Introduction: Why Manufacturer Specs Matter

Following manufacturer specifications isn't just best practice - it's required to maintain your warranty. Deviating from specs can void your warranty and lead to premature failure. This guide covers installation requirements for the major shingle manufacturers we work with.

GAF INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS

GAF Timberline HDZ (Most Popular)

Nailing Requirements:

• Standard installation: 4 nails per shingle
• High-wind areas: 6 nails per shingle (required for wind warranty)
• Nail type: 11-12 gauge galvanized roofing nails, 3/8" head, 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" length
• Nail placement: 5/8" to 1" below adhesive strip, 1" from each end

Underlayment Requirements:

• Standard: GAF FeltBuster or equivalent synthetic
• Ice & water shield: GAF WeatherWatch or StormGuard
  • Minimum 36" at eaves
  • Full coverage in valleys
  • Around all penetrations

Starter Strip:

• Required: GAF Pro-Start or cut shingles
• Purpose: Seals first course, prevents wind uplift
• Installation: Overhangs drip edge by 1/4" to 3/4"

Ridge Cap:

• Recommended: GAF Seal-A-Ridge (pre-formed)
• Alternative: Cut field shingles into 3 tabs
• Nailing: 2 nails per cap shingle, 5-1/2" exposure

Ventilation Requirements:

• Minimum: 1 sq ft per 150 sq ft of attic (if balanced intake/exhaust)
• Alternative: 1 sq ft per 300 sq ft (code minimum)
• GAF recommendation: Cobra ridge vent + adequate soffit vents

Warranty Notes:

• Limited Lifetime warranty: Requires proper installation
• Wind warranty: 130 mph (requires 6-nail installation)
• System warranty: Use GAF accessories for enhanced warranty

IKO INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS

IKO Cambridge (Popular in Canada)

Nailing Requirements:

• Standard: 4 nails per shingle
• High-wind: 6 nails per shingle
• Nail type: 11-12 gauge galvanized, 3/8" head, 1-1/4" minimum length
• Placement: Just below adhesive strip, per nailing diagram

Underlayment Requirements:

• Standard: IKO RoofGard synthetic or #15 felt
• Ice & water shield: IKO ArmourGard or StormShield
  • 36" minimum at eaves (recommend 72")
  • Valleys, penetrations, sidewalls

Starter Strip:

• Recommended: IKO Pro HP+ starter
• Purpose: Provides adhesive seal for first course

Warranty Notes:

• Limited Lifetime warranty: Non-prorated for 15 years
• Wind warranty: 130 mph (with proper installation)
• Algae resistance: 10-year warranty (ArmourZone models)

OWENS CORNING INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS

Owens Corning Duration (Premium Line)

Nailing Requirements:

• Standard: 4 nails per shingle
• High-wind: 6 nails per shingle (required for SureNail warranty)
• SureNail Technology: Wider nailing zone (easier to hit)
• Nail type: 11-12 gauge galvanized, 3/8" to 7/16" head

Underlayment Requirements:

• Standard: Owens Corning ProArmor or equivalent
• Ice & water shield: WeatherLock or WeatherLock Flex
  • 36" at eaves (code minimum)
  • Recommend 72" in Fraser Valley

Starter Strip:

• Recommended: Owens Corning ProEdge or WeatherGuard
• Installation: Overhangs drip edge by 1/4" to 3/4"

Warranty Notes:

• Duration series: Limited Lifetime warranty
• Wind warranty: 130 mph (SureNail technology)
• TruDefinition color: Enhanced color warranty

BP (FORMERLY BORAL) INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS

BP Everest (Canadian Market)

Nailing Requirements:

• Standard: 4 nails per shingle
• High-wind: 6 nails per shingle
• Nail placement: Per nailing diagram on wrapper

Underlayment Requirements:

• Standard: Synthetic underlayment or #15 felt
• Ice & water shield: Required at eaves, valleys, penetrations

Warranty Notes:

• Limited Lifetime warranty: Available on premium lines
• Wind warranty: Varies by product (110-130 mph)

CERTAINTEED INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS

CertainTeed Landmark (Popular Series)

Nailing Requirements:

• Standard: 4 nails per shingle
• High-wind: 6 nails per shingle
• StreakFighter technology: Algae-resistant granules

Underlayment Requirements:

• Standard: CertainTeed DiamondDeck or RoofRunner
• Ice & water shield: WinterGuard or FlintLastic
  • 36" minimum at eaves
  • Full valley coverage

Warranty Notes:

• Landmark series: Limited Lifetime warranty
• Wind warranty: 110-130 mph (depending on installation)
• StreakFighter warranty: 10-15 years algae resistance

COMMON INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS (ALL BRANDS)

Deck Preparation

All Manufacturers Require:

• Clean, dry deck: No debris, moisture, or rot
• Smooth surface: No protruding nails or gaps
• Proper fastening: Deck securely attached to framing
• Gaps: 1/8" between deck panels (expansion)

Temperature Requirements

Installation Temperature:

• Minimum: 5°C (40°F) for most products
• Reason: Adhesive strips won't seal below this temp
• Cold weather: Hand-seal shingles if installing below 10°C
• Hot weather: Avoid walking on shingles above 30°C (damage risk)

Slope Requirements

Minimum Slope:

• Standard shingles: 2:12 (9.5°) minimum
• Low-slope application: 2:12 to 4:12 requires special underlayment
• Below 2:12: Shingles not recommended (use membrane roofing)

SYSTEM WARRANTIES vs. STANDARD WARRANTIES

What is a System Warranty?

System Warranty (Enhanced):

• Requires: Use manufacturer's complete system
  • Shingles
  • Underlayment
  • Starter strip
  • Ridge cap
  • Ventilation (some brands)
• Benefits:
  • Longer non-prorated period
  • Higher wind warranty
  • Workmanship coverage (some brands)

Standard Warranty:

• Requires: Proper installation per specs
• Allows: Mix-and-match accessories
• Coverage: Material defects only

Is System Warranty Worth It?

Cost Difference:

• System: 10-15% more expensive
• Example: $15,000 roof → $16,500-17,250 for system

Our Recommendation:

• Premium homes: Yes (better warranty, resale value)
• Standard homes: Not necessary (proper installation more important)
• Budget-conscious: No (use quality non-system components)

COMMON SPEC VIOLATIONS (THAT VOID WARRANTIES)

What We See

1. Wrong Number of Nails:

• Violation: 4 nails in high-wind area (requires 6)
• Result: Voids wind warranty
• Fix: Can't fix after installation

2. Improper Nail Placement:

• Violation: Nails above adhesive strip
• Result: Shingles don't seal, blow off
• Fix: Requires re-roofing

3. Wrong Underlayment:

• Violation: Using felt when synthetic required
• Result: May void warranty (check specs)
• Fix: Can't fix after shingles installed

4. Inadequate Ice & Water Shield:

• Violation: Only 36" at eaves (Fraser Valley needs 72")
• Result: Ice dam leaks not covered by warranty
• Fix: Can't fix after installation

The Bottom Line

Manufacturer specifications exist for a reason - they ensure proper performance and maintain warranty coverage. Cutting corners voids warranties and leads to premature failure.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we follow manufacturer specifications exactly. We use the right number of nails, proper placement, correct underlayment, and appropriate accessories. We document our work and provide you with warranty registration. Your warranty is protected.

Questions about manufacturer specs? Call (604) 997-1292