IBHS Study Reveals Wide Variability in Aged Asphalt Shingle Wind Performance
Event summary
- IBHS's 10-year study found significant variability in wind performance among asphalt shingles after natural aging in South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Ohio.
- Most shingles' wind resistance declined between years five and ten, with unsealing identified as the primary driver of wind vulnerability.
- Products with the industry's highest wind classification showed dramatically different performance outcomes after aging.
- Geography played a critical role, with climate conditions affecting sealant activation and long-term wind resistance.
The big picture
The study underscores the limitations of current wind classification standards, which don't account for long-term performance degradation. This research could reshape underwriting practices in the insurance industry and influence building codes, particularly as climate change intensifies severe weather events. The IBHS Roof Material Aging Farm program, running through 2045, will provide the most comprehensive dataset on long-term roofing material performance, potentially setting new benchmarks for the construction materials sector.
What we're watching
- Product Differentiation
- How insurers and builders will use this data to differentiate between shingle products for risk assessment and installation decisions.
- Regulatory Impact
- Whether these findings will prompt revisions to industry wind classification standards.
- Climate Adaptation
- The pace at which roofing manufacturers will develop climate-specific shingle formulations based on regional performance trends.
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