The goal of the new rule is to reduce roof replacements in the Lafayette area. Any homes that received hail damage prior to July 31, 2019 are exempt from the new requirements.
What is Class 4 Roofing?
Class 4 roofing, also known as impact-resistant (IR) roofing, are roofing materials reinforced with extra protection to better resist damage from wind and hail.
The Class 4 designation means the material has passed third-party testing from Underwriter Laboratories and is proven to better resist impacts than traditional shingles. Class 4 roofing is available in many types of roofing styles and is more affordable than ever.
Why is Lafayette Requiring Class 4 Roofing?
Hailstorms are big business for insurance and roofing companies but they’re a pain in the rear end for small building departments like Lafayette’s. During normal business, the Lafayette department will have roughly a couple dozen daily permit applications and inspection requests which are easily handled by typical staff.
After a hailstorm demand for permits and inspections can skyrocket in areas where hail hit. That building department that is built to handle a few dozen requests is now faced with hundreds. The hope is the IR rule will eliminate many of the replacements that would take place with traditional roofing material.
Other Benefits of IR Roofing
- Insurance Discounts – Most major and mid insurance carriers offer insurance premium discounts for IR customers. Because you’re less likely to file a claim, you’ll pay less.
- Peace of Mind – Hailstorms aren’t going away anytime soon but IR materials keep your roof and home protected through Colorado’s nastiest storms. You’ll sleep better at night even if the weather is looking ugly.
- Looks Great – IR roofing is available in many styles, cuts, and colors. You can easily find an IR material to match your home’s look and character.
Types of Class 4 Roofing
- IR Asphalt Shingles – The most common form of IR roofing. You can now find Class 4 asphalt shingles in several cuts, colors, and thicknesses.
- Other IR Materials – It’s now easy to find metal, tile, and several other types of roofing that are IR rated.
More Towns Will Follow
As more homes pop up in hail-prone areas, the likelihood of a hailstorm overload gets bigger every year. It wouldn’t be surprising for many building departments to follow Lafayette’s lead and implement Class 4 rules into their own jurisdictions. Fort Collins already has similar rules on the books.
For any questions regarding local requirements, IR materials, or how class 4 materials can help, call Roofcorp today. We can answer all your IR questions and get you set up for your own IR replacement today.