High-Wind Shingle Installation

A roof's ability to withstand strong winds depends on much more than the shingles themselves. Every component of the roofing system plays a role in helping protect your home during severe weather.

High-wind installation follows the roofing manufacturer's recommended installation methods and applicable building codes. When installed correctly, the roofing system is designed to help resist shingle blow-offs, reduce the risk of wind-driven rain, and provide dependable protection during storms.

A high-wind roof is not created by one product alone. It is achieved by installing every roofing component correctly so the entire system works together.

How Is High-Wind Performance Achieved?

A high-wind roofing system is built by following the roofing manufacturer's installation requirements from the roof deck up. Every detail matters, and even small shortcuts can affect how the roof performs during severe weather.

Proper Nail Placement

Every asphalt shingle has a designated nailing zone established by the manufacturer. Roofing nails must be installed within this area to properly secure the shingles. Nails placed too high or too low can reduce wind resistance and may increase the risk of shingles lifting or blowing off during a storm.

The Correct Number of Nails

Most architectural shingles are installed using a standard four-nail pattern. However, many manufacturers require a six-nail pattern for enhanced wind ratings, in designated high-wind areas, or where required by local building codes.

Using the correct number of nails is just as important as placing them in the proper location. More nails do not always create a better roof—following the manufacturer's installation instructions does.

Proper Roofing Nails

Roofing nails should be corrosion-resistant and long enough to properly penetrate the roof deck or meet the manufacturer's fastening requirements.

Many professional roofing contractors also use ring-shank roofing nails because the rings along the nail shaft provide increased holding power compared to smooth-shank nails. This additional holding strength can help improve the overall performance of the roofing system.

Starter Shingles

Starter shingles installed along the eaves and rakes help secure the first course of shingles. Their factory-applied adhesive strip helps reduce the chance of wind lifting the roof edge, one of the most vulnerable areas of the roof.

Ridge Cap Shingles

Hip and ridge cap shingles are specifically designed for the roof's peaks and ridges. Proper fastening and installation help protect these high-exposure areas where wind speeds are often greatest.

Complete Roofing System

High-wind performance depends on more than shingles and nails. Ice and water shield, synthetic roof underlayment, properly installed flashing, roof valleys, ventilation, and every other roofing component work together to create a complete roofing system.

When each component is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications, the roof is designed to provide dependable protection and long-term performance.

Typical Cost

High-wind installation is typically included as part of a complete roof replacement and is not usually priced as a separate item.

The overall cost depends on the roofing materials selected, roof design, manufacturer installation requirements, and local building codes. Investing in proper installation during a roof replacement is often far less expensive than repairing wind damage later.

Benefits

• Improves wind resistance

• Helps reduce the risk of shingle blow-offs

• Helps protect against wind-driven rain

• Supports manufacturer installation requirements

• Improves long-term roof performance

• Creates a stronger roofing system

• Provides greater peace of mind during severe weather

Why It Matters in Michigan

Michigan homeowners experience strong winds, severe thunderstorms, lake-effect weather, heavy snowfall, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles throughout the year.

A properly installed roofing system helps protect your home by combining quality materials with proven installation practices. Every component—from the starter shingles to the ridge cap shingles—plays an important role in helping the roof perform during Michigan's changing seasons.

Our Recommendation

At VanderLaans, we install roofing systems according to the roofing manufacturer's specifications and applicable building codes.

We believe quality materials deserve quality installation. Proper nail placement, the correct number of fasteners, starter shingles, flashing, ventilation, and attention to detail are just as important as the shingles themselves. Our goal is to install a complete roofing system designed to provide dependable, long-term protection for your home.

Did You Know?

Many homeowners believe buying a premium shingle automatically creates a high-wind roof. In reality, a roof's wind performance depends on the complete roofing system and how it is installed. Even the highest-rated shingles can only achieve their intended performance when every component is installed according to the manufacturer's requirements.