UL 2218 Class Ratings For Roofing Materials in Texas

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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.

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