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Cracking the code on hail: How IBHS research strengthens building resiliency

September 22, 2025

When hail hits, it doesn’t just leave dents in siding or damage on roofs — it leaves a lasting impact on families, communities, and rebuilding costs. Understanding hail, from its shape to its strength, is a critical step in improving building codes and advancing resilience. That’s why research at the IBHS Research Center matters so much.

During his recent visit, Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide Property & Casualty, sat down with Christina Gropp, Meteorologist and Science Producer at IBHS, to get an inside look at IBHS’s hail research. Together, they explored everything from record-breaking hailstones to the latest technology designed to better understand how hail damages homes.

These conversations highlight how science directly informs building codes, and how stronger codes can help protect what matters most. 

Measuring the punch of hail

At IBHS, it isn’t enough to know that hailstones fall from the sky. Researchers measure their size, weight, and impact energy — down to the science of how they strike a roof. Christina introduces Mark to a device called a disdrometer that captures the force of impact, allowing IBHS engineers to replicate hailstorms in the lab. 

The results help IBHS better understand how hail damages roofing materials and how new construction standards can improve protection. 

See how researchers measure the true power of hail in action.

The biggest hailstone on record

Next, Christina shows Mark a 3D-printed replica of the largest hailstone ever recorded in the U.S. — a massive 8-inch sphere from South Dakota in 2010, nicknamed “Vivian.” But hail size isn’t everything. Using 3D scanning and printing, IBHS also studies the unusual shapes of hailstones, discovering that their lobes and ridges act like rotors, keeping them aloft longer and allowing them to grow even larger. 

These insights explain why hailstorms can be so damaging — and why building materials must be tested against more than just “perfectly round” hail.

Watch Mark’s reaction to the wild science of 3D-printed hailstones.

The future of hail research

Finally, Christina gives Mark a glimpse of what’s next: understanding wind-driven hail. While most hail damage affects roofs, about 10% impacts windows and siding. A new globe-shaped disdrometer is helping IBHS measure the angle at which hailstones strike buildings, giving researchers the ability to simulate — and test against — real-world storm conditions.

As Mark recalls from his own claims experience, hail can even break windows and damage a home’s interior. IBHS’s work is helping determine what wind speeds and angles make that possible — and how buildings can be better designed to resist it. 

Learn how IBHS is taking hail research to the next level.

Why it matters for agents

Hail is just one piece of the story. At IBHS, researchers also put homes and businesses to the test against wildfires, hurricanes, and other severe weather perils. By studying how structures respond, they provide the foundation for stronger building codes and FORTIFIED standards that protect families and communities. 

 For agents, understanding this science creates opportunities to: 

  • Educate clients about the value of resilient construction 
  • Position yourself as a trusted resource on protecting what matters most 
  • Strengthen relationships by offering more than coverage — offering confidence

Help your clients prepare with timely weather alerts

Nationwide members with auto, home, multi-line, or farm coverage can now sign up for free weather alerts that help protect their property. These alerts notify members when severe weather is approaching — including hail larger than one inch, gusts over 58 mph, and sustained winds above 50 mph. 

Alerts are sent up to 30 minutes before a hail event, giving members time to take action. If conditions change quickly, a follow-up alert may be sent as little as five minutes before impact. 

Severe weather may always be unpredictable, but resiliency doesn’t have to be. With science leading the way, agents can help customers make smarter choices that reduce risk and build stronger communities. 

Citations/Disclaimers

  • 1

    Alert service is not available in Alaska or Hawaii.

  • Notifications are intended to inform recipients of a possible upcoming hailstorms with expected hail greater than 1 inch in diameter impacting the address provided by recipient during the sign-up process. Nationwide is working with separate and nonaffiliated third parties to obtain this information. Notifications are provided as a courtesy and neither Nationwide nor the aforementioned third parties make any express or implied warranties, guarantees or affirmations relating to these notifications including, but not limited to, that weather will occur or has occurred. Further, neither Nationwide nor such third parties shall have any responsibility or liability whatsoever to recipients or any other person or entity, arising or relating to such notifications, information, and data including, but not limited to, for any inconsistency, inaccuracy, or omission in or for any of the information, data, weather or events predicted or depicted, reported, occurring or occurred. By signing up for notifcations, recipients acknowledge that meteorology is an inexact science and are advised that in addition to these notifcations, government, from time to time, issues watches, warnings, advisories, bulletins and other communications for the general public. Recipient may wish to keep advised of these notices. Recipient is solely responsible for action or lack of action taken to preserve life or property. NOTIFICATIONS INFORMATION AND DATA ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES HEREUNDER, AND THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. 

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