MonierLifetile Concrete Roof Tile Products Certified for Hail Impact Protection

Homeowners Now Qualify for Insurance Rate Reductions With State Farm Insurance

The insurance industry's recognition of the recent Architectural Testing certification of MonierLifetile products will have positive implications for homeowners and builders in U.S. hail regions providing further confidence in the product's known durability and performance in all climate regions.

In an average year, hail causes more than $1.6 billion worth of damage to residential roofs in the United States, making it, year in and year out, one of the most costly natural disasters. Hail storms occur most frequently in hail alley, which lies predominately within the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

In 2004, an industry-wide test for concrete roof tile was conducted using the Factory Mutual (FM) 4473 testing methodology. This test requires that tile is impacted in 3 different locations by ice balls ranging from 1 1/4" to 2" in size. The ice balls are shot at terminal velocity and each tile tested has to withstand 6 hits each. To successfully complete the test, the tile has to withstand the hits without breaking the tile (or showing any visible cracks), using the different sized ice balls for each test.

easurements/Performance is as follows:
Class 1: 1 1/4" ice balls
Class 2: 1 1/2" ice balls
Class 3: 1 3/4" ice balls
Class 4: 2" ice balls

The test results showed that MonierLifetile's standard weight flat tiles achieved the highest rating of Class 4 and all other products attained a Class 3 rating. The Architectural Testing certification backs the Factory utual testing methodology and lists the certified products on their website at www.archtest.com. State Farm Insurance now lists the approved products' certification on their web site at http://www.statefarm.com/insurance/other/roofinfo.asp.

Homeowners can now choose the certified MonierLifetile products and reap the benefits of utilizing a product that protects their property from hail damage. Both existing and new homeowners with a MonierLifetile roof can contact their insurance provider with the completed form signed by their contractor and request a rate reduction.

Beyond the hail belt, MonierLifetile products have proven to protect homes from inclement weather in hurricane zones, high snow country and in the heat of the Sunbelt areas. With innovative roof system components to match the needs of the climate, the company has proven that building with concrete roof tile equals longevity of the structure. MonierLifetile is leading the green building trend with its Energy Efficient Roof system giving building owners a sustainable and long-lasting roof that increases air flow from the eaves to the ridge resulting in 20% energy savings year on year. Since concrete tiles can last as long as 100 years, the material indirectly reduces construction waste which accounts for a sizable portion of total landfill space. Additionally, Concrete tile is not a petroleum-based product, as asphalt shingles are, and therefore its cost is not vulnerable to oil price fluctuations.