4 roof upgrade after a hail claim means replacing your damaged roof with impact-resistant shingles instead of the standard shingles your insurer approved. In Wise County, where spring hail returns most years, an approved claim is a natural moment to consider it. Here is how the upgrade works with insurance and what to ask first.
If you already have a claim approval and want to talk through upgrade options, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 (open 24/7) or reach us through our contact page.
What makes a roof "Class 4"
Class 4 is the highest rating under the UL 2218 impact test. In that test, steel balls of increasing size are dropped onto a shingle sample, with the largest being two inches across. A Class 4 shingle survives the largest ball without cracking. That does not make a roof hailproof, but it does mean the shingle is built to resist impacts better than standard products.
Most Class 4 asphalt shingles use a rubberized (SBS-modified) asphalt or a reinforced mat that flexes on impact instead of fracturing. There are also Class 4 metal and stone-coated steel options, each with its own trade-offs.
How a Class 4 roof upgrade works with an insurance claim
Your insurer pays to replace what you had with materials of like kind and quality. If you had standard architectural shingles, that is what the estimate covers. A Class 4 upgrade goes beyond that, so the difference between the approved shingle and the impact-resistant one is usually yours to cover.
Some points to keep in mind:
- Your deductible still applies. Texas law does not allow a contractor to waive it, and that includes folding it into an upgrade.
- The estimate stays honest. The insurer pays for the approved scope, and the upgrade is a separate line on your contract.
- The claim process does not change. Supplements for hidden damage, depreciation release and completion paperwork work the same way.
Could it lower your premium?
Some Texas insurers offer premium credits for impact-resistant roofs, but it varies by carrier and policy. Call your agent before deciding and ask exactly what paperwork they need, such as the product name and proof of installation. Our article on Class 4 shingles and Texas insurance covers the coverage side in more detail.
What changes on installation day
For most homes, a Class 4 roof goes on much like a standard shingle roof: tear-off, decking repairs, underlayment, flashing, shingles and ventilation. A few details deserve extra attention.
Matching accessories
Hip and ridge caps, starter strips and other accessories should come from the same product line when the manufacturer requires it. Mixing parts can affect how the roof performs and what the manufacturer will stand behind.
Decking and ventilation
An impact-resistant shingle is only as good as what holds it down. Rotten or gapped decking on older Wise County homes needs repair, and attic ventilation should be checked so heat does not shorten shingle life.
Documentation for your insurer
Keep the product name, color, invoice and completion photos. If your insurer offers a credit, you will likely need proof that a Class 4 product was installed. Store everything with your home records, because a future buyer or a new insurer may ask for the same proof.
Is the upgrade right for your home?
A Class 4 roof is worth weighing if your home has been through more than one hail claim, if you plan to stay for years, or if your insurer offers a meaningful credit. It may make less sense if you are selling soon or the upgrade does not fit your plans. Our article Are Class 4 shingles worth it in Wise County? walks through that decision.
Ask these questions before you commit:
- Which Class 4 products are available in the colors I want?
- Does my insurer offer a credit, and what proof does it need?
- Will my HOA approve the product and color, if I have an HOA?
- How does the upgrade show on my contract, separate from the claim scope?
How Cannon Roofing handles a Class 4 upgrade
Cannon Roofing has replaced roofs across Decatur, Bridgeport, Boyd and the rest of Wise County since 1994. Our roof replacement service starts with a free inspection and estimate, and we show you the approved claim scope and the upgrade side by side so nothing is blurred together. Our crews are factory trained, and every employee holds the Technician Seal of Safety, meaning background checked, drug tested and insured. We stand behind our work with written warranties.
If you have not filed yet, our insurance claims help can document the damage first so you know where you stand before you think about upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
Will my insurer pay for the whole Class 4 upgrade?
Usually not. Insurers pay for like kind and quality, so if you had standard shingles, the upgrade portion is typically your responsibility. Ask your adjuster if you are unsure what your policy allows.
Do Class 4 shingles look different?
Most look like standard architectural shingles from the street. Manufacturers offer them in a range of colors, so you can usually keep a similar look.
Can I upgrade only the damaged slopes?
It is generally not a good idea. Mixing Class 4 and standard shingles on one roof can look mismatched and leaves the standard slopes just as exposed to the next storm. A full roof is the cleaner choice.
If you are in Wise County and want to talk about a Class 4 upgrade with your hail claim, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 any time of day or night. We will inspect the roof, review your approved scope and explain your options. You can also reach us through the Cannon Roofing contact page.