Nailing Roof Shingles Correctly - Why is it So Important?

If your roof shingles aren't nailed correctly, you could have a void roofing warranty.

Shingles blow off roofs during high winds. Millions of dollars are spent each year, by the insurance companies because of high winds. Did you know that if your roof shingles are not nailed correctly, you could have a void roofing warranty? Every year I receive many questions about blown off roofs. It seems the most common roof type to be effected by high winds is the asphalt shingle roof. This is not because the manufacturer has defective shingles but the major cause is incorrect nailing.

This roof was installed in the fall of 2015. With the winds of the winter reaching only about 60 MPH this family sustained damage to the roof, as you can see below. Looking closer at the shingles it becomes obviously this shingle blown off this roof was not fastened correctly. Nail placement is not correct. This roof was done by a licensed contractor that will go unnamed. Why does this happen when the shingle manufactures go to great effort to give the proper directions.

• Most shingle manufactures have the nailing schedule on every wrapper and explain the proper nailing in detail.
• Most shingles have an area clearly marked for nailing.
• Most manufactures provide certified application training seminars to contractors during every year.
• Most cities, towns, and counties have building departments that inspect contractors' work.

Throughout my entire roofing career, most roofing installers are paid by the square { A term for 10 feet by 10 feet area } and will most likely continue to be paid that way. This basically means, if the roofer installs the roof faster he makes more money. It is not hard to figure out that speed does not necessarily mean skill. Proper placement of the nails takes knowledge, training, skill and years of experience to acquire. Most contractors train their roofers to place the nails in the correct area of the shingle and have foreman, management or themselves inspect the work of employees, so poor nailing this is not an issue. There are many untrained installers that are not so ethical, do not care or are just in and out, fly by night so-called contractors. Many are called ” storm chasers” moving from heavily hit storm areas. It is why it is important to know your local contractors and ask the right questions before you hire them. Check the work being done on your home if you can or make sure an inspector does. Homes installed like this one most likely have no wind warranty because of poor nailing and now, the blown off shingles must be dealt with the contractor directly for repairs. This can be difficult when the contractor may not even be around anymore.

Correctly nailing shingles is important

Many roofers read these blogs along with DIY’er and homeowners. You know who you are and poor workmanship gives the roofing industry a bad reputation. So when I see these types of emails sent by homeowners it bothers us at AskARoofer.com and we will continue to make the consumer aware of issues like this. But, it is also the homeowner's responsibility to choose the right contractor. The cheapest bid is not always the best.

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