When you live in Oklahoma, wind isn’t just part of the weather forecast—it’s part of life. With gusts that regularly exceed 60 mph and straight-line winds that tear through neighborhoods like mini tornadoes, your roof has to do more than look good. It has to perform under pressure.
The truth is, not all shingle installations are created equal. The difference between a roof that stays intact during a storm and one that peels apart starts with how the shingles are installed.
At Tier-One Roofing, we take wind resistance seriously because we’ve seen the aftermath when other contractors don’t. We’re local. We’re veteran-owned. And we don’t cut corners—because we know that protecting your roof is about protecting your home and your family.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how shingles are supposed to be installed, the common shortcuts that put your roof at risk, and how Tier-One Roofing installs every single roof to stand up to Oklahoma’s toughest storms.
The Real Impact of Wind on Oklahoma Roofs
Before we dive into how shingles should be installed, it’s important to understand just how powerful Oklahoma winds are.
Every year, homeowners across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, and Owasso experience damage from:
Thunderstorm wind gusts up to 80 mph
Microbursts and straight-line winds
Tornado outskirts (even if the twister doesn’t hit directly)
Rapid pressure changes that lift and unseal shingles
The result? Blown-off shingles, torn underlayment, exposed decking, and leaks that start slow but cause serious rot and mold over time.
Wind-resistant installation isn’t a luxury here—it’s a necessity.
Why Most Roofs Fail in High Winds
When we’re called out to inspect storm damage, we often find that the problem wasn’t just the wind—it was the installation.
Here are the top reasons roofs fail in high winds:
1. Improper Nail Placement
Nails that are placed too high (above the nailing strip) don’t secure the shingle properly. Wind gets underneath and rips the shingle free.
2. Not Enough Nails
Most shingles require at least 4 nails per shingle, but high-wind areas require 6 nails. Cutting corners here is a recipe for disaster.
3. No Starter Strip or Improper Starter
Starter shingles along the eaves and rakes seal the first row down. If they’re missing—or installed incorrectly—shingles can lift from the edges.
4. Skipped Sealing in Cold Weather
Shingles rely on a seal strip to adhere properly. In cold weather, these seals don’t activate right away. If not manually sealed or accounted for, they’ll blow off before they ever seal.
5. Poor Quality Shingles
Not all shingles are created equal. Cheap or outdated shingles may be more prone to lifting, cracking, or losing granules.
We don’t just fix these problems—we prevent them from the start.
Our Process: Wind-Resistant Shingle Installation, Done Right
At Tier-One Roofing, we follow best practices recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), local building codes, and manufacturer guidelines—every single time.
Here’s our wind-resistant shingle installation process:
1. Tear-Off and Deck Inspection
We never roof over old materials. We fully remove the existing roof and inspect the decking underneath. Any rotten or soft wood is replaced to ensure a solid foundation.
2. Secure, Waterproof Underlayment
We install:
Synthetic underlayment for superior durability and water resistance
Ice and water shield in valleys and vulnerable areas (as required by code and insurance)
3. Starter Shingles and Drip Edge
Proper starter strips are installed along all eaves and rakes, with the adhesive strip correctly oriented to seal the first row of shingles against uplift.
Drip edge metal is installed to protect roof edges from water infiltration and wind-driven rain.
4. High-Performance Shingles with Wind Ratings
We use shingles rated for at least 110 mph wind resistance—and often 130+ mph when requested. Brands like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all have high-wind products with enhanced sealing technology.
5. Six Nails Per Shingle, Always
We never settle for the bare minimum. Every shingle is fastened with 6 nails, placed exactly within the manufacturer’s required nailing zone.
This creates stronger mechanical fastening and increases the shingle’s resistance to lift.
6. Hand-Sealing When Conditions Demand It
During cold months or when roofing in shaded areas, shingles may not self-seal immediately. In these cases, we hand-seal shingles with approved roofing adhesive to ensure proper bonding.
7. High-Wind Ridge Cap Installation
Ridge caps and hips are common failure points in storms. We use specially designed ridge cap shingles rated for high winds and install them using additional adhesive and correct nail placement.
Our commitment is simple: We install your roof like we’d install it on our own home. No excuses. No compromises.
Call Tier-One Roofing today at (918) 393-4682 for a no-obligation inspection or quote. We’ll walk you through every step.
How Our Installations Stand Up in Real Oklahoma Storms
We’ve had roofs go through windstorms with gusts over 80 mph—and come out unscathed. Why?
Because our attention to detail keeps shingles locked down and water out. Our clients call us after the storm to say, “Ours was the only roof on the block with no damage.”
That’s not luck. That’s intentional craftsmanship.
Whether you’re getting a new roof through insurance or planning a proactive upgrade, we build every roof to last through the storms we know are coming.
Why Wind Ratings Matter (and What to Look For)
Shingles come with wind resistance ratings, usually between 60 and 130 mph.
Here’s what you should know:
Standard shingles are usually rated for up to 60-70 mph
High-wind shingles are tested and rated for 110-130 mph
Some shingles, when installed with special adhesives, carry warranty coverage for up to 150 mph
We recommend installing shingles with at least a 110 mph rating in Oklahoma.
We’ll walk you through your options, pricing, warranty coverage, and expected lifespan. We help you choose based on budget, location, and risk—not upselling.
If you’re in a neighborhood that’s wide open or near fields, rivers, or hilltops, high-wind shingles are a must.
Our Promise: Built to Withstand What’s Coming
You can’t stop the next windstorm—but you can choose how your roof holds up when it hits.
Tier-One Roofing is your local, veteran-owned partner in long-lasting roofing systems. We combine military precision with neighborly service and decades of on-the-ground experience.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Local expertise in Oklahoma wind patterns
Manufacturer-certified crews
Insurance claim assistance when needed
Flexible financing options
Lifetime workmanship warranties
We don’t wait for problems to happen. We build roofs that prevent them.
Get the protection your home deserves. Call Tier-One Roofing at (918) 393-4682 or visit tier-oneroofing.com to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my roof is vulnerable to wind damage?
If your roof is over 10 years old, missing shingles, or has exposed nail heads, it may be compromised. We’ll inspect it at no cost and give you a clear answer.
Q: Can you upgrade my shingles without doing a full roof replacement?
Sometimes, yes. We’ll assess whether partial upgrades are safe and compliant—or if full replacement is the smarter choice.
Q: Will my insurance cover a high-wind roofing system?
Yes—if your claim is storm-related. We can ensure your upgraded shingles meet code and qualify for coverage. If you’re replacing outside of insurance, we offer financing.
Q: How long does installation take?
Most full roof replacements take 1–2 days. Weather permitting, we move fast and keep your property protected at all times.
Final Word: Your Roof Needs More Than Just Shingles
It needs an installer who understands Oklahoma weather. One who doesn’t just check boxes—but who builds with care, precision, and pride.
That’s what you get with Tier-One Roofing.
If your home is in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, or any nearby area, and you want a roof that stands up to Oklahoma wind, let’s talk.
Call (918) 393-4682 or visit tier-oneroofing.com to schedule your free inspection or quote.
Because when the next storm hits, your roof shouldn’t be the weak point—it should be the reason you sleep easy.