UL 2218 or IBHS? Compare What Asphalt-Shingle Ratings Measure

Keep the labels separate; verify each named product and program.

UL 2218 assigns Classes 1–4 by impact energies represented by steel-ball drops from different heights. For asphalt shingles, it checks for physical breach from the back, not dents or granule loss. UL-certified products carry the UL Mark and appear in Product iQ. UL says IBHS’s asphalt-shingle protocol is separate from UL 2218 certification. UL Solutions

IBHS says it buys retail asphalt shingles, simulates hail and rates damage including granule loss, dents, surface cracks and compromised shingles. Its comparison displays products by score or year and details dents, tears and granule loss. IBHS ratings

IBHS says controlled, repeatable laboratory tests support relative product comparisons but do not exactly replicate natural hail impacts. That comparison does not predict this roof’s result or a future storm. No insurance or warranty outcome follows from these tests. IBHS test description

Hypothetical: Bid A lists Product A, UL 2218 Class 4; Bid B, Product B, an IBHS rating. Record each manufacturer, product/line, program, class or score/year separately. Ask bidders for the cited record; keep programs unranked and mark omissions unknown before deciding.