When homeowners research roof replacement, one topic that often causes confusion is Ring Shank vs. Smooth Shank Nails, especially when wind resistance is part of the conversation. Many people assume that using a “stronger” nail automatically means a roof will better withstand high winds. If you’re considering a roof replacement and want clear, honest answers about what really matters for wind performance, call Camel City Roofing at 336-203-7784 to speak with a local expert.
After all, nails are what physically hold shingles to the roof deck. So it seems logical that the nail type would directly determine how well shingles stay in place during storms.
The reality, however, is more nuanced.
In this article, we’ll explain how shingle wind ratings actually work, what role nail type really plays, and what matters most for the architectural shingles we commonly install IKO Dynasty and CertainTeed Landmark Pro, on homes throughout Winston-Salem and the greater Piedmont Triad.
Do Roofing Nails Change Shingle Wind Ratings?
For IKO Dynasty and CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles, the type of nail used, smooth shank or ring shank does not change the manufacturer’s wind rating when the roof is installed correctly.
Instead, wind resistance is determined by a combination of installation and system factors, including:
- Proper nail placement
- Correct nail quantity
- Adequate penetration into solid roof decking
- Strong shingle seal strip adhesion
- Overall installation quality
Nail shank style alone is not a determining factor.
How Shingle Wind Ratings Are Determined
Architectural shingles like IKO Dynasty and CertainTeed Landmark Pro typically carry 110–130 mph wind warranties when installed according to manufacturer specifications.
These ratings are established through standardized testing procedures in which shingles are:
- Installed on sound roof decking
- Nailed precisely in the reinforced nail zone
- Allowed sufficient time to fully seal
- Subjected to controlled uplift forces that simulate high-wind conditions
The key takeaway is simple:
Wind ratings are based on the performance of the entire roofing system, not a single component like nail type.
That system includes:
- Seal strip strength
- Shingle mat durability
- Nail placement and count
- Starter shingles
- Hip and ridge caps
- Roof deck condition
What Actually Fails During High-Wind Events
Based on industry research and real-world storm inspections, shingle failures usually follow a predictable pattern:
- Seal strip loses adhesion – This can happen due to age, debris, cold-weather installation, or repeated wind cycling.
- Shingle lift begins – Once the seal is compromised, shingles can flex and lift during gusts.
- Shingle tearing or pull-through at the nail line – The shingle material fails around the fastener head.
What typically does not happen first on a properly installed roof:
- Nails being cleanly pulled straight out of solid decking
In most cases, the shingle fails before the nail withdraws, regardless of whether smooth shank or ring shank nails were used.
Ring Shank vs. Smooth Shank Nails: What’s the Real Difference?
Ring shank nails
- Feature ridges that grip wood fibers
- Offer higher resistance to backing out of wood
- They are often used where wood movement or vibration is a concern
Smooth shank nails
- Rely on friction and proper penetration
- Are the industry standards for asphalt shingles
- Fully meet the manufacturer’s fastening requirements when installed correctly
From an engineering standpoint, ring shank nails do provide greater withdrawal resistance. That advantage is real and well-documented.
However, that benefit only matters if nail withdrawal is the primary failure mode, which it typically is not for correctly installed asphalt shingle roofs.
Do Ring Shank Nails Increase Wind Warranties?
IKO Dynasty
- Rated up to 130 mph with enhanced installation
- Requires correct nail size, placement, and quantity
- Does not require ring shank nails for wind warranty eligibility
CertainTeed Landmark Pro
- Rated 110 mph standard, 130 mph enhanced
- Requires proper penetration, nail placement, and sealing
- Does not require ring shank nails for wind warranty eligibility
Both manufacturers emphasize:
- Nailing in the reinforced nail zone
- Correct nail count (often six nails for high-wind installations)
- Proper starter shingles and ridge caps
- Solid decking and proper sealing
Neither manufacturer ties wind ratings to nail shank style.
Common Roofing Nail Myths
Myth: Ring shank nails increase a roof’s wind rating
Fact: Wind ratings are determined by system performance, not fastener style.
Myth: Smooth shank nails are a cheap shortcut
Fact: Smooth shank nails are manufacturer-approved and industry-standard.
Myth: Aggressive nails prevent shingle blow-offs
Fact: Seal strip performance and installation quality matter far more.
Why Roofers Sometimes Give Different Answers
You may hear different opinions depending on the roofer.
Some emphasize ring shank nails because they offer additional withdrawal resistance and provide extra margin in marginal decking conditions.
Others focus on nail placement accuracy, installation consistency, and manufacturer compliance.
Both viewpoints have merit but neither changes the manufacturer’s published wind rating.
No nail type can compensate for improper nail placement, over-driven or under-driven nails, missed decking, poor sealing, or substandard installation practices.
A properly installed roof with smooth shank nails will outperform a poorly installed roof with ring shank nails every time.
What We See in the Field
At Camel City Roofing, we inspect roofs throughout Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and the surrounding Piedmont Triad especially after seasonal wind events and summer storms.
In real-world inspections, we consistently see that shingles most often fail due to seal strip loss or material tearing; nail withdrawal is rare when nails are correctly placed into solid decking, and installation quality outweighs fastener type.
This aligns closely with manufacturer testing and industry research.
Why Installation Quality Matters More Than Nail Type
The most important factors affecting wind performance include:
- Proper nail placement in the reinforced zone
- Correct nail count
- Adequate penetration into sound decking
- Correctly installed starter shingles
- Ridge caps secured per manufacturer specifications
- Allowing shingles time to fully seal before major wind exposure
That’s why manufacturers focus on installation standards, not “special nails,” when defining wind resistance.
About Camel City Roofing
Camel City Roofing is a locally owned and operated roofing company serving Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and the greater Piedmont Triad. We believe homeowners deserve clear answers, quality workmanship, and roofing systems installed exactly as manufacturers intend.
Reasons homeowners choose Camel City Roofing include:
- Strict adherence to manufacturer installation specifications
- Deep experience with architectural shingles designed for high-wind performance
- Thorough inspections focused on long-term roof durability, not quick fixes
- Honest guidance without upselling or gimmicks
- Local knowledge of Piedmont Triad weather conditions and building standards
Our approach is simple: install every roof correctly the first time so it performs as designed for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowners often have additional questions when comparing ring shank and smooth shank nails, especially when wind resistance and warranties are involved. If you don’t see your question answered below or want advice specific to your roof, call Camel City Roofing at 336-203-7784, and we’ll be happy to help.
Does using ring shank nails make a roof more wind-resistant?
Ring shank nails resist backing out of wood better, but they do not increase manufacturer wind ratings when shingles are installed correctly.
Will smooth shank nails void my roof warranty?
No. Smooth shank nails that meet manufacturer specifications are fully approved for IKO Dynasty and CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles.
Why do some roofers recommend ring shank nails?
They add withdrawal resistance and margin in certain conditions but wind performance depends on the roofing system as a whole.
Ready for Straight Answers About Your Roof?
When it comes to Ring Shank vs. Smooth Shank Nails, the takeaway for homeowners is clear:
- Smooth shank nails are industry-standard and manufacturer-approved
- Wind resistance depends on proper installation and sealing
- Nail type alone does not determine roof performance
At Camel City Roofing, we follow manufacturer specifications and proven installation practices without shortcuts or gimmicks so your roof performs exactly as designed.
If you have questions about your roof, concerns about wind resistance, or want a professional inspection, call Camel City Roofing at 336-203-7784. We’re always happy to provide clear answers and expert guidance you can trust.
Get more roofing information and tips by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
