Hail can shred a roof in minutes. If you live in Edmond, you have probably seen neighbors replace shingles after a single storm. It is stressful to wonder if the next round of hail or wind will lead to damage, leaks, or another insurance claim. The good news is you can choose roof systems that perform better in central Oklahoma’s weather and may qualify for insurer credits.
In this guide, you will learn how impact‑resistant materials are rated, what a FORTIFIED Roof actually includes, how insurers treat these upgrades, and how to spec a roof that protects your equity. Let’s dive in.
Why impact resistance matters in Edmond
Central Oklahoma sits in a high‑frequency hail and tornado corridor. Historical records show frequent severe thunderstorms and large hail across the Oklahoma City metro, including Edmond. You can see this pattern in long‑term NOAA climate data and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center hail and tornado climatology.
That risk profile means your roof will likely face multiple hail and high‑wind events over its service life. Repeated strikes are a leading cause of roof claims in high‑hail states. Choosing a roof with stronger impact performance can lower the chance of shingle perforation and brittle fracture, which helps reduce the severity or frequency of claims over time.
What “impact‑resistant” really means
Common material options in Edmond
- Impact‑resistant asphalt shingles. These are often polymer‑modified or reinforced and are the most common replacement choice because asphalt roofs are prevalent in our market.
- Metal roofing. Steel or aluminum panels or shingles often provide strong impact and wind performance with longer service life, though with higher upfront cost.
- Concrete or clay tile and some synthetic slate or tile. These can provide high impact resistance but add weight, which can require stronger framing.
- Specialty polymer composites. Designed to look like slate or tile with improved impact resistance.
How UL 2218 ratings work
Most impact‑resistant products are tested under the UL 2218 impact resistance standard. Ratings range from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the highest. In hail‑prone areas like Edmond, Class 3 or Class 4 products are commonly recommended by insurers and manufacturers.
A higher rating means the product sustained less damage in standardized tests. It is an important indicator, but it is not the whole story. Wind resistance, fastening pattern, roof deck attachment, and secondary water barriers also matter for real‑world performance.
What to expect in real storms
Class 4 materials tend to show less visible damage and fewer shingle perforations in testing, which reduces immediate leak risk. That said, no roof is invincible. Penetrations, valleys, flashing, and fastener areas can still be vulnerable if not installed correctly. Metal and high‑end composites often outperform asphalt in both impact and wind, but they cost more and require different installation practices.
FORTIFIED Roof: installation that pays off
What is FORTIFIED?
The FORTIFIED Home program from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is a set of construction standards designed to reduce wind and water damage during severe storms. A FORTIFIED Roof focuses on how the roof system is built and installed, not just the shingle or panel you choose.
Key elements of a FORTIFIED Roof
- Strengthened roof deck attachment and a defined nailing pattern to resist uplift.
- Enhanced underlayment and a secondary water barrier to reduce leaks if shingles are damaged.
- Proper starter strips at eaves and rake edges.
- Correct, verified flashing at penetrations and transitions.
- Inspection and documentation by a FORTIFIED‑trained professional to issue the designation.
These measures complement an impact‑rated roof covering. The combination improves your odds of keeping water out even if hail damages the surface.
Documented outcomes
IBHS testing and post‑storm assessments show homes built or retrofitted to FORTIFIED standards experience fewer failures in wind and hail and less interior water entry compared with conventional construction. You can review IBHS research on FORTIFIED performance for deeper context.
Insurance incentives in Oklahoma
Many insurers offer premium credits or underwriting advantages for impact‑resistant materials and for FORTIFIED certifications. Programs vary by company and state. Some offer modest credits for UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 materials. Others recognize FORTIFIED Roof certificates or broader wind‑mitigation measures. There is no single statewide discount amount or rule.
Before you start work, call your insurer and at least one alternative carrier to confirm what they will recognize and what proof they require. The Oklahoma Insurance Department guidance and the Insurance Information Institute overview of homeowner policies are helpful resources as you compare options.
How to qualify and document your upgrade
Use this simple process to protect your investment and maximize insurer recognition.
- Confirm insurer requirements
- Ask your current insurer and 2–3 prospective carriers what they recognize: UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 shingles, metal or composite products, and whether a FORTIFIED Roof certificate earns a credit.
- Get the requirements in writing if possible. Ask about timing if your replacement relates to a claim.
- Choose materials and methods that match
- Select products with the UL 2218 class specified by your insurer, or plan a FORTIFIED Roof if you want the installation‑level upgrade and inspection.
- Verify model numbers and request product spec sheets from your contractor before installation.
- Hire the right contractor
- Look for local roofers experienced with impact‑resistant shingles and, if applicable, trained for FORTIFIED projects.
- If you are pursuing a FORTIFIED designation, schedule the required inspections so you can receive the certificate.
- Keep thorough documentation
- Save invoices with product codes, spec sheets showing UL 2218 ratings, permits, photos, and final inspection records.
- Keep any FORTIFIED inspection reports and your FORTIFIED certificate for your files and for prospective buyers.
- Submit for credits
- Provide documentation to your insurer and confirm when any credit will be applied and how long it lasts.
Cost and ROI in Edmond
Impact‑resistant shingles typically cost more than economy asphalt shingles. Metal and tile systems are a larger investment but often carry longer service lives. FORTIFIED upgrades add installation steps and materials, plus the cost of inspections, but these items are often a smaller share of a full replacement than the roof covering itself. Local bids vary, so collect three or more competitive estimates and ask for an itemized breakdown of impact‑resistant materials and any FORTIFIED components.
From a resale perspective, documented impact resistance or a FORTIFIED certificate can reassure buyers in a hail‑prone market. It signals lower risk of immediate roof replacement and may help support value preservation. Actual premium depends on buyer preferences and the buyer’s insurer policies.
Spec checklist for Edmond roofs
Use this checklist when planning a replacement. It combines impact resistance with installation details that improve performance.
- Pre‑planning: Confirm insurer recognition for UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 and FORTIFIED. Get requirements in writing.
- Product selection: Target UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 asphalt, or consider metal or composite if budget and framing allow. Request the product data sheet.
- Deck attachment: Follow code and, if applicable, FORTIFIED guidance for nails and spacing to resist uplift.
- Secondary water barrier: Add a self‑adhering membrane in critical areas per manufacturer or FORTIFIED guidance.
- Edges and flashing: Use correct starter strips, edge metal, and well‑detailed flashing at valleys and penetrations.
- Wind‑rated fastening: Follow manufacturer instructions for wind‑uplift performance.
- Ventilation: Maintain code‑compliant attic ventilation to support shingle longevity.
- Certification: For FORTIFIED, use trained professionals and complete inspections to receive the certificate.
- Documentation: File spec sheets, invoices, permits, inspection photos, and certificates. Share with your insurer and keep for resale.
Quick decision guide
- You plan to stay long term. Prioritize UL 2218 Class 4 or a metal/composite system, plus FORTIFIED installation elements to reduce leak risk over time.
- You plan to sell soon. Consider impact‑resistant shingles and add targeted FORTIFIED components that are visible on inspection, then document for buyers and insurers.
- You are replacing due to storm damage. Call your insurer first to understand recognition and timing rules, then align your spec and documentation with their requirements.
- You want potential premium credits. Confirm which materials or certifications your insurer recognizes, then match the spec accordingly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Focusing only on the shingle. Deck attachment, underlayment, and flashing often decide whether water gets inside after a storm.
- Skipping documentation. Without product spec sheets and inspection records, insurers may not issue credits.
- Assuming discounts are the same for every carrier. Programs vary by company and state. Always verify.
- Treating Class 4 as invincible. Even the best materials can be damaged in extreme storms. Installation quality and secondary barriers matter.
The bottom line
In Edmond, impact‑resistant roofs are often worth it because they perform better against hail and wind and can reduce the chance of severe water entry. When you pair a Class 3 or Class 4 product with FORTIFIED‑style installation and proper documentation, you give your home a stronger defense and may qualify for insurer recognition.
If you are weighing your options for a reroof before listing or after a storm, reach out. We will help you align your roof spec, contractor choice, and documentation with your goals and your insurer’s rules so you can protect your equity with confidence.
Ready to plan a hail‑smart roof strategy for your home in Edmond? Schedule a Consultation with Lindsay Greene Homes to talk through materials, FORTIFIED options, and next steps tailored to your timeline.
FAQs
What is a UL 2218 Class 4 shingle and why does it matter in Edmond?
- Class 4 is the highest impact rating under the UL 2218 impact resistance standard. In hail‑prone Edmond, Class 3 or Class 4 products are commonly recommended to reduce perforation and visible fracture in storms.
How does a FORTIFIED Roof differ from just installing Class 4 shingles?
- The FORTIFIED Home program adds installation standards like stronger deck attachment, a secondary water barrier, and verified flashing, plus inspection and certification to document performance.
Do Oklahoma insurers offer discounts for impact‑resistant roofs or FORTIFIED?
Will an impact‑resistant roof stop all hail damage in Edmond?
- No roof is damage‑proof. Impact‑rated materials reduce the chance of perforation and severe damage, but correct installation and secondary water barriers also determine how your roof performs.
Is a FORTIFIED Roof recognized in real storms, not just in labs?
What documents should I save to qualify for insurer credits?
- Keep invoices with product codes, UL 2218 spec sheets, permits, photos, inspection reports, and any FORTIFIED certificate. The Insurance Information Institute offers general guidance on policy documentation.
