Pilot Study: Hail Impact Testing of Building Cladding
Building cladding (commonly referred to as siding) primarily protects the wall assembly from rain, snow, and wind. As the outermost layer, it also shields the structure from ultraviolet (UV) exposure, temperature fluctuations, wind-borne debris, and minor impacts (e.g., from lawn equipment).
In addition to protection, cladding contributes to a building’s appearance by adding style, color, and texture, and can indirectly influence energy performance. Cladding systems are also designed to be repaired or replaced more easily over time than structural components.
Research
IBHS began testing cladding materials and configurations to better understand how commonly used systems perform under real-world hazards. In the U.S., larger homes and widespread wood-frame construction increase reliance on cladding, which is often selected based on trade-offs between cost, durability, aesthetics, and labor.
By evaluating these materials and configurations, IBHS aims to identify vulnerabilities, improve performance, and help reduce damage and losses.
