Decade of Exposure Reveals Asphalt Shingle Wind Vulnerability

Scientists evaluated shingles weathered in South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Ohio, comparing them against laboratory baselines and five-year samples. The data indicates that sealant failure is the primary driver of wind vulnerability. When the bond holding a shingle flat degrades, the risk of detachment during severe weather rises sharply. Researchers noted that even products sharing the same high-wind classification displayed wildly different outcomes after a decade of exposure to varying solar radiation and temperature cycles.

Jake Sorber, an IBHS research engineer, emphasized that performance is governed by complex, age-dependent variables rather than initial manufacturing specs. Some products retained structural integrity, while others faltered significantly. Because climate conditions and roof orientation dictate how quickly a sealant bond degrades, the study suggests that homeowners and insurers must move beyond simple product ratings to assess actual long-term durability. The IBHS Roof Material Aging Farm program, which began in 2013, will continue tracking these materials through 2045 to refine risk assessment models.