Project Case Study
Shingle Roof Replacement — Kenner, LA
How we replaced a wind-damaged three-tab roof on a 1,650 sq ft ranch home with GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles — completing the project in just 2 days with a 130 mph wind rating.
Project Details
- Location: Kenner, Jefferson Parish, LA
- Roof Type: GAF Timberline HDZ Architectural Shingles
- Home: 1,650 sq ft single-story ranch
- Timeline: 2 days (tearoff through final cleanup)
- Wind Rating: 130 mph (exceeds Louisiana building code)
Project Background
This Kenner homeowner contacted us after noticing several missing shingles and a soft spot in their ceiling drywall following a late-summer storm. The existing three-tab shingle roof was 18 years old — already past the typical 15–20 year lifespan for basic shingles in Louisiana's subtropical climate. Multiple previous patch repairs were visible across the roof surface.
Our initial inspection confirmed wind damage along the rake edges and two compromised pipe boot flashings that had allowed water intrusion into the attic. Rather than patching an aging roof, we recommended a full shingle roof replacement with upgraded architectural shingles rated for 130 mph winds.
The homeowner's primary concerns were straightforward: stay within budget, minimize disruption (they work from home), and get a roof that wouldn't need replacing again after every hurricane season. Architectural shingles addressed all three — significantly better wind resistance than three-tab, a 30-year warranty, and a clean aesthetic that improved the home's curb appeal.
Why Architectural Shingles Were the Right Choice
Kenner sits directly in the path of Gulf storms, and its proximity to Louis Armstrong International Airport means the area experiences consistent high-wind exposure. The homeowner considered standing seam metal roofing and FORTIFIED certification, but their budget and the home's simple hip roof geometry made high-quality architectural shingles the most practical option.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles offer a compelling combination for Southeast Louisiana homeowners: a 130 mph wind warranty, Class A fire resistance, and the dimensional look of wood shake without the maintenance. For this Kenner ranch home, the upgrade from three-tab to architectural shingles added roughly 15% to the material cost — a modest premium for dramatically better performance.
- 130 mph wind warranty — exceeds Louisiana residential building code minimum
- LayerLock technology with mechanically sealed nailing zone for enhanced wind grip
- Class A fire rating — the highest available for residential roofing
- 30-year manufacturer warranty backed by our workmanship guarantee
- Dimensional profile adds depth and curb appeal over flat three-tab shingles
Installation Timeline
Tear-Off, Deck Repair & Underlayment
- Removed existing three-tab shingles and deteriorated felt paper down to the OSB decking
- Identified and replaced two water-damaged deck sections near the compromised pipe boots
- Installed new synthetic underlayment across the entire roof surface
- Applied ice and water shield membrane at all eaves, valleys, and penetration points
- Installed enhanced drip edge along eaves and rakes for improved water runoff
Shingle Installation, Ridge & Cleanup
- Installed GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles in charcoal with proper stagger pattern
- Used 6-nail fastening pattern (exceeding the standard 4-nail) for enhanced wind resistance
- Installed new pipe boot flashings at all plumbing penetrations with sealant
- Added GAF Seal-A-Ridge cap shingles at all hips and the ridge for a finished, wind-resistant detail
- Installed continuous ridge vent for balanced attic ventilation
- Complete jobsite cleanup including magnetic nail sweep of yard, driveway, and gutters
- Final walkthrough with homeowner — demonstrated warranty documentation and maintenance tips
Materials & Specifications
Shingles
GAF Timberline HDZ
130 mph wind-rated, Class A fire, charcoal color
Underlayment
Synthetic felt
Full deck coverage with ice & water shield at eaves
Fasteners
6-nail pattern
Ring-shank nails exceeding wind zone requirements
Ventilation
Continuous ridge vent
Balanced intake/exhaust for attic temperature control
Homeowner Results
130 mph
Wind resistance rating
2 days
Total installation time
30 yr
Manufacturer warranty
The homeowner went from a leaking, wind-damaged three-tab roof to a 130 mph rated architectural shingle system in just two working days. The water-stained ceiling drywall was repaired the following week, and no further moisture issues have occurred since installation.
The dimensional profile of the Timberline HDZ shingles also gave the home a noticeable curb appeal upgrade — the homeowner reported multiple comments from neighbors about the improvement, and one neighbor subsequently contacted us for their own roof replacement estimate.
For homeowners in Kenner who want even greater storm protection, we also install FORTIFIED certified roofing that qualifies for Louisiana-mandated insurance discounts — learn how the FORTIFIED program works. For homeowners ready to invest in a 50+ year roof, our standing seam metal roofing option provides the ultimate in longevity and hurricane resistance.
Lessons for Kenner Homeowners
If your three-tab shingle roof is 15+ years old, it's likely approaching the end of its effective lifespan — especially in Kenner's high-wind environment. Rather than continuing to patch, upgrading to architectural shingles during a full replacement provides dramatically better wind resistance at a modest premium over basic three-tab.
The key factors we evaluate on every Kenner roof inspection: deck condition (Louisiana humidity accelerates OSB deterioration), flashing integrity at all penetrations, and whether the existing nail pattern meets current wind zone requirements. Many older roofs were installed before current hurricane-zone building codes — a modern replacement brings the entire system up to current standards.
Project Photos — Shingle Roof, Kenner
From wind-damaged three-tab to 130 mph rated architectural shingles in 2 days.
Day 1 — Architectural Shingle Installation Begins
Day 1 — Shingle Coursing & Nailing
Day 2 — Installation Progress
Ridge Vent Installation Detail
Copper Vent Flashing Detail
Completed Roof — Aerial View
Completed Roof — Full Property Aerial
Project Complete — Final Inspection
Explore Related Services
This Kenner project was a straightforward architectural shingle replacement, but most roof decisions involve trade-offs — material upgrades, hurricane-program eligibility, and the framing or storm-claim work that often shows up once the old roof comes off. The pages below give homeowners the same context we walk through during an in-person estimate, so you can decide what scope is actually right for your home.
- Start with our shingle roof replacement services for full details on GAF Timberline HDZ systems, fastening patterns, deck repair, and warranty coverage on projects like this one.
- If you're weighing materials, the roofing contractor services hub compares shingle, metal, and flat systems side-by-side for South Louisiana conditions.
- Homeowners considering an insurance-discount upgrade should look at our FORTIFIED roofing contractor page and the underlying FORTIFIED program guide — both explain when the certification math works and when it doesn't.
- Considering a 50-year roof instead? See our metal roofing systems page for standing-seam options that pair well with the same hurricane-zone detailing we used here.
- If your roof leak has already caused interior damage, our flat roofing systems page covers low-slope porch and addition tie-ins, while structural repairs — including licensed foundation repair services when the roof issue is downstream of movement — covers the framing and decking work we frequently complete in-house during a tear-off.
- After named storms, our storm-damage roof repair team handles the inspection, documentation, and adjuster coordination that lets a project like this move forward quickly.
Why Homeowners Pick Us for Work Like This
Every project we run is professionally managed by the owner, installed by our in-house crews, and documented daily with photo updates. Read about our project management process to see how we sequence tear-off, deck inspection, and final cleanup on a typical two-day replacement, and verify our credentials on the Louisiana license and insurance page (LA #889646) before scheduling any estimate. Recent homeowner feedback from Kenner, Metairie, and the broader Jefferson Parish area is collected on our customer reviews page.
Need a Roof Replacement in Kenner?
Whether you need architectural shingles, metal roofing, or FORTIFIED certification, we deliver quality craftsmanship across Southeast Louisiana. Call (504) 336-2444.