3November 2025
The unpredictable storms of Camden County, NJ, often leave homeowners asking one urgent question: Are those expensive storm-resistant shingles worth the investment? The answer is a resounding yes, but only if they are the right type and installed by a certified expert, like T.A. Hughes Roofing. We will break down the true value of high-wind rated shingles like GAF Timberline HDZ and explain what the “no maximum wind speed” warranty really means for your home in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, or Haddonfield.
The Harsh Truth: What Camden County Storms Do to a Standard Roof
The reality for homeowners in South Jersey is that the most common threat is not a rare hurricane, but the straight-line winds and severe thunderstorms that frequent the area. These intense storms, sometimes classified as a derecho, can produce damaging wind gusts of at least 58 mph, and often exceed 75 mph, tearing trees and debris in one direction.
A standard 3-tab shingle roof is typically warrantied for only 60 mph or up to 110 mph without special installation, and up to 130 mph with special installation. Since Camden County falls into a wind zone that can experience speeds up to 160 mph, standard shingles are simply not built to withstand the typical New Jersey derecho or nor’easter.
The Local Damage Profile:
- Wind Damage: This is the most common issue. It involves lifted, creased, or completely missing shingles, especially at the edges and peaks of your roof. This happens when wind gets under the shingle and breaks the seal.
- Water Damage: Once the wind has broken the shingle seal, the torrential rainfall common in South Jersey can be driven up and under the shingles, leading to significant water damage to the roof deck and the interior of your home.
For reliable storm defense, you need a roofing system designed for this environment. If you suspect your roof has been compromised by a recent storm, learn how we can help with a Professional Roof Inspection in New Jersey.
Decoded: What Makes a Shingle “Storm-Resistant” (The GAF Difference)
True storm-resistant shingles are architectural shingles designed with advanced technologies to resist powerful wind uplift and impact. At T.A. Hughes Roofing, we focus on the GAF Timberline HDZ (or UHDZ) shingles for a reason: they are engineered specifically for superior storm protection.
The GAF WindProven™ Advantage:
The biggest difference comes down to GAF’s proprietary LayerLock® Technology and the industry-first WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.
- LayerLock® Technology: This is more than just a thicker shingle. LayerLock® is a strong, mechanical bond that locks the common bond between the shingle layers, making the shingles act as a single unit rather than individual pieces susceptible to uplift.
- The “StrikeZone™” Nailing Area: This is a wide area engineered for nailing accuracy. By giving our team a wider, highly visible area to place the nails, the chances of installation errors (a major factor in shingle failure) are significantly reduced.
No Maximum Wind Speed Warranty: This powerful warranty is our key selling point for a Camden County homeowner. When T.A. Hughes, as a GAF Master Elite® Contractor, installs LayerLock® shingles along with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories, your roof qualifies for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty. This means you have a 15-year limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation—a level of protection unmatched by standard shingles.
The Biggest Myth: Why Installation Matters More Than the Shingle Itself
The shingle is only half the battle. A $5,000 “storm-resistant” shingle installed poorly will fail faster than a basic shingle installed perfectly.
As a GAF-Certified Contractor, our expertise is what truly makes a roof storm-resistant.
- It’s a System, Not a Shingle: For the WindProven™ Warranty to be valid, the roof must be installed using a GAF Roofing System. This means installing the required four accessories:
- GAF Starter Strips (eaves and rakes)
- Roof Deck Protection
- Ridge Cap Shingles
- Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation
- Fixing Installation Errors: We fix issues that often go overlooked by less experienced crews, such as improper nail placement or inadequate flashing around vents and chimneys. These small installation mistakes are the hidden points of failure during a major wind event.
Your investment is in the system, and that system is only certified when a local, qualified contractor is on the job. Find out more about why you should choose T.A. Hughes for your Residential Roofing Contractors project.
Cost vs. Coverage: The True Value of a High-Performance Roof in NJ
When deciding between standard shingles and premium storm-resistant shingles, the question always comes back to cost. The initial price for impact-resistant shingles can be 10% to 20% higher than standard asphalt options, and sometimes significantly more.
However, the extra upfront cost is often balanced out—or exceeded—by long-term savings and peace of mind.
| Feature | Standard Shingle Roof (110 mph Max) | GAF Storm-Resistant System (HDZ/UHDZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Warranty | Up to 130 mph (with special installation) | ✅ No Maximum Wind Speed (when installed as a system) |
| WindProven™ Warranty | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Requires a GAF-certified System) |
| Lifespan Expectation | Typically 15-20 years | Typically 20-30+ years |
| Insurance Impact | May require higher deductible | 💰 May qualify for wind mitigation discounts (up to 30%) |
| Camden County Storm Ready? | Risky for straight-line winds | 🏆 Engineered for superior wind uplift performance |
In storm-prone areas like Camden County, impact-resistant shingles are generally considered worth the investment. Their durability means reduced repair costs after storms, fewer claims, and potential savings on your homeowner’s insurance premium.
Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Your Camden County Home
Yes, storm-resistant shingles absolutely work in Camden County, NJ, but only when installed as a certified, complete GAF system. They provide the defense you need against straight-line winds and the peace of mind that comes with the industry’s only no-maximum-wind-speed warranty.
Don’t wait until the next major storm forces you into an emergency roof repair NJ situation. Secure your home with a professionally installed, storm-resistant system today.
Protect Your Investment. Call the GAF Experts.
Contact T.A. Hughes Roofing today for a complimentary storm damage assessment and a quote on a WindProven™ GAF roofing system. Call us directly or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation at tahughes.com/contact-us/.
FAQs
- Q: Does a storm-resistant shingle guarantee no roof damage?
- A: No product can guarantee zero damage, especially from extreme events like falling trees or catastrophic hail. However, shingles with the GAF WindProven™ warranty provide the highest level of protection available against common wind-related uplift and blow-offs because the warranty has no maximum wind speed limitation.
- Q: What is a “straight-line wind” and why is it common in Camden County?
- A: Straight-line winds are powerful, non-rotating gusts associated with severe thunderstorms and downbursts that frequently occur in South Jersey. These winds are strong enough (gusts of 58 mph or higher are classified as severe) to tear shingles and fascia off, and they are a much more frequent threat to homes than rare tornadoes.
- Q: If I get a storm-resistant roof, will my insurance go down?
- A: High-performance roofs that use Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or meet certain wind-mitigation standards may qualify for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premium, sometimes ranging from 5% to 30%. We can provide the necessary documentation to help you check with your insurance provider.
- Q: How do I know if my existing roof can handle a major New Jersey storm?
- A: The best way is through a professional roof inspection. We look for early signs of weakness like granular loss, cracked flashing, and poor adhesion to assess your current roof’s remaining storm defense.