A.Paul Fisette, director of the building materials and wood technology program at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, responds: Wind-resistant shingles are recommended in areas subject to hurricane-force winds, which are defined as winds in excess of 75 mph. Typical asphalt roof shingles have a UL 997 rating and come with a "wind resistant" label right on the bundles. However, this UL 997 listing only tells you that the wind testing was conducted in a certain way; it doesn’t refer to a specific windspeed resistance. In fact, most shingle manufacturers limit their warranties to wind speeds between 60 and 80 mph.

Since you are in an area subject to even stronger winds, you may want to take extra measures. Shingle manufacturers recommend that in windy locations, you place a dab of asphalt cement the size of a quarter at the bottom corner of each tab of a standard three-tab shingle (a total of six dabs). Double-nailing (for a total of six nails per shingle) is also a good idea. And it’s best, if possible, to install the shingles in warm weather so the self-sealing mechanism works properly.