So, you’ve had some summer storm damage and need to repair your rooftop. Hopefully your homeowner’s insurance is helping cover the cost. But what if the products you choose to re-roof your home with could lower your insurance premium?
It might sound too good to be true, but the use of certain roofing materials and standards could do exactly that. Let’s dive into how this works.
Getting a FORTIFIED Roof™
No, we don’t mean you should add crenelations and a moat to your rooftop. GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has actually established a unique alliance with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Together they’ve created the FORTIFIED™ standard for constructing and re-roofing homes.
Designed to aid in protecting houses against specific types of severe weather, getting a roof with this designation may also qualify you for insurance discounts, available grants, or other incentives. It is a voluntary program, however, so be sure to work with a contractor who has the FORTIFIED™ certification.
Using impact-resistant roofing
GAF also carries various products ideal for regions with hail. These roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, have the UL 2218 Class 3 and Class 4 ratings, and your local roofing contractor should be able to identify them for you during their initial quote.
You’ll need to double check with your insurance agent, but, according to GAF’s website, some insurance carriers will offer you a discount on your homeowner premium for installing qualifying UL 2218 Class 3 and Class 4 products.
“So if I spend money I can save money?”
While a quality roofing contractor will do their best to save you money by quoting accurately, you may need to invest in certain roofing products or systems for long-term savings. Next week we’ll dive into our top 4 roofing materials that we recommend for storm-prone homes.