The most common types of roofing nails are made from aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper. They can also be classified by size, with standard lengths ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters). The length of the nail is the shank, which can vary in shape. Threaded shank nails have a sharp diamond tip and are used to secure wooden ceilings.
Ring shank nails have a larger nail head and are usually made of galvanized steel, making them strong enough to hold shingles in areas with high winds. The standard, cheapest, and most commonly used roofing nails are smooth-shank nails. These are usually made of aluminum, stainless steel, or copper and are not as strong as other types. The length of the shank you need depends on the roofing material. For asphalt or fiberglass shingles, use 1-inch (2.5 centimeter) nails; for wood shingles, which are thicker, use longer nails.
For the best performance, use ring nails for roofs made of hot-dipped galvanized steel that is 12 gauge or thicker. The length of the nail you use depends on the thickness of the coating and the shingles you use. Choosing the right nails is an important step when planning a new roof. Roofing nails are specifically designed for nailing shingles and usually made of stainless steel, but sometimes they are made of aluminum. They have very large and wide heads compared to most other nails and are not measured by “pennies” but by inches.
During a roofing installation, roofing nails are generally used for three specific jobs: installing shingles, fastening them to the board; securing roofing felt; and fixing roof plugs such as sheets of metal or wood. For these jobs, galvanizing or aluminum is recommended; however, if the roof is expected to come into regular contact with salt air, it is recommended to use stainless steel roofing nails. Depending on the exact type, shank length and gauge will vary. If the roof is in a humid region, it is common for roof gaskets to be placed to prevent moisture. The fundamental key to keep in mind when it comes to roofing nails is that any professional roofing contractor must know how to use them correctly and have the right quantities on hand to do the job. Smooth-handled nails are easy to nail but can be torn off if they need to be replaced.
Ring handle nails provide a better grip and are best used for roofs with soft wood decks. Annular shank nails hold asphalt, felts and roofing shingles exceptionally well; however, due to their relative hardness compared to alternatives, they are known to create tension. When choosing a roofing nail, you can choose from metal, asphalt or ceramic roofs. The term “roofing nails” applies to what are also known as nail nails which are regularly used in roofing projects across North America. They are especially effective in areas that receive frequent severe weather conditions as they can help the roof withstand strong winds better than other types of nails. There are some specific rules that apply to the length of roofing nails that can help ensure that they are long enough without being too long.
Choosing the right roofing nails and nailing them correctly is essential to getting the best performance out of your roof. It's important to note that today's modern roofing systems rarely use iron because of their tendency to rust.
