#USA #Home Safety #Richburg #IBHS Shingle Ratings #Hail Impact Resistance

Comprehensive Hail Impact-Resistant Shingle Ratings 2025

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released its much-anticipated 2025 update on Hail Impact-Resistant Shingle Ratings, highlighting a significant enhancement to the evaluation of asphalt shingles aimed at improving durability and minimizing storm damage. This fourth edition sees a record-setting assessment of 24 impact-resistant shingle products, showcasing the organization's commitment to providing transparent and detailed ratings for homeowners and roofing contractors alike.

Advancements in Testing Methodologies

IBHS utilizes an innovative custom-built hail cannon designed to accurately produce lab-made ice hailstones that mimic the size, weight, and speed of hail determined by real storm conditions. These engineered hailstones are launched at shingles directly sourced from retail outlets, subsequently undergoing rigorous testing for damage assessing factors such as dents, tears, and granule loss. The results are crucial for understanding the real-world performance of these products when subjected to hail storms.

This year’s ratings go beyond simple labels, introducing numerical scores alongside the traditional ratings to provide consumers with clearer insights into each product's performance. Homeowners can now make more educated decisions, while roofing contractors are better equipped to choose materials that guarantee effective protection for their clients.

Analysis of 2025 Ratings

The findings from the latest evaluations show that while most of the products tested received a “Good” rating, none of the shingles earned an “Excellent” score. IBHS Chief Engineer Dr. Anne Cope noted the necessity of understanding that not every promised durable product delivers against severe weather conditions, particularly during hail storms — a reality that many homeowners count on when investing in impact-resistant shingles.

“Homeowners are increasingly willing to invest more in resilient shingles, trusting they will withstand the forces of nature. Our testing, which simulates actual storm impacts, exposes how different products perform,” explained Cope. This sentiment emphasizes IBHS's dedication to giving property owners and roofing professionals data-backed insights into vital product choices.

Innovative Tools and Partnerships

The recent ratings marked two significant advancements. Firstly, IBHS integrated a new imaging instrument to enhance pre- and post-impact analysis, allowing for more precise assessments of shingle integrity post-testing. Secondly, the collaboration with Principia, a leading research firm in building materials, facilitated the examination of product performance representing 95% of all impact-resistant asphalt shingles sold in the United States. This extensive overview enables consumers in hail-prone regions to see how their options fare in this critical evaluation.

The ratings are structured on a scale ranging from Excellent, Good, Marginal, to Poor. If a product falls into the Marginal or Poor category, IBHS does not recommend it for installation in areas frequently affected by hail. These evaluations significantly aid homeowners in making informed choices that directly affect their home's resilience.

Building Resilience Through Education

IBHS's research extends beyond merely assessing shingle strength; it also paved the way for developing Roofing Roadmaps. This online toolkit provides essential resources for homeowners and contractors to understand roofing systems, performance expectations, and the impacts of extreme weather. The available guides on Roof 101 and Hazard 101 enrich knowledge around roofing logistics and support proactive decision-making in roofing selection.

To explore the 2025 IBHS Hail Impact-Resistant Shingle Ratings and the detailed testing protocols, individuals can visit ibhs.org/Impact Ratings. Dr. Ian Giammanco, Managing Director of Atmospheric Science at IBHS, is available for interviews via high-quality Zoom calls to discuss these findings further.

About the IBHS

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) dedicates itself to conducting objective, scientific research aimed at promoting effective methods that enhance homes and businesses against natural disasters. To learn more about IBHS and its initiatives, visit IBHS.org.