A study with impact
Determining the hail resistance of fiberglass shingles
Editor's note: The following was adapted from the paper "The Correlation Between Hail Resistances and the Physical Properties of Fiberglass Shingles," which was written by the authors and presented in February at the 2013 International Roofing Expo® in San Antonio.
Fiberglass-reinforced asphalt shingles are a primary roofing material used on steep-slope roof systems in the U.S. Fiberglass shingles are used in a variety of applications, including single-family homes, multitenant structures and commercial buildings. However, during hail events, fiberglass shingles can fail, resulting in significant expenses often borne by the insurance industry, building owners and homeowners. This recurring loss exposure has resulted in discussions within the insurance industry as to how claims involving hail damage to fiberglass shingles could be reduced.
Jim D. Koontz & Associates Inc., Hobbs, N.M., recently conducted a study in 2012 to determine the role physical properties of fiberglass shingles play in hail resistance. Following is an overview of the study results.
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