A new year is a great time to reset your budget—and your roof can be part of that plan.
In McKinney, hail and wind aren’t “if,” they’re “when.” One of the smartest moves homeowners make is upgrading to an impact-rated roof (Class 3 or Class 4) that may qualify for insurance premium credits and can reduce the chance of a damage claim. At Wortham Brothers Roofing, we help Texas homeowners choose the best roof for their home and budget, often including Class 3 upgrade options that add little to no cost to the project.
Why “New Year, New Roof” can mean lower insurance costs
If you’re looking for a practical, year-over-year savings strategy, start with the one system that takes the beating first: your roof.
In Texas, the Department of Insurance notes that Class 4 roof coverings receive the highest premium credit and that the discount amount is set by each insurance company. Texas Department of Insurance
That’s why the biggest “win” of a Class 3 or Class 4 roof is often annual savings:
- Potential premium credits (varies by carrier and policy)
- A more durable roof system that may help you avoid storm-related repairs and claims
- Better odds of limiting hail damage—meaning you may be less likely to pay a deductible after a storm
If you’re in McKinney and want to know whether a Class 3 or Class 4 roof makes sense for your policy, we’ll help you evaluate options and documentation.
Understanding Class 3 vs. Class 4 roof ratings in Texas
When people say “Class 3” or “Class 4,” they’re usually referring to UL 2218 impact resistance testing.
Here’s the key clarification (because it’s a common misconception): UL 2218 has four ratings—Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4.UL Solutions
In the real world, homeowners in hail-prone areas like North Texas tend to focus on Class 3 and Class 4 because they’re the most relevant for performance and insurance conversations. Note: due to a lack of performance and discount opportunities, manufacturers don’t actually make Class 1 or Class 2 rated shingles.
Also important: Class ratings are not the same thing as “3-tab vs. architectural.” Those are shingle styles. Class ratings are shingle test results.
3-tab vs. laminate vs. Class 3 vs. Class 4: what’s the difference?
3-tab shingles (basic)
- Flat, uniform look (three “tabs”)
- Typically the most budget-friendly option
- Generally less robust than architectural styles in day-to-day durability
Laminate / architectural shingles (non-rated or rated)
- Thicker, layered design for better dimension and curb appeal
- Can be non-rated (no verified impact rating) or impact-rated (Class 3/4)
Class 3 impact-rated shingles
- Designed and tested to meet a higher impact resistance level
- Often a sweet spot for homeowners who want savings potential without a major jump in material cost (project-dependent)
Class 4 impact-rated shingles
- The highest UL 2218 impact rating level GAF+1
- Often the best match for homeowners prioritizing insurance credits + hail resilience
What does the data say?
IBHS testing comparing standard shingles vs. impact-resistant (IR) shingles shows noticeably higher “passing” rates at multiple impact levels. For example, in one comparison, IR 3-tab shingles showed higher passing rates than basic 3-tab shingles across Class 1–4 impacts (e.g., ~67% vs ~43% at Class 1; ~58% vs ~23% at Class 4).IBHS
A similar pattern shows up in architectural shingles, where IR architectural shingles outperformed basic architectural shingles across Class 1–4 impacts.IBHS
That lines up with why many homeowners see Class 3/4 as a “two-way win”: premium-credit potential + better hail performance.
Learn more about available shingle roofing options or explore our impact-resistant roofing guidance to see what may be right for your home.
How to tell what class roof you have (and what “rated” really means)
A roof’s impact rating isn’t something you can reliably confirm from the street—especially after a few Texas summers.
Best ways to confirm your roof’s class:
- Your closing paperwork or previous contractor invoice (may list brand/line and “UL 2218 Class 3/4”)
- Manufacturer documentation (spec sheet showing UL 2218 rating)
- Bundle wrapper / attic leftovers (sometimes stored in the garage/attic)
- A professional inspection that identifies the shingle and helps you pull the right documentation
Rated vs. non-rated shingles
- Rated = tested to a recognized standard (commonly UL 2218 for impact resistance) and documented accordingly UL Solutions
- Non-rated = no verified impact test rating you can use for insurer documentation
Pro tip: Insurance companies may require proof that the installed roofing system meets the requirement (not just “a Class 4-looking shingle”). Always confirm what your carrier needs.
When it comes to best practices for scheduling roofing in Texas, timing, contractor availability, and weather all play a role in making sure your project is done the right way.
If your roof damage may involve an insurance claim, we can also provide help with insurance-related roof documentation to support the process—without making assumptions or guarantees.
Local Spotlight: New Year, New Roof in McKinney, TX
McKinney neighborhoods range from established areas near Historic Downtown McKinney to master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch, Craig Ranch, and newer growth areas near Eldorado. HAR That mix matters, because roof age, ventilation, and decking conditions can vary widely across the city.
If you’re comparing options in McKinney, we’ll walk you through:
- Whether a Class 3 upgrade makes sense for your budget and policy goals
- When it’s worth stepping up to Class 4 for maximum credit potential (carrier-dependent) Texas Department of Insurance
- How your roof’s slope, penetrations, and ventilation affect real-world performance
And if you’ve got family or property up the road in Anna or over in Wylie, the same North Texas hail reality applies, so it’s worth having the same “premium savings + hail performance” conversation there, too.
Quick takeaway: A Class 3 or Class 4 roof isn’t just “stronger.” It’s often a financial strategy, recurring premium-credit potential plus a better chance of limiting storm damage.
Homeowner checklist: how to maximize premium-credit potential
Use this checklist before you sign a contract:
- Ask your insurance agent what impact-resistance credit applies (Class 3 vs Class 4) and what documentation they require Texas Department of Insurance
- Choose a shingle with clear rating documentation (UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 listed)UL Solutions
- Confirm if accessories matter (some carriers care about hips/ridges and overall system components—always verify with your agent)
- Get an installation plan that includes decking review and proper ventilation
- Keep your paperwork (invoice, product name/line, proof of rating) for renewals
Learn more about the process in our guide: Roof replacement steps and what to expect.
Common mistakes that can cost you the discount (or performance)
- Assuming “architectural” automatically means Class 3/4. Many architectural shingles are not impact-rated.
- Not keeping documentation. If you can’t prove it, you may not get the credit.
- Mixing products. Using non-rated caps/hips when your insurer expects the full system to be rated can create issues.
- Choosing price-first installation. Even the best shingle can underperform with poor flashing, ventilation, or workmanship.
FAQ: New Year, New Roof in McKinney, TX
What class roof do I have?
What class roof doCheck your prior invoice, product paperwork, or manufacturer spec sheet. If you don’t have it, Wortham Brothers Roofing can inspect your roof and help identify the shingle so you can track down the documentation.
What’s the difference between rated and non-rated shingles?
Rated shingles have verified test documentation (commonly UL 2218 impact classes). Non-rated shingles don’t have a documented impact class you can use for insurance credit qualification. UL Solutions
Do Class 3 or Class 4 roofs always lower insurance premiums?
Not always. Many insurers offer credits, but discount amounts and eligibility rules vary by company and policy. A Class 4 roof typically earns the highest credit where offered. Texas Department of Insurance
Is Class 4 “hail-proof”?
No roof is hail-proof. But testing shows impact-resistant shingles can perform better under impact compared to standard shingles, which can reduce damage severity in some events. IBHS+1
Do Class 1 and Class 2 ratings exist?
While the ratings do exist, no primary manufacturer making class 1 or 2 rated shingles. Due to their lack of added performance and there being no added benefits to be officially listed as a Class 1/2 rated shingle, it doesn’t make sense for the expensive testing it costs manufacturers.
What documentation does my insurance company need?
It depends. Start by asking your agent what they require for an impact-resistance credit (often the product name/line and proof of UL 2218 class). Texas Department of Insurance Wortham Brothers Roofing can help you gather what your carrier asks for.
Should I choose Class 3 or Class 4 in McKinney?
If annual savings is your top priority, Class 4 may be worth it because it can receive the highest premium credit where offered. Texas Department of Insurance If you want a strong upgrade while watching the budget, Class 3 is often a great middle ground. The right answer depends on your carrier, roof design, and budget.
Can a better roof really save me money in a hailstorm?
Potentially, yes. A roof that resists impact damage better may reduce the chance of a claim—or reduce how severe the damage is—helping you avoid paying a deductible. (Deductibles vary widely by policy.)
Why Work With Wortham Brothers Roofing
When you’re upgrading for savings and storm performance, installation quality matters as much as material choice.
Wortham Brothers Roofing helps McKinney homeowners by offering:
- A thorough, professional inspection (including decking and ventilation considerations)
- Clear options across budgets, including impact-rated upgrades when it makes sense
- A process built around doing it right: tear-down to the decking, a detailed multi-point inspection, strong property protection, and a third-party final roof walk for quality assurance
- Straight answers on how to document your roof so you can talk confidently with your insurance provider
Learn more about our team or reach out to get started.
Start the year with a roof that can pay you back
If you’re in McKinney, TX and you’re ready to make a smart, savings-focused upgrade, let’s map out the best option for your home—whether that’s a standard architectural shingle, a Class 3, or a Class 4 system.
