QA

What Size Roofing Nail Should I Use

Roofing nails should be 1-1/4 to 2 inches long to ensure that it sufficiently penetrates and embeds in the roof sheathing. To calculate the appropriate roofing nail length, add the thickness of the shingles and underlayment to the thickness of the sheathing. Nail shank diameter should be at least 11-12 gauge for roofs.

What length roofing nail should I use?

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.

Can roofing nails be too long?

Yes, they can. If they are too long, they will protrude through the sheathing at the roof overhang and be visible.

What nails do you use for shingles?

Galvanized roofing nails tend to resist rust formation, and they are a suitable option for asphalt shingles. Owens Corning requires using either galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminum nails to affix shingles.

How long should nails be for 2 layers of shingles?

Layers. If you are putting a layer of asphalt shingles over an existing layer of asphalt shingles on to a 3/4-inch deck or a plank deck then you should be using 1 1/2-inch nails. If your decking is less than 3/4 inch then a 1 1/2-inch nail will suffice.

Can I use 1 inch roofing nails?

Roofing nails are available in lengths ranging from one to two inches. Roofers seek to use just the right length of nail so that the decking (or OSB) is completely punctured by the nail. The puncture must be complete so that the whole diamond tip is past the wood.

Do roofing nails go through the plywood?

Not at all. But they will hold the underlayment in place until the shingles are attached. The staples also hold the underlayment flat so folding that could affect shingle placement doesn’t occur. Staples also lessen the chance of water actually getting to the decking.

Should roofing nails be visible?

Yes, and there are two types of nails that are normal to see in an attic: 1) The ring-shank nails used to secure asphalt shingles to the plywood or OSB roof sheathing typically penetrate into the attic 1/4” or more.

Is it better to hand nail shingles?

While air gun nailing might seem faster, a well-trained hand nailer can do it almost as fast. The key difference between the two is accuracy. Hand driving nails into shingles allows for the roofer to place the nail on the proper nail line and then drive the nail in.

How many nails do you put in a 3 tab shingle?

NAILING: Use galvanized (zinc coated) roofing nails, 11 or 12 gauge, with at least 3/8″ diameter heads, long enough to penetrate through plywood or 3/4″ into boards. Use 4 nails per shingle placed 6-1/8″ above the butt edge, 1″ and 13″ in from each end and 1/2″ above each cutout.

How long should ridge cap nails be?

You need to use at least 2-inch-long nails for roof cap shingles installation. Why? The standard 1 and 1/4-inch nails are not long enough to penetrate through all the roofing material up near the ridge.

How many roofing nails do I need per square?

Roofing Nails Generally, you should use four nails per shingle in the field of the roof, and 5 nails per starter shingle. For regular three-tab shingles, this would require 320 nails per square for field shingles.

Is it OK to put 2 layers of shingles?

Two layers of shingles trap more heat, which in turn damages the shingles and shortens the life span of the roof. Adding a second layer could compromise the structure of your roof. Problems fixing leaks: A second layer of shingles only complicates the job when a roofer is trying to fix a leak.

How long should the nails be in an asphalt shingle roof installed over 1 2 OSB sheathing?

Whatever fasteners are used, they have to be of adequate length. Nails should penetrate a minimum of 3/4-inch (19mm) into the sheathing, or just through the roof sheathing if it’s 1/2-inch plywood or OSB.

What nails do you use for roofing felt?

Galvanised nails can be used in a wide range of applications, but are most commonly used in the installation of asphalt shingles and felt on outbuildings, sheds and more – wherever adverse weather conditions are common, galvanised nails are a good choice.

What is high nailing of a shingle?

A high nail is a nail installed above the nail line on the shingle. High nails cannot be seen as they are covered by the next course of shingles but they can cause big problems. When the shingle is nailed too high the nail does not penetrate the shingle below it.

What is the shortest roofing nail?

Short Nails in Shingles The minimum fastener length for an asphalt shingle roof in Minnesota is 1-1/4″. When 1″ nails are used to fasten asphalt shingles to 1/2″ roof sheathing, only the very tip of the nail will penetrate the roof sheathing.

Can you use roofing nails for deck?

Your roofing nails should be long enough to penetrate your roof deck 3/4″ or they should go all the way through your deck if it’s less than 3/4″. For instance, if you have 1/2″ plywood for a roof deck, your roofing nails should go all the way through and poke out in the attic.

What causes roof nail pops?

When the temperature changes, expansion and contraction can cause the nails to pop up and lift the shingles. Other causes of nail pops can be that the shingles were not nailed tightly when the roof was installed. Additionally, the installers could have used nails that were too short.