When it comes to roofing, the material of the nails used is an important factor. Most of the roofing nails used today are made of some type of metal, such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and iron. However, modern roofing systems rarely use iron due to its tendency to rust. Galvanizing is a process that adds a thin layer of steel or zinc to an iron nail, preventing it from rusting.
Aluminum is also used for this purpose. Roofing nails must be able to withstand years of rain, snow and other weather conditions without oxidation, which can cause unsightly stains on the ceiling. Galvanized steel roofing nails, often called “galvanized nails” or “hot-dip galvanized nails”, are manufactured with a steel base and then coated with zinc chemicals. This creates an ultra-corrosion-resistant nail that is the best option for replacing roofs in coastal regions and any roof you want to be covered by the warranty.
Aluminum nails are also quite common and are best used together with metal or asphalt shingles. Despite their bad reputation for being made of aluminum, they are actually robust and are hardened to better mimic steel. Aluminum nails are usually cheaper than other types and can be a reliable option for keeping your roof safe and avoiding the long-term risk of it rotting or loosening. Roofing nails come in different materials and sizes to meet the individual requirements of each roof.
They are commonly used in different roof constructions, such as wood, metal roofs and other tiles, joint covers, etc. The length of these nails usually ranges from 1 to 1.75 inches (2.54 to 4.44 cm), although shorter and longer nails can be found depending on the type of roof you have. If you're going to re-roof over existing shingles or use thick wood shingles, you'll likely need 1 ¼ inch nails. The shape of the nail makes a big difference in terms of how effective it is for roofing and how efficiently it can be used during the installation process. According to the International Building Code (IBC), the minimum head diameter of a roofing nail that meets IBC guidelines is 9.5 mm. Roofing nails may seem like a small part of the roof installation, but they're actually one of the most important elements for your project to be carried out properly.
A square of roof is equivalent to approximately 100 square feet of roofing material, and a bundle of shingles covers approximately 1/3 of a square of roof. Slate roofs are also prone to damage, so in these cases copper barbs can be removed more easily without breaking the slate. For this reason, some contractors prefer stainless steel roofing nails in areas where salt in the air can be a factor but project costs must be kept low. In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the right type of roofing nail for your project, it's important to consider all factors such as material type, size and shape. Galvanized steel or aluminum nails are usually the best options for most roofs due to their corrosion resistance and durability.
