Why Hiring a Roofing Contractor Is Essential for Wind-Resistant Asphalt Roofs

In regions like Mississippi where storms, strong winds, and heavy rain are common, your roof’s ability to hold up under pressure isn't just about having high-quality shingles—it’s about how those shingles are installed.

One of the biggest contributors to roof failure during storms is poor installation, particularly when it comes to nailing patterns, materials, and wind-zone compliance. These are not DIY decisions. They require the skill and knowledge of an experienced Roofing Contractor—and, when water is involved, a Waterproofing Contractor can be just as important.

Let’s break down why hiring professionals is essential if you want a roof that can actually perform when the weather gets serious.

The Science Behind Nail Patterns and Wind Resistance

It’s not enough to simply “nail down shingles.” Manufacturers and building codes have specific guidelines for how many nails should be used and where they must be placed. These are based on:

  • Wind zone ratings for your area

  • Type of shingle used

  • Roof pitch and structure

  • Manufacturer specifications

Most standard installations use four nails per shingle. But in wind-prone zones—like many counties in Mississippi—six nails per shingle is required to maintain wind warranties and uplift resistance.

A trained Roofing Contractor ensures:

  • Nails are driven in the correct nailing strip

  • The right number of nails are used for your wind zone

  • Nail spacing and angle follow code and manufacturer specs

Incorrect nailing is a leading cause of shingle blow-offs—and can void your roof’s warranty.

What Happens If You Get It Wrong?

A poorly installed roof might not show problems right away. But once that first storm hits, the mistakes become painfully clear.

Risks of improper nailing include:

  • Shingles lifted or ripped off by high winds

  • Moisture seeping beneath the roofing system

  • Voided warranties from manufacturers

  • Increased insurance claims (and higher premiums)

  • Hidden damage to roof decking and underlayment

What’s worse is that insurance companies may deny coverage if they determine the failure was caused by improper installation—not storm damage.

Why Nail Type and Material Matter in Storm Zones

Not all nails are created equal. A knowledgeable Roofing Contractor selects nails based on both material durability and climate conditions. In stormy or humid areas, choosing the wrong nail can shorten the life of your roof dramatically.

Recommended nail materials include:

  • Hot-dipped galvanized steel: Rust-resistant and strong

  • Stainless steel: Ideal for coastal or extreme weather areas

  • Avoid: Aluminum or electro-galvanized nails—they corrode easily and lose strength

Quality materials combined with precise application offer long-term peace of mind—especially during storm season.

The Role of a Waterproofing Contractor

While the Roofing Contractor handles nailing patterns and shingle application, the Waterproofing Contractor ensures that water stays out—even when wind-driven rain tries to find a way in.

Waterproofing involves:

  • Installing ice and water barriers in valleys, eaves, and vulnerable zones

  • Applying flashing correctly around chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations

  • Sealing seams and underlayment overlaps

  • Choosing adhesives and membranes rated for high-humidity and storm-prone climates

Without this layer of defense, even a well-nailed shingle system can leak—especially during intense weather events.

Code Compliance Is Not Optional

Most states and municipalities have strict codes when it comes to roofing installations—especially in high-wind areas. A certified Roofing Contractor is trained to:

  • Follow your local wind zone and structural code requirements

  • Pull the necessary permits

  • Ensure inspection approval for insurance compliance

Skipping this step or hiring an unlicensed contractor could cost you later if a storm damages your roof and you’re found to be out of code.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before a Roofing Project

Don’t be afraid to ask specific, informed questions:

  • How many nails per shingle will you use?

  • Are you following manufacturer guidelines and local codes?

  • What kind of nails and materials do you use in high-wind areas?

  • Will you coordinate with a Waterproofing Contractor for sealing and flashing?

The answers will tell you everything you need to know about their professionalism and your roof’s long-term durability.

Don’t Gamble with Storm Season

In areas where heavy winds and thunderstorms are common, your roof needs to do more than look good—it needs to perform. That starts with how it’s fastened, protected, and sealed.

An experienced Roofing Contractor ensures that your roof is built to meet and exceed wind-load standards. A reliable Waterproofing Contractor protects it from moisture invasion. Together, they create a roof system you can depend on—whether it’s a light rain or a hurricane-level storm.

Conclusion

Your asphalt shingles may be the face of your roof—but it’s the details underneath that determine how well it holds up. Nail type, placement, and pattern—when handled by a skilled Roofing Contractor—can be the difference between a roof that weathers the storm and one that fails when you need it most.

And with a solid waterproofing layer installed by a certified Waterproofing Contractor, your home gets the added layer of protection it deserves.

If you're in Sumrall, Petal, Purvis, or Hattiesburg, MS, and want to prepare your roof for the next big storm, contact Matlock Roofing & Construction at 601-299-4219. Let the local pros keep your roof wind-resistant and watertight. 

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