Long-term Roof Aging Farm Study Shows Aging Affects Products Differently

RICHBURG, S.C., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) shows that asphalt shingle products respond to years of exposure to real-world weather conditions with considerable variability, leading to significant differences in wind performance over time. Findings from the long-running IBHS Roof Materials Aging Farm program reveal that the uncertainty and variability between asphalt shingle product performance underscores the importance of knowing which product is installed on a roof for effective risk assessment.

IBHS scientists evaluated the wind performance of asphalt shingles that naturally weathered for 10 years at sites in South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Ohio against that of laboratory baseline shingles and shingles that naturally weathered for five years at the same sites. The results show that while many products’ wind resistance increase during their first few years in service, most begin to decline between years five and 10. The rate and severity of that decline varied widely by product.

“Through our Roof Aging Farm program, we’re learning how roofing materials perform throughout their service life, not just when they are new,” said Jake Sorber, IBHS research project scientist and engineer. “These findings reinforce the importance of identifying products that can maintain durability and wind performance over time and across different climate regions.”

IBHS scientists also found that unsealing of shingles remains the single greatest driver of wind vulnerability. When shingles lose the sealant bond that holds them flat against the roof, they become much more likely to fail in strong winds. Products most prone to unsealing consistently showed the highest probability of wind-related failure.

“One of the most important findings from this research is that multiple age-dependent variables govern the wind performance of asphalt shingles,” said Sorber. “Some products maintained strong performance after 10 years, while others showed a significant decline in wind performance. What matters most is whether shingles remain sealed and retain a consistently strong sealant bond over time. How these variables interact can significantly affect how a roof performs during a severe thunderstorm or hurricane.”

Despite all tested products carrying the industry’s highest wind classification under current standards, IBHS scientists found dramatically different performance outcomes after aging. The findings reinforce that long-term wind performance is influenced by factors beyond a product’s initial wind classification.

The study also found that geography matters. Differences in solar radiation, temperature cycles, and latitude influenced how shingles aged and performed over time. IBHS scientists observed that climate conditions can affect both sealant activation and long-term wind resistance, with performance trends varying by product, roof orientation, and location. The findings highlight the complex relationship between climate and long-term shingle performance.

IBHS launched its Roof Material Aging Farm program in 2013 to study how roof coverings perform against wind, hail, and wildfire exposure as they age naturally in different climates. The project is expected to continue through at least 2045, providing one of the most comprehensive datasets available on long-term roofing material performance.

The full report, 10-Year Wind Performance of Asphalt Shingles, is available from IBHS. 

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more about IBHS at ibhs.org.

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SOURCE Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety