At TAMKO, we’ve spent decades helping contractors build roofing systems designed to stand the test of time. While quality shingles matter, it’s the installation details that define long-term performance, homeowner trust, and your reputation as a contractor.From ventilation and underlayment to warranty eligibility, mastering the fundamentals can mean fewer callbacks and more satisfied customers.
Roofing Installation
Roofing installation is more than fastening shingles to a deck — it’s a system of details that work together to protect the home. Every step, from proper deck preparation to sealing and fastening, impacts roof longevity.
Contractors who focus on roofing installation best practices can set themselves apart by:
- Preparing the deck to be clean, dry, and properly fastened
- Following manufacturer application instructions exactly, including fastener placement and spacing
- Using compatible accessory products that support system performance
- Inspecting each stage of the installation to verify quality control
When executed correctly, these fundamentals help to create a durable system that performs in diverse climates and reduces issues.
Roofing Ventilation Tips
Proper ventilation keeps roofs performing in every climate. Without it, heat and moisture can damage shingles, weaken decking, and invite mold. To protect both the system and your reputation, consider:
- Maintaining balanced intake and exhaust airflow
- Installing ridge vents or box vents where needed
- Keeping insulation clear of soffit vents
- Following code requirements for minimum ventilation ratios
Balanced airflow regulates attic temperatures during both hot summers and freezing winters — helping to extend roof life and reduce costly issues.
Proper Underlayment Use
Underlayment can act as a secondary shield against water infiltration, protecting decking from wind-driven rain and ice dams. Correct use is essential to minimize callbacks. Best practices include:
- Choosing synthetic underlayment that offers superior tear resistance, such as Synthetic Guard™ or Synthetic Guard™ Plus
- Overlapping underlayment
- Securing with approved fasteners to avoid buckling
- Installing ice and water barriers in valleys, around penetrations, and along eaves in cold-weather regions
When properly applied, underlayment provides a durable foundation for shingles and enhances the roof system’s reliability.
Roofing Warranty Tips
Strong warranties make for even strong roofs. Contractors can protect their work, and their customers, by following these steps:
- Review all requirements and restrictions, such as TAMKO’s Limited Warranty and High Wind Application Instructions, before installation
- Use required accessory products, such as TAMKO® starter and TAMKO® Hip and Ridge when installing shingles eligible for a wind warranty
- Follow nail placement guidance, such as the Rapid Fire Zone® nailing zone on Titan XT® shingles
- Keep documentation of materials and installation steps for future reference
These aren’t the only qualifications, but they certainly go a long way. For TAMKO’s certified contractors with the right to offer enhanced limited system warranty coverage options like TAMKO ProShield®, TAMKO MasterShield®, and TAMKO DiamondShield™, this attention to detail is required to qualify for the coverage.*
Cold Weather Installs and Sealing Techniques
Cold climates bring added challenges — shingles may become brittle and sealing may be delayed. To help maintain integrity in these conditions:
- Store shingles in a warm area before installation
- Choose products engineered to grip strong even in freezing conditions, such as TAMKO’s Advanced Fusion™ sealant technology
- Allow shingles to warm and bond as temperatures rise after installation
Applying these cold-weather practices reduces the risk of callbacks and supports long-term roof performance.
Choosing the Right Shingles for Performance
Every project benefits from pairing best practices with advanced shingle technology. TAMKO offers options built to perform across climates and conditions:
- Titan XT® shingles: Built tough with TriShield™ technology and reinforced by the AnchorLock™ layer, Titan XT® shingles deliver extreme durability, Class 3 impact rated† performance, and superior wind protection up to 160 mph.‡
- StormFighter FLEX® shingles: Designed with TriShield™ technology plus AnchorLock™ and ForceFX® polymer technology, StormFighter FLEX® shingles provide a Class 4 impact rated** solution with cold-weather flexibility and all-weather reliability.
In Summary
Contractors who prioritize roofing installation best practices — ventilation, underlayment, warranty coverage requirements, and sealing techniques — deliver stronger roofs and fewer callbacks.
Pairing proven methods with advanced shingle systems like Titan XT® and StormFighter FLEX® can strengthen your reputation and provide homeowners with lasting confidence.
Access TAMKO’s full library of contractor resources, installation guides, and training at tamko.com — and bring every project from the deck up with confidence.
About the Author
Jon Abernathy is the Director of Contractor Engagement at TAMKO Building Products. With more than 20 years of industry experience—including founding Abernathy Roofing and Construction—Jon now leads national efforts to support and empower contractors through education, product programs, and engagement strategies that drive real business growth.
* TAMKO® Professional Certified Contractors can offer certain Enhanced Limited System Warranties. See tamko.com/edge for details.
† Titan XT® shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistance. UL 2218 testing utilizes a dropped steel ball which may not correlate with real world rooftop experience with the impact of storm driven hail or other objects.
‡160 MPH wind warranty requires TAMKO® starter and TAMKO® hip and ridge. See TAMKO’s full High Wind Application Instructions for requirements and restrictions.
**StormFighter FLEX® shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. UL 2218 testing utilizes a dropped steel ball which may not correlate with real world rooftop experience with the impact of storm driven hail or other objects.
†† Please consult TAMKO’s Limited Warranty and Application Instructions for requirements.