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By Agency Forward Editorial Team

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Nailing it down at IBHS: How FORTIFIED roofs and aging shingles impact building resilience

April 28, 2025

Our journey continues with Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide Property & Casualty, at The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center in South Carolina. In this installment, Mark trades his insurance hat for a hard hat, diving deep into the world of FORTIFIED roofing and the aging process of shingles. This research provides valuable insights to help you guide clients toward safer, more durable homes and businesses.

Nail it down, seal it up, lock it in

Mark teams up with Shawn Macomber, Construction & Facilities Manager at IBHS, to explore FORTIFIED roof standards. Shawn introduces the mantra: “Nail it down, seal it up, and lock it in,” emphasizing the importance of a sealed roof deck in preventing water intrusion during severe weather. Mark and Shawn discuss the use of ring-shank nails, sealing tapes, and the role of drip edges in securing the roof’s perimeter. While these enhancements add a modest cost, the protection they offer against storm damage is invaluable.

Watch as Mark hones his roofing skills and learns the essentials of FORTIFIED roofing.

Weathering the storm: The impact of aging shingles

At the IBHS “Roof Aging Farm,” Mark meets with Anne Cope, IBHS’s Chief Engineer, to examine how shingles age over time. They observe shingles that have been exposed to the elements for over a decade, noting issues like nail pops and sealant failures. Anne explains that regardless of climate, shingles tend to lose their wind resistance around the 10-year mark, making them susceptible to damage. This highlights the importance of regular roof inspections and maintenance to ensure continued protection.

Join Mark and Anne as they explore how shingles age over time and what that means for roof performance.

Aging shingles: A universal challenge

Continuing their exploration, Mark and Anne discuss the broader implications of shingle aging. They emphasize that the vulnerability due to aging shingles is consistent across different climates and roof types. As shingles lose their sealant properties, they become more prone to wind damage, underscoring the need for proactive roof management.

Learn how aging affects shingle performance and why proactive maintenance is key to resilience.

Supporting clients and advocating for resilient communities

Agents play a pivotal role in both educating clients and advocating for stronger building practices.

Here’s how you can help:  

  • Encourage proactive maintenance, such as regular roof inspections, to address aging shingles and potential vulnerabilities.
  • Educate clients about the benefits of IBHS FORTIFIED Standards
    Encourage proactive maintenance, such as regular roof inspections, to address aging shingles and potential vulnerabilities.
  • Advocate for stronger building codes by engaging with local elected officials.

By staying informed and proactive, you can guide clients toward safer, more resilient homes and businesses, reinforcing your role as a trusted advisor in the face of severe weather.

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