Match an asphalt shingle's wind rating to a project's design wind speed using ASTM D3161 vs ASTM D7158 classifications

Steps

1. Confirm which test method the shingle is rated under: ASTM D3161 (fan-induced, uniform load) uses Class A/D/F designations, while ASTM D7158 (uplift-resistance calculation method) uses Class D/G/H designations — they are not directly interchangeable pass/fail scales.
2. Pull the shingle manufacturer's current data sheet or ICC-ES/code evaluation report to see which class it is certified to and under which standard.
3. Get the project's required design wind speed (ultimate design wind speed, Vult) from the local building official or the current IBC/IRC wind speed map adopted by the jurisdiction.
4. Cross-check against the adopted building code's shingle wind-classification table (IRC/IBC roof-covering section) to confirm the class is acceptable for that wind speed and exposure category — do not assume a national rule, since acceptance tables vary by code edition.
5. Verify installation requirements (fastener count, starter strip, sealant activation temperature) match what the wind-rating test was based on, since the rating is only valid for the tested fastening pattern.
6. If the roof is in a jurisdiction with its own product-approval system (e.g., Florida, coastal Texas), separately confirm the shingle also carries that jurisdiction's specific approval — a D3161/D7158 class rating alone does not satisfy those systems.