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 manufacture has defective shingles but the major cause is incorrect nailing.
_Most shingle manufactures have the nailing schedule on every wrapper and explains 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 a inspector does. Homes installed like this one most likely have no wind warranty because of poor nailing and now, the blown off shingles must dealt with the contractor directly for repairs. This can be difficult when the contractor may not even be around anymore.