Picking the correct nail size for roof shingles is one of those things that seems minor until you realize that all those tiny components of steel are the only things standing between roof and a nasty windstorm. If the nails are too short, these people won't grab the roof deck correctly, and if they're too long, you're simply wasting money plus potentially creating the mess in your attic. Most of the time, there's a "goldilocks" zone for roofing nails, plus getting it right is the distinction between a roof that lasts thirty years then one that will starts shedding shingles after the initial big gust.
Why nail duration is a big deal
You might think any kind of old nail will do as longer as it's pointy, but roofing is definitely a bit more scientific than that will. The goal is definitely to have the nail all the way through the shingle and deeply enough into the wooden deck (the plywood or OSB underneath) so that this stays put. When the nail only goes halfway in to the wood, the constant expansion and shrinkage from the roof since it gets hot plus cools down will eventually "back" the particular nail out. This is called nail popping, and it's a recipe for leaks.
On the other hand, if you make use of a nail that's way too long, you're just making a forest of sharp points in your attic. While that will might not seem like an issue, it can interfere along with insulation or just be a painful surprise for anyone moving around up there later. The nice spot is usually having the nail sink into at least 3/4 of an inch in to the roof deck , or if the deck is thin, the nail should move throughout and peek out about 1/8 of an inch on the other side.
The regular: 1/4 inch fingernails
In case you stroll into an equipment store and ask for roofing nails, the 1/4 inch variety is most likely what they'll hand you. For the standard single-layer roof using typical system shingles and the standard 1/2 inches or 5/8 inches plywood deck, the particular 1/4 inch nail is the industry workhorse.
It's very long enough to move through the thickest part of the shingle, the underlayment, and still bite deep into the wood. Most contractors won't even reach for anything at all else unless there's a specific cause to do therefore. It's the safe bet for most likely 90% of home roofing jobs. In the event that you're a DIYer tackling a lost or a garage, this is nearly certainly the size you want in order to grab.
Whenever you need to go longer
Whilst 1/4 inch may be the standard, it's not a "one size fits all" situation. There are a few scenarios where you'll definitely need in order to progress to 1/2 inch or even 1 3/4 inches nails.
The most common reason for longer fingernails is a "lay-over" or a re-roof. This particular is when you're installing a fresh layer of shingles directly over a good old layer instead of stripping the roof down to the wood. Because you're now going via two layers of asphalt shingles, a person need that extra length to reach the wooden deck. If you utilize standard nails on the re-roof, they'll barely touch the particular wood, and your new roof may basically be "floating" on the aged one. That's a disaster waiting to happen.
You might also need more nails if you're using extra-thick developer shingles. Some associated with those high-end shingles are significantly beefier than your standard 3-tab or new options. If the particular shingle itself will be nearly a half-inch thick, that 1/4 inch nail isn't going to leave much room for the wood. Always check the manufacturer's packaging; they usually have a specific recommendation for nail size for roof shingles printed perfect on the package deal.
What about 1-inch nails?
You'll see 1-inch roofing nails upon the shelf, and you might be tempted to make use of them, especially if you're working on a thin structure like a shed with 3/8 inches plywood. However, you have to be careful. Most developing codes actually need at least 1/4 inch nails for primary dwellings.
The only time a 1-inch nail is absolutely appropriate is for very thin starter whitening strips or perhaps affixing felt paper plus underlayment before the particular shingles go on (though many people use plastic cap nails for that now). Using 1-inch nails for the specific shingles on a home is usually the bad move—it simply doesn't offer more than enough "pull-out" resistance to maintain the shingles connected when the breeze covers.
The particular anatomy of a roofing nail
It's not simply about the length; the shape and material of the nail matter as much. Roofing nails are very different from the fingernails you utilize to suspend a picture or even build a terrace. They have got a really large, flat head (usually about 3/8 of an inches wide). This big head is important because it acts like a washer, holding the shingle down and preventing this from tearing through the nail pit.
You also want to look for ring-shank or smooth-shank nails. Smooth-shank is the standard plus works fine for most roofs, but ring-shank nails possess little ridges along the barrel that act like barbs. These are wonderful in case you live in a high-wind area because they are usually incredibly hard to pull out once they're driven into the wood.
Materials: Why zinc-coated is king
Unless you're living in a very specific environment, you're going to want hot-dipped galvanized steel fingernails. Roofing nails are constantly exposed to the elements—even if they're covered by the particular shingle above them, moisture and humidness always find a way in.
- Hot-dipped galvanized: These are dropped in molten zinc, creating a thick, rust-resistant coating. These are the normal for a reason.
- Stainless metal: If you live inside a few mls of the ocean, salt spray may eat through galvanized nails in no time. In individuals cases, stainless steel is worth the additional cost. It's expensive, but it won't rust away and leave your shingles sliding down the particular roof.
- Aluminum: These are okay for some applications, but they aren't simply because strong as steel and can occasionally react poorly with certain types associated with treated wood or even metal flashing.
Don't forget the particular nail gun compared to. hand nailing
If you're doing the job by hand, you've got a bit more control, but it's slow. Most advantages make use of a pneumatic roof covering nailer. If a person go this route, make sure a person adjust the depth setting on the particular gun. Even though you have got the perfect nail size for roof shingles , if the particular gun is set too high, it will "over-drive" the nail, blowing right via the shingle. When it's set too low, the nail head will sit proud, which will eventually wear a hole in the shingle that lays over it.
The goal is in order to possess the nail mind sitting perfectly flush with all the surface of the shingle—not left, and not sticking up. It requires another to call in the air pressure upon the compressor, but it's worth the effort.
Warranty and building codes
This is definitely the boring part, but it's possibly the most important. Every shingle producer (like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed) includes a specific place of installation instructions. If you make use of the incorrect size nail, or even the wrong number of fingernails per shingle, you can completely gap your warranty. In the event that your roof falls flat five years through now and the particular inspector sees a person used 1-inch nails where they required 1/4, you're upon the hook for the full cost of the repair.
Local building rules often mirror these manufacturer requirements, but sometimes they're even stricter, especially within hurricane-prone zones. It's always a good idea to check with the local developing department before you begin working away.
Gift wrapping it up
At the end of the day time, the right nail size for roof shingles usually comes down in order to 1/4 inches for new construction and 1/2 to at least one 3/4 inches for re-roofing or thicker components. It's a little fine detail that has a massive impact upon how your home manages the weather.
When you're up on that ladder, just keep in mind: you want the nail to go through the shingle and deep into the wood with out looking like the porcupine in your attic. Stick to hot-dipped galvanized, ensure they're flush, and follow the lines on the shingles. If you do that, you won't have to your roof having a holiday the next period a thunderstorm comes through.