UL 2218 Class Ratings For Roofing Materials in Texas

Work With the Best Roofing Contractors in Central Texas

Quality is at the heart of our Austin roofing company in every project we take on. Contact our experienced Central Texas roofers for a same-day, pressure-free inspection. Call 512-375-3654 to book your free inspection.

If you need a new roof installed, LOA is the roofing company to call! Our roofing experts are known for providing quality workmanship at a fair price. If you own a house or business in Central Texas you can't afford to work with another roofer.

Find out how much roof replacement will cost in Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas.

Schedule a FREE Roof Inspection

The UL 2218 Class Rating Breakdown

There are a lot of things to consider when you need a new roof or major roof repair. One of the most important factors for roof coverings is that the materials are durable enough to withstand the local environmental factors.

In Texas, the class rating system for roofing materials refers mainly to impact resistance, which measures how well a roofing product can withstand hail and impact from flying debris during severe storms. This classification is based on the UL 2218 standard, a widely accepted test that simulates hail damage by dropping steel balls of certain diameters from specific heights onto roofing samples and examining whether they crack, split or fracture.

Roofing materials earn a Class 1–4 rating depending on how large the steel ball is and how high it's dropped.

Class	Steel Ball Size	Drop Height	Protection Level
Class 1	~1.25 in.	~12 ft.	Minimal impact resistance
Class 2	~1.5 in.	~15 ft.	Basic hail resistance
Class 3	~1.75 in.	~17 ft.	Good hail resistance
Class 4	~2.0 in.	~20 ft.	Highest impact resistance

What These Ratings Mean in Practice

Class 1 and Class 2 – Limited impact protection. Often the rating for standard or entry-level roofing products. Provides some resistance but may still crack under moderate hailstorms.
Class 3 – Common upgrade with better protection. Can resist impacts roughly equivalent to smaller hailstones (~1.75"). Often a good mid-range choice that balances cost and durability.
Class 4 – This is the top tier for impact resistance and structural integrity. Can withstand impacts simulating golf-ball-sized hail (~2") dropped from 20 feet without cracking or splitting.

Why These Ratings Matter in Texas

Storm Protection

From North Texas through Central Texas in the "Hail Alley" there are frequent hailstorms that can be severe. A higher impact rating is highly recommended in this area to protect underlying materials and reduce hail damage claims.

Insurance Premium Credits

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) requires insurers to offer premium credits for roofs that meet UL 2218 ratings, with higher credits for higher class levels. In many Texas jurisdictions, this has historically translated into meaningful discounts. Note: The exact percentage discount depends on your insurer, policy type and location, and is not a single statewide figure. Insurers now have more flexibility in how they calculate credits than with previous TDI rules.

Documentation Requirements For Insurance Credits

To qualify for credits, roofing materials must: be tested by a recognized lab that's qualified for UL 2218 testing or another approved impact testing; be labeled with the manufacturer's name, year, brand and the proper class rating. Insurance companies typically want manufacturer certificates, TDI forms and other documentation to be filled out by your roofing contractor before applying credits.

Common Roof Material Types and Ratings

Asphalt Shingles: Standard asphalt shingles have a wide rating range from Class 1 to Class 4 depending on the type of materials that are used and the construction. Class 3 and Class 4 are common for asphalt impact-resistant shingles and architectural shingles. Premium shingles often receive a Class 4 rating. Class 4 fiberglass based asphalt shingles are engineered with reinforced mats and polymers to flex rather than crack under hail impact.
Metal Roofing: Many metal roofing systems naturally meet or exceed higher impact classes, including Class 4 rating. Metal roofing materials have good resilience against hail and debris as well as high winds.
Composite and Other Materials: Composite, synthetic slate and reinforced materials can reach Class 3 or Class 4 depending on construction.
Clay Tiles: Clay tiles may seem like they'd crack on impact, but they tend to be durable. Typically, they'll have a Class 3 or Class 4 rating.
Concrete Tiles: Concrete tiles are just as durable as clay tiles, with a Class 3 or Class 4 rating.
Wood Shingles and Shakes: The impact rating for wood shingles is dependent on the type of wood that's used. Cedar shingles typically have a Class 3 or 4 rating. Wood shakes that are similar to wood shingles have a UL 2218 rating of Class 3 or Class 4.

Important Limitations

High impact rating doesn't mean the roofing is hail-proof. A Class 4 roof has great weather resistance, but extremely large hail or exceptionally intense storms can still cause damage.

Class numbers don't measure wind or fire resistance. There are separate ratings for high wind speed and fire rating classifications of Class A, B and C.

Insurance discounts vary, even for the same impact class rating. One insurer might offer a larger or smaller premium credit than another.

Class numbers don't measure energy efficiency. While more durable roofing may help with reducing energy costs, the class rating isn't the best indicator of heat transfer and reflection.

Key Points for Texas Property Owners to Remember

Roofing materials are rated Class 1–4 under UL 2218 for impact resistance, with Class 4 offering the highest level of impact durability.
Impact ratings help insurers calculate premium discounts. Class 4 roofs typically receive the biggest credits.
Class 3 is comprised of high quality materials that offer a strong middle ground between cost and protection. Class 1–2 are less durable against hail.
Proper testing lab results and labeling are essential to qualify for Texas insurance credits.

Want to know what class rating you need for roofing materials? LOA offers free estimates for Central Texas homeowners and commercial property owners based on our professional recommendations. We can also provide full storm restoration if damage goes beyond the roof. Contact our team to schedule a roof inspection.

We're One of the Highest Rated
Roofers in Austin for a Reason

At LOA, we believe success is defined by customer satisfaction. We're proud to say we have some of the happiest clients in the roofing industry! You can find hundreds of 5-star reviews like the ones below online.

"I got three inspections and decided to use LOA Construction for a new roof. LOA's Dan Harvey worked with my insurance inspector to make sure all the hail/wind damage was accounted for, gave us a good choice of shingle colors, and was great at communicating. The workers did quality work, found and repaired rotted wood and cleaned up. Highly recommend!"

— Brian McFarlin, 5-Star Google Review

"Brandon at LOA construction made replacement of our roof very easy. He was the only roofing contractor that I could find that would work directly with our insurance company. They showed up on time and made the whole process very easy. And we have a great looking high quality roof! I Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new roof. Give them a call if you need a roof or think you might have wind or hail damage. I had several other bids that were higher cost and didn't think our insurance would cover it. Our insurance did cover it, I think they were just unwilling to work with the insurance company. Not Brandon, not only was he will to work with our insurance he met with the adjuster and made the whole thing a breeze. Thanks again LOA and Brandon!!!!"

— Mike A., 5-Star Google Review

LOA Construction has exceeded my expectations again. This is the second roof installation with them and I couldn't be happier. Specifically, Tyler Griffiths is professional, attentive, and made the entire process of working with my insurance company effortless. My tenant sent a glowing account of their experience as well. Knowing it was a rental, they still diligently protected all property and plants. They were on time every time and went out of their way to not inconvenience the residents. LOA Construction has integrity and takes pride in their work. I couldn't recommend them more.

— Sheri Moran

"Worked with Zac and his team. Zac did an outstanding job working with the insurance company to ensure all damage was covered. Roof and gutters installed each were on time and all work was top of the line. This is a company that really does put the customer first. With out question I would recommend loa construction and roofing."

— Tony Smith, 5-Star Google Review

From the very start, I knew I was in good hands. The professionalism was top-notch, but most important, was the caring attitude of the project manager, Dan Harvey, the roofing supervisor, Ambrocio, and the roofing crew. They made sure every detail was covered. They are definitely an asset to LOA Construction. I highly recommend them. Dennis and Suzy S

— Dennis Sanger

Andrew was very great at getting myself and my wife all the information and getting us started from start to completion. His workers were friendly and professional. If ever I had to contact him, he was quick to respond back. We are very happy with the finished product. Yes, I would and have recommended him and his company to get their work by LOA Construction and Austin. Andrew made sure my wife would be satisfied with whatever roof she liked. Can't thank you enough Andrew and LOA Construction.

— Paul Coleman

As a first time home owner with no experience in how to make claims and start the process of getting a new roof I was scared to the point of avoiding what needed to get done after the bad hail storm. August Walker did an amazing job walking me through each step along the way. He answered all my questions and calmed my concerns. They inspected my roof and drove from Austin to Belton just to be there with the ins inspector, and followed up with me in person after the roof was installed. He also made a special trip back to drop off samples! I'm grateful to August and LOA construction for being highly professional and friendly!

— Angela Baker

From start to finish Lee and his team took great care of us. He made us feel comfortable during the process and answered any and all questions we had. I would definitely them recommend to anyone.

— Taneisha Jones

Arthur Harris and his team with LOA Construction did an excellent job on our roof. They finished it in one day. Arthur was very good in explaining all the information to us.

— Crystal Hill

Will, has been so awesome and easy to work with he gets everything we want done the way we want it and also keeps us updated as we are over the road truck drivers !!! Hands down to LOA Construction for their great service and great customer service !!!

— Tanya Dudkiewicz

Dan Harvey is Very Knowledgeable and directed me straight to the products that will save us money in the next 3 years the savings on energy costs alone will pay for the installation itself. I highly recommend LOA Construction and Dan Harvey! Actual Customer Jefferson Fara

— Jefferson Fara

Mark from LOA roofing was very professional from the git, the initial estimate process, he quickly identified all the issues that needed to be addressed. The company was very prompt, to coordinate the crew, and for a very reasonable price, got my roof repaired without any hassle. They also took care of all the cleaning, so that it all looked like nothing happened. I would recommend Mark from LOA to anyone needing a roof repair, with no kind of hesitation.

— Ale León

Loa Construction provides quality services in installing roof and related repairs. I'll recommend it to my friends and family.

— Peijie Li

Thanks to Landon Wells of LOA Construction for the beautiful new roof! It was all completed in one day including a meticulous clean up job afterwards. The workers were all polite and professional. Landon made sure everything went smoothly and that all of our questions were answered. I am thrilled with our new roof. I would definitely recommend Landon and LOA Construction to all of my friends and family. Thank you Landon!

— Renee Johnson

Choose quality roofing for a lasting investment in your home.

Request an Inspection

Dedicated to excellence, our Austin roofing company ensures quality in every project. Contact our skilled Central Texas roofers for a same-day, hassle-free inspection. Call +1 (512) 375-3654 to book your free inspection.