🏠 Steep Slope Asphalt Shingle Installation in Minnesota: Why the Right Nailing Pattern Matters

📐 What Is a Steep-Slope Roof?

In roofing, a steep-slope roof is defined as any roof with a pitch over 60° (21:12). These roofs, like the A-frame we recently completed, are great for shedding water and snow—but they demand extra attention during installation.

You’re dealing with:

• Increased gravitational pull

• Higher wind uplift risk

• Greater safety concerns for crewsThat’s why following the correct nailing pattern and depth is absolutely essential.

🧱 Why We Use Owens Corning Duration® Shingles

For this project, we selected Owens Corning Duration® shingles—a product we trust for:

• Built-in SureNail® Technology (a reinforced nailing strip)

• Strong performance in high-wind conditions

• Great Minnesota-friendly durability

• Enhanced warranty coverage (when installed correctly)

This is one of the most recommended shingles by Minnesota roofing contractors for steep-slope applications.

🔩 Owens Corning’s 6-Nail Pattern for Steep Slopes (How We Do It)

For slopes over 60°, Owens Corning recommends a six-nail pattern per shingle to provide additional wind resistance and meet warranty requirements.

Here’s how we nailed it on our recent A-frame project:

Step-by-Step 6-Nail Pattern:

1. Nail 1 – 1" from the left edge of the shingle, directly on the nailing line

2. Nail 2 – 12" to the right of Nail 1

3. Nail 3 – 1" to the right of Nail 2

4. Nail 4 – 12" to the right of Nail 3

5. Nail 5 – 1" to the right of Nail 4

6. Nail 6 – 1" from the right edge of the shingle

All nails must be placed within the SureNail® strip—the reinforced zone built into Owens Corning Duration shingles—offering added holding power and nail accuracy.

✅ Pro Tip: Each nail should go into the top edge of the shingle below it, locking layers together for added strength.

🎯 Proper Nailing Depth: Why It Matters

It’s not just where you place the nail—it’s how deep it goes that matters.

According to Owens Corning installation guidelines, nails should:

• Penetrate through the shingle, the roof deck, and at least 3/4" into the deck or all the way through if the decking is thinner

• Sit flush with the shingle surface—not over-driven (which can tear the shingle) and not under-driven (which can lift under wind)

A properly driven nail:

• Holds the shingle securely

• Avoids premature blow-offs

• Keeps your warranty valid

At Serrano Exteriors, we train our crews to inspect every row to ensure every nail is seated just right.

🧴 When to Use Roofing Tar or Shingle Adhesive

On steep-slope roofs—or in cold or windy Minnesota weather—it’s often necessary to use roofing cement to help shingles stay sealed until they naturally bond from heat.

We use adhesive if:

• The roof pitch is greater than 21:12

• Temperatures are below 40°F

• The home is in a high-wind zone

• There’s limited sun exposure (north-facing slopes)

We apply 3 quarter-sized dabs of roofing cement under each shingle tab, as recommended by Owens Corning. This helps prevent wind uplift during those first few days or weeks before the shingles have had time to self-seal.

🚫 Don’t overdo it—too much can seep out and make a mess, or affect the shingles’ performance.

This attention to detail means the homeowner gets a durable, wind-resistant roof that’s backed by Owens Corning’s warranty and our own workmanship guarantee.

🧰 Why Minnesota Homeowners Trust Serrano Exteriors

We’re not just another roofing contractor—we’re a locally trusted Minnesota exterior remodeling company that does the job right:

✅ Fully licensed and insured✅ Owens Corning Preferred Contractor✅ Experienced in steep-slope and specialty roof installs✅ Serving the Twin Cities, surrounding suburbs, and beyond

📞 Need a Steep Roof Installed the Right Way?

At Serrano Exteriors, we specialize in Roofing, especially on complex homes like A-frames, cabins, and chalets across Minnesota.

📍 Based in Minnesota | Locally Owned

👉 Contact us today for a free estimate📞 Or call us at [612] - 441 - 3458

This blog post was written by Jose Serrano, owner of Serrano Exteriors, a Minnesota-based roofing and exterior remodeling company proudly serving the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

All photos shown are original and property of Serrano Exteriors. Unauthorized use is prohibited.