What does it really mean when a shingle is labeled “hail resistant”? In this updated episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts—powered by Knockout Inspections—break down the latest Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) hail impact resistance testing protocol and what it means for homeowners in hail-prone regions.

Using best-available science, IBHS now evaluates asphalt shingles with engineered ice spheres that replicate real hailstones—not steel balls—measuring damage such as granule loss, dents, cracks, and breaches. This new testing method goes far beyond pass/fail ratings, offering data-driven performance rankings that help distinguish truly resilient roofing products from the rest.

In this episode, we cover:

• How IBHS simulates real hail impacts using calibrated ice spheres
• Why granule loss and deformation matter just as much as visible cracks
• The difference between “Good” and “Excellent” hail performance ratings
• Why not all “impact-resistant” shingles perform the same in real storms
• What homeowners should know when choosing a roof in hail-prone areas

If you’re building, replacing a roof, or simply want to protect one of your biggest investments—your home—this episode gives you the clarity you need to make smarter, storm-ready decisions.

Have questions about hail-resistant shingles or FORTIFIED-ready roofing?
 📞 Call Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756)
🌐 Visit fortifiedhome.com