Proper Nail Application For Asphalt Shingles
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Required by the International Building Code, proper nailing is essential to the optimum performance of roofing shingles. Accurate nailing requires the use of approved nails, nail-driving methods and placement .
Atlas has installation guidelines in place to ensure proper, uniform installation of Atlas shingles on every roof, whether that roof is new or recovered. Nails should have a minimum, nominal shank diameter of 11- or 12-gauge, and a minimum head diameter of three-eighths of an inch. The length of each nail must be a minimum of 1¼ inches long, and for roof-overs, Atlas recommends a nail length of at least 2 inches.
Nails of the proper length should penetrate three-fourths of an inch into the roof deck. However, where the roof deck is less than three-fourths of an inch thick, the nail should be long enough to penetrate fully and extend at least one-eighth of an inch through the roof deck.
Each shingle model has specific requirements for nails printed on each shingle wrapper. These guidelines must be followed to comply with building codes and ensure intended performance levels
All nails need to be driven either by hand or with a properly adjusted pneumatic nailer. Improper adjustment of a pneumatic nailer can result in overdriven or underdriven nails, which can cause nail corrosion, sealing failures, raised tabs, buckling and blow offs.
For more information about proper nail placement, visit atlasroofing.com/roof-shingles.
How Many Nails Per Bundle Of Shingles
The amount of nails you will need per bundle of shingles depends upon the number of shingles in the bundle. Most bundles cover around 33 square feet. However, the size of the shingle itself will dictate the number it takes to cover that square footage.
Traditionally, a 36 x12 3-tab shingle was the standard size for a roof shingle. Using that example, a 33 square foot bundle of shingles of that size will have 26 shingles in a bundle. If we multiple 26×4, we get 104. That means youll need 104 nails minimum to install that type of roof shingle.
What Size Roofing Nails Do I Need
What size roofing nails to use?
Composition ShinglesComp Shingles Sheathing Thickness 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/43-Tab comp shingles 1 1 1 1Dimensional comp shingles 1 1-1/4 1-1/4 1-1/43-Tab comp shingles over 3 Tab comp shingles 1-1/4 1-1/4 1-1/4 1-1/2Dimensional comp shingles over 3 Tab 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-1/2 1-1/2
*More than 1 layer of roofing not recommended over 3/8 Sheathing
Wood ShakesWood Shakes Nail Type Minimum Length18 Straight Split 5d Box 1-3/418 and 24 Handsplit and Resawn 6d Box 224 Tapersplit 5d Box 1-3/418 and 24 Tapersawn 6d Box 2
Wood Shingles Wood Shingles Nail Type Minimum Length18 Straight Split 3d Box 1-1/418 and 24 Handsplit and Resawn 4d Box 1-1/2
DisclaimerThe above nail sizes are recommendations only. Consult your local building department for specific nailing applications.
Recommended Reading: How To Remove Nail Polish From Shirt
Do You Use Nails Or Screws For Siding
Use aluminum, galvanized steel, or other corrosion-resistant nails, staples, or screws when installing vinyl siding. Aluminum trim pieces require aluminum or stainless steel fasteners. All fasteners must be able to penetrate a minimum of 1 1/4 into nailable material, such as wood sheathing and framing (Fig.
Are Nails Or Screws Stronger
When deciding between nails and screws, keep in mind that nails are less brittle, so they provide greater shear strength. Screws, on the other hand, may not be as forgiving, but their threaded shafts hold better in wood and draw boards together much more tightly and they have greater tensile strength.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Take Shellac Off Your Nails
Other Layers Add Thickness
In between the decking and the shingles is another roofing layer that must be factored into your nail length selection. If your roof has been stripped of old shingles and the new shingles will be applied over a single layer of felt paper over inch-thick decking, then youll need to use nails that are 1 ½ inches in length. If your decking is ¾-inch or less, you can use 1 ¼-inch nails. If, however, you plan to install your new shingles over a layer of old shingles, your nail length must increase accordingly.
If youre planning your next roofing project, make sure that you include proper nail length as a key consideration when selecting your roofing products in Marietta. By selecting the right nails, you can get a roof that will stand the test of time and protect your most valuable possession. To learn more about choosing the proper nail for your roofing job, visit Preferred Roofing.
How Long Should Felt Nails Be
Clout nails should be 15mm large head clout nails. Overlaps will typically be minimum 50mm and will depend upon the slope of the roof. On shallow sloped roof, we would suggest the overlap is increased to 75mm. Lap adhesive also provides extra waterproofing security to the lap so it it recommended to use.
You May Like: Starter Course Shingles Upside Down
A Guide To Buying The Right Roofing Nails For Your Project
- Written by on May 05, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
- 50-250
A variety of roofing nails are available for use with different roofing materials. Below are descriptions of the three basic roofing nails and the type of roof they should be used on.
1. Size, Length and Gauge of Nails
Before you go shopping for roofing nails, you need to have an idea of what you are looking for. Note that roofing nails come in different sizes, lengths and gauges. Roofing nails range from one to six inches in length. The thickness of the nail is directly proportional to its length, thus the longer the nail, the bigger its size.
Nails that are longer than six inches are called pikes and they are seldom used on roofs. The most commonly used roofing nails range from one to two inches in length. If you need bigger nails including pikes, you may need to place a special order at the hardware store. The one to two inch roofing nails are suitable for most types of roof shingles.
2. The Screw Shank Nails
3. The Ring Shank Nails
However, since this type of nail is not as sharp as the screw shank nail, it has the tendency to put stress on the roofing materials. Wood and pallets are known to slip under this type of nail.
4. Smooth Shank Nail
What Size Roofing Nails Should You Use
Nail ApplicationNails shouldlengthnail mustroofnail length
. Accordingly, how long roofing nails should I use?
Nail lengthRoofing nails should be long enough to penetrate the roofing material and go 19 mm into OSB, solid wood, plywood or non-veneer wood decking, or through thickness of decking, whichever is less.
Furthermore, which is better roofing nails or staples? Fasteners for asphalt shingles should be roofing nails or staples. The head of a roofing nail or the crown of a staple is what actually holds a shingle in place. If staples are properly installed, they offer nearly the same wind resistance as nails. The problem with staples is the orientation of the staple crown.
Correspondingly, should roofing nails go through the sheathing?
A 1nail will fully penetrate through 3/8roof sheathing, but it won’t fully penetrate 1/2sheathing. The other way to determine if the proper nails were used is to look in the attic if the roof has 1/2sheathing, you should be able to see the nails sticking through in to the attic.
What causes roofing nails to back out?
When the temperature changes, expansion and contraction can cause the nails to pop up and lift the shingles. You should also make sure your roof is adequately ventilated. Because a nail pop brings the shingle up with it, water penetration under the single can occur, or strong winds can blow the shingle off the work.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Nail Glue Off Wood
Which Roofing Nails Do I Need
Product Guide: Roofing Tools & Accessories
Help & Advice> Product guides> Roofing Tools & Accessories
When working on a roofing project, there are several different types of roofing nail to choose from. Each type of roofing nail has a slightly different benefit. So each individual type works best when used with a specific type of roofing material. This means it is important to ensure you have the correct roofing nails for your latest roofing project.
But how do you know which roofing nails you need? Here at Roofing Superstore, weve put together a guide outlining the different types of roofing nails, and which materials they work best with, so read on.
If you have any further unanswered questions or want to know more about the best roofing nails for your project, dont hesitate to get in touch. Call the team on 01752 692760 or use the live chat in the bottom right-hand corner and we will be more than happy to help.
Should Roofing Nails Go Through The Sheathing
Is it time to get a new roof? It is probably not one of your favorite things to do. Even if you are not the one actually doing the work. You still have to be there for all the noise and mess. But what if the roofing nails are sticking through the sheathing? Is that normal?
Yes, your roofing nails should go through the sheathing. Its important to use roofing nails that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing. With the shingles and 1/2-inch sheathing, the nails should protrude about 1/4 inch through. It is best to use 1 1/4-inch nails for the job.
Read Also: How To Take Off Contacts With Long Nails
How To Estimate How Many Roofing Nails Are Needed
When you go to the store to buy roofing nails, you will be buying them by weight, not number. Containers of roofing nails will indicate how many pounds of nails it contains, not necessarily a number. Therefore, you need to know how much a nail weighs so you can estimate the number of nails youll be buying.
Knowing the total amount of shingles, youll need for your roof will allow you to calculate the nails needed. Youll use starter strips on the eave and rake ends, and any gable ends you might have. Youll add up the linear feet of starter strip shingles required.
If that is 300 feet, and we know that 16 shingles cover 50 feet, that means youll need 96 shingles. 96 x 5 nails mean youll need 480 nails just for your starter strip shingles.
For a 2000 square foot roof, youll need 20 squares of shingles. If you use standard 3-tab shingles, youll need 312 x 20, which equals just over 6,200 nails.
What Size Roofing Nails Are The Best To Use For Your Home
The nail size, type, and material are crucial for roofing purposes, so if you are still uncertain of the proper nails to use, consult a professional roofer.
This way, you ensure that your roof will be strong, sturdy, and withstand harsh weather elements. You and your familys protection should be your utmost concern.
Read Also: Dip Nail Removal At Home
Most Common Roofing Nail Materials
The metal a nail is made from can make all the difference not only in how well it holds down a shingle, but also how long it lasts over time. The most common types of roofing nails are made from aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper. We do not recommend all of these types, but that doesnt stop some contractors from using them.
The Cost Of Roofing Nails
The cost of your roofing nails will depend on a few factors, including material, type and length. Also note that nails are sold by the pound, and if youre a professional roofer, it may benefit you to buy in bulk in order to reduce costs.
That being said, you can expect a small, 5-pound box of smooth shank galvanized steel roofing nails to cost around $10. Nails for roofing felt are also more expensive than typical nails.
If youre estimating the cost of your nails, its best to head into your supplier and compare their prices yourself, as costs vary by location too.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Out Contacts With Long Nails
What Size Nails Should I Use For Joist Hangers
What size nails should I use for joist hangers? Indoors or out, for standard-type single joist hangers, use only 1-1/2 in. joist hanger nails for nailing into the side of the joist for double hangers, use 8d or 10d nails. For double shear single hangers , fasten the hanger to the joist with longer 8d or 10d nails.
What size nails do I need for joist hangers? Typically, the least you can use for a single joist hanger is a 10d common. The short joist hanger nails are also 10d nails, and they can be used for single joist hangers. When it comes to double joist hangers and beam hangers, however, you need a full-length 16d common nail.
Can I use roofing nails for joist hangers? All too often rookie carpenters or do-it-yourself homeowners will install joist hangers using roofing nails. Not only are the nails heavy duty, but they also have a special galvanized coating thats designed to resist rust and corrosion from chemicals found in modern-day treated lumber.
When nailing 2×6 inch joists what size nail should be used?
How Many Nails Per Shingle Do You Need
A minimum of 4 nails per shingle is required for a standard asphalt roof shingle. A standard asphalt shingle is 36 long, and four nails spaced evenly along that shingle are adequate to secure the standard shingle size.
Shingles that are longer or shorter may require different amounts of nails. Manufacturers of those shingles will include specifications for how many fasteners are required for their shingles. Applying more nails per shingle is acceptable, within reason. However, 4 fasteners per shingle are industry standard.
Also Check: Applying Dashing Diva Gel Strips
General Guidelines For Nailing Shingles
To ensure optimal performance of your asphalt roofingshingles, be sure to follow these general directions for proper nailing:
- Use the correct roofing nail material, size, and grade as specified in the shingle installation instructions.
- Fasten shingles with corrosion-resistant nails.
- Install the recommended number of nails per shingle. For Duration® Series shingles, Owens Corning recommends using either a 4- or 6-nail fastening pattern depending on the roofs slope and building code requirements. In most cases, 4 nails are adequate.
- Position the nails appropriately according to the shingle installation instructions.
- Align shingles properly to avoid nail exposure.
Can You Reuse Roofing Nails
If you take off a shingle for repairs or take off the whole roof in preparation for a reroofing job, youll have a ton of roofing nails on hand. You may be tempted to reuse these to save on costs. Thats a bad idea. Not only is it tedious to yank these nails out, but their zinc coating will also be worn. Plus, they may have been otherwise damaged. Its not wise to attempt to reuse them, as they may cause problems on the new roof.
Don’t Miss: How To Easily Remove Dip Nails
Screw Shank Roofing Nail
The distinguishing feature for this type of nail is the screw grooves, which make them look like screws. They are preferred due to their efficient fastening abilities.
Screw shank nails have the highest resistance to withdrawing compared to other types on this list but are seldom used for roofing. There are two reasons: they are more expensive and are difficult to nail into hardwood shingles.
This type is for decking and flooring but is not preferred for roofing.
Compare Thickness Of Electro Galvanized Nail Coatings With Hot Dipped Galvanized Nail Coatings
Electroplated / Electro-galvanized zinc plated roofing nail coating thickness: typically 0.36 mils or ranging from 10-30 microns thick.
The anticipated “time to first maintenance” or actionable deterioration is 5-10 years or a bit more. Electroplated nails are suitable for indoor use.
Above: Electro-Plated “roofing nails” sold in India.
Hot dipped molten zinc plated galvanized roofing nail coating thickness: no less than 1.7 mils – that’s mils not microns.
The anticipated “time to first maintenance” or actionable deterioration is 35-55 years or a bit more for hot dipped zinc galvanized nails.
Mechanically plated or Peen Plated Zinc plated nail coating thickness: 1.5 mils of effective thickness with actual coating thickness ranging from 0.2 to 4.3 mils depending on time in the tumbler.
The anticipated “time to first maintenance” or actionable deterioration is 10-15 years or a bit more for Peen plated zinc coated nails.
Roof Nail Coating Thickness Comparison
One mil = 25.4 microns.
So a 1.7 mil hot dipped galvanized coating = 43 microns of thickness – up to 4 times thicker than the anti-corrosive coating on an electroplated nail.
Recommended Reading: Get Contacts Out With Long Nails
