IBHS Research Shows Asphalt Shingle Wind Performance Varies Significantly After 10 Years of Aging
New research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reveals that asphalt shingles exhibit significant variability in wind performance after a decade of real-world exposure. The study, part of IBHS's Roof Materials Aging Farm program, compared products aged over five and ten years at multiple U.S. locations with laboratory baseline samples. Results show while some products maintain strong resistance to wind, others experience notable declines between year 5 and 10. The research highlights that unsealing remains the primary cause of wind-related roof failure as sealant bonds degrade over time. Despite all tested shingles meeting high industry standards for initial wind classification, long-term performance varied widely due to factors like climate conditions—such as solar radiation and temperature cycles—which influence aging differently by location. The study underscores the importance of identifying durable products that retain strong seals across diverse climates. IBHS's ongoing program aims to provide comprehensive data on roofing material longevity through 2045, offering insights critical for risk assessment in severe weather events.
Topics: asphalt shingles long-term aging study roofing materials wind performance