Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak is encouraging homeowners to consider purchasing impact-resistant shingles. The investment could lead to savings on their home insurance premium.
“With the severe weather we experience here in Oklahoma, roofs take a beating,” said Doak. “Studies have shown that many impact-resistant shingles can withstand a storm with golf-ball sized hail and 130 mph winds. They offer better protection from wind and hail, reducing the chance you’ll have to file an insurance claim to get a new roof. Overall, it’s a great investment.”
The discounts vary depending on the class of roofing material. The Underwriters’ Laboratory rates roofing materials from Class 1 to Class 4. A Class 4 shingle generally receives the highest premium credit. Typically, Class 4 roofing materials for a house cost $1,800 to $2,500 more than lower-rated shingles.
Check with your insurance company before replacing your roof to see what discounts they offer and the specific type of roofing material required to qualify for the discount.
One maker of impact-resistant shingles in Oklahoma is Malarkey Roofing Products. Commissioner Doak toured the facility earlier this week.
“Our plant in Oklahoma City is equipped with a state-of-the-art polymer modified asphalt blending system we use to manufacture our impact-resistant shingles,” said Gregory B. Malarkey, Senior Vice President of Malarkey Roofing Products. “We are proud that we can bring this technology to Oklahoma’s citizens to help them contain the costs associated with roof replacement due to inclement weather events. We appreciate Commissioner Doak’s interest in our advanced technology and for taking the time to tour our Oklahoma City manufacturing facility.”
