Homeowner guide
Shingle Wind Ratings Explained: What 110 mph and Class H Really Mean
Shingle packaging lists wind speeds and letter classes that are easy to misread. This guide explains what the ratings are, how they are tested, and what they do and do not tell you about your roof.
The short answer: Homeowners usually pay for a roof with savings, a home equity loan or line of credit, a personal loan, financing offered through the roofing company, or an insurance payout when the damage is covered. The right choice depends on the total cost of borrowing, not the monthly payment, so compare the interest rate, fees and payoff terms in writing before you commit.
What a wind rating is
A wind rating is a laboratory result. A manufacturer sends shingles to be tested under a standard method, and the shingle is rated for the highest class it passes. The rating describes how well the shingle resists being lifted at its sealed edges. It is not a promise about how your whole roof will perform in any particular storm.
The two test standards you will see
Most asphalt shingles in the United States list one or both of these standards:
- ASTM D3161 (fan-induced method): Class A is 60 mph, Class D is 90 mph and Class F is 110 mph.
- ASTM D7158 (uplift resistance method): Class D is up to 90 mph, Class G is up to 120 mph and Class H is up to 150 mph.
The two methods test differently, so a letter on one standard is not interchangeable with the same letter on the other. Compare like with like, and read the product data sheet for the exact wording.
Why a higher class is not the whole story
The tested rating assumes the shingle was installed exactly as the manufacturer specifies. Nail placement, the number of nails, the condition of the deck, the starter strip at the eaves and rakes, and a clean seal strip all affect real-world performance. A high-rated shingle that is nailed too high or too few times can lift in wind that a properly installed lower-rated shingle would handle.
Wind-driven failure usually starts at edges and corners, so the details there matter: drip edge, starter shingles and the first courses along the eaves and gable ends.
What to look for on a roofing estimate
- Which shingle line is being installed, and its published wind rating and test standard.
- Whether the installation follows the manufacturer instructions for wind warranties, which can require specific nailing patterns or accessories.
- What starter strip and edge details are included.
- Whether the wind warranty is transferable and what conditions apply.
If a wind warranty matters to you, ask for it in writing and read its conditions before signing.
Cold weather and sealing
Shingles rely on a factory seal strip that activates with warmth and sunlight. Roofs installed in cold weather may take longer to seal, which is one reason the season of installation can matter. Ask your roofer how they handle cold-weather installs and whether hand-sealing is used when it is needed.
What wind ratings do not cover
A wind rating does not address hail, falling trees or debris. It also does not mean a roof cannot be damaged by wind; severe storms can exceed any rating. After a storm, look for lifted, creased or missing shingles and have the roof inspected. Our guide to signs of wind damage on a roof can help you know what to look for.
Shingle wind rating questions
What is the difference between Class D, F and H?
They are classes within two different test standards. Under ASTM D3161, Class D is rated 90 mph and Class F 110 mph. Under ASTM D7158, Class D is up to 90 mph, Class G up to 120 mph and Class H up to 150 mph. The standards use different methods, so compare within the same standard.
Does a 110 mph rating mean my roof survives 110 mph winds?
Not necessarily. It is a laboratory result for the shingle when installed per manufacturer instructions. Installation quality, deck condition and edge details all affect how a whole roof performs.
Do I need the highest wind rating in Indiana?
That depends on your budget, the shingle line and any warranty you want. Ask your roofer for the ratings of the options they offer and what each warranty requires.
Can a roof with a high wind rating still lose shingles?
Yes. Poor nailing, a weak seal, an aging roof or a severe storm can all cause shingle loss regardless of the rating.
Where do I find a shingle wind rating?
On the product data sheet and packaging from the manufacturer. Ask your roofer for the data sheet for the exact shingle line in your estimate.
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