Wow, this is a great thread. I learned a great deal just in the few posts I read. The time has now come (thanks to 2 instances of 40+ MPH midwest winds) to replace my roof. I have a 36 x 26 ranch type house with a 24 x 24 attached garage. The house is 20 years old and the 4/12 pitch roof is the original one (I guess I got my money's worth). I intend to tear off the old roof and replace it. I have 2 reasons for this, the roof looks a bit lumpy to me so placing new shingles over a lumpy roof doesn't make sense and also, I want to inspect the sheathing for damage/rot.

Now for my questions: If tearing the plastic strips off of the new shingles is NOT a good idea, then what other things can I do to assure the new roof will withstand my windy location? A dab or 2 of roofing cement in strategic locations on the new shingles? What about drip edge, do I need it? Does it go over or under the roofing felt? Where the garage roof intersects the house roof should I use a basketweave (current installation) or a straight cut? I plan on using 30# felt but somehow I remember that the shingle weight you use depends on the thickness of the sheathing on the roof, true? Not sure which shingle standard 3 tab or the newer composition shingle to use. I want maximum wind damage control.

Well, that's all the questions I have for now. I need to calculate my material requirements and do some pricing. And then, it's up to having a string of 4 to 6 days of decent weather and see how many "real" friends I have!

Thanks in advance.........jaknik2

 

There is a new shingle out designed for wind. It is a 250lb
shingle. They work great. Nail all shingles, 4 to a shingle. If you tear off the plastic strip your warranty is void. Follow directions on the package for lapping. You usually always use drip edge. I also use rake edges also. It keeps the wind from getting under a corner of a shingle.
Don't know where you live, but thought I would let you know, 40mph is not a very strong wind. 60 or 70 mph winds are getting strong. Good Luck don't fall off the roof.

 

Make sure when you nail the shingles down that the nails are placed as low as they can without exposing them. You will see on the wrapper that it shows the tar strip and says do not nail on or above strip. This keeps the wind from being able to get under the portion with the tar strip. Any movement there breaks the seal. Once the shingle is lifted by the wind it will it loosen the one on top of it and so on.