Types of Roofing Nails: A Guide for Roofing Projects

By: Boxer Exteriors • Sep 4, 2024 • 10 min. read

Roofing nails might seem mundane, but their correct selection can greatly enhance the safety and longevity of your roof. Discover essential tips in “Types of Roofing Nails in Illinois”.

Table of Contents

• 1. Types of Roofing Nails
• 2. Characteristics of Roofing Nails
• 3. Applications of Roofing Nails
• 4. Installation Considerations
• 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• 6. Project Planning and Purchasing

Roofing nails are integral to roofing projects, holding everything from shingles to sheathing securely in place. They may seem simple, but choosing the right type can significantly affect the longevity and safety of a roof. This guide aims to educate Illinois homeowners and DIY enthusiasts on the various types of roofing nails available, highlighting their specific uses and advantages, ensuring that your roof replacement or installation adheres to local building codes and withstands Illinois’s varied weather conditions.

Types of Roofing Nails

Roofing nails differ primarily in shank design and material, each type suited to different roofing materials and environmental conditions.

Based on Shank Design

1. Smooth Shank Nails – The most common type, these nails are easy to drive into softwoods and are less expensive. They are suitable for asphalt shingles but offer less withdrawal resistance.
2. Ring Shank Nails – These nails have a series of rings on their shank, providing increased grip and withdrawal resistance, making them ideal for areas in Illinois prone to high winds and stormy weather.
3. Screw Shank Nails – Screw shank nails are designed to hold well in hardwoods and decking, and are excellent for metal roofing where increased holding strength is necessary against wind uplift.
4. Square Cap Nails – With a square-shaped cap that provides a larger surface area, these nails are perfect for holding down roofing felt underlayment and insulation boards, offering enhanced resistance to tearing in high wind conditions.

Based on Type of Material

1. Aluminum Nails – These are lightweight and rust-resistant, perfect for metal roofing but should be avoided in coastal areas of Illinois due to their corrosion when in contact with salt.
2. Stainless Steel Nails – Highly durable and corrosion-resistant, stainless steel nails are ideal for slate or tile roofs, and in areas with salty air or heavy precipitation.
3. Galvanized Steel Nails – Coated with zinc to prevent rust, these nails are a good choice for asphalt shingles and are cost-effective for large roofing projects.
4. Copper Nails – Best for historic homes or premium roofing projects, copper nails are rust-proof and develop a patina over time that can add aesthetic value to the roof.

Characteristics of Roofing Nails

Choosing the right nail for a roofing project in Illinois involves considering several key characteristics:

Size and Dimensions

Length: Typically measured in pennies (denoted as ‘d’), the length of roofing nails varies from 1 inch (2d) to 2 inches (6d), depending on the roofing material and sheathing thickness.

Shank Diameter and Head Diameter: These dimensions influence the nail’s holding power and the size of the hole left in the roofing substance.

Gauge: The thickness of the nail, with common roofing nails ranging from 11 to 12 gauge, providing a balance between strength and ease of use.

Factors Affecting Nail Choice

Roofing Material: The type of roofing material—whether asphalt shingles, metal roofs, or tile—greatly affects the choice of nail.

Climate and Weather Conditions: Illinois’s climate can vary from heavy snowfalls in the north to warmer, storm-prone weather in the south, impacting the choice of nail.

Local Building Codes: Adhering to local building codes, including specifications from the International Building Code (IBC), is essential for compliance and safety.

Applications of Roofing Nails

Choosing the right nails is critical for various applications in roofing projects, ensuring durability and compliance with local building codes in Illinois.

Nails for Shingles

For asphalt shingles, the most used roofing material in Illinois, ring shank or smooth shank nails are recommended because of their durability and cost-effectiveness. Typically, four nails per shingle are standard, but in high wind areas, six may be required to prevent blowoffs, adhering to the International Building Code.

Nails for Felt/Underlayment

Felt underlayment requires wide-head nails, preferably galvanized to prevent rust. Square cap nails are ideal as they offer more surface area to hold the underlayment securely, essential in Illinois’s varied weather conditions.

Nails for Roof Flashing

For flashing, which protects joints and prevents water infiltration, corrosion-resistant stainless steel or copper nails are preferred. These types of nails resist the corrosive effects of Illinois’s icy winters and humid summers.

Nails for Sheathing

Sheathing nails need to be robust and capable of penetrating thick materials. Screw shank nails are typically used for their superior holding power, crucial for maintaining roof integrity during severe weather events common in some Illinois regions.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation of roofing nails is just as important as the type of nail used, affecting the longevity and effectiveness of the roofing material.

Proper Nail Placement and Techniques

Nails should be driven straight and flush with the roofing surface, not under or over-driven, which can lead to nail pops or damage to the roofing material. In Illinois, ensuring that nails penetrate into the roof deck by at least ¾ inch is crucial for optimal hold.

Nail Gun vs. Hammer Installation

Nail guns are faster and reduce labor significantly, ideal for large roofing projects. Coil roofing nails are commonly used with nail guns for efficiency. However, manual hammering gives more control, potentially decreasing the risk of improper nail placement. The choice often depends on the project’s scale and the roofer’s skill level.

Use of Screws vs. Nails

Screws provide more strength and withdrawal resistance than nails and are better for metal roofing installations where movement due to thermal expansion is a consideration. However, nails are faster to install and more cost-effective for traditional shingle roofing.

Can Staples be Used for Roofing?

Staples are not recommended for roofing in Illinois as they do not provide the same level of holding power and can be prone to corrosion and rust. Nails are the preferred fastener for their strength and reliability, particularly important in regions susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

Selecting the right nails and using proper installation techniques are paramount for any successful roofing project in Illinois. Whether dealing with high winds, heavy snow, or intense sun, understanding these elements ensures a durable and secure roofing system.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Proper maintenance and swift action on common issues can significantly extend the lifespan of a roof in Illinois’s variable climate.

Fixing Nail Pops in a Roof

Nail pops occur when nails become loose, often due to temperature fluctuations causing expansion and contraction in roofing materials. To fix a nail pop, remove the loose nail, apply a dab of roofing sealant, and replace it with a new nail slightly larger in diameter to ensure a snug fit. Ensure the new nail is hammered in straight and flush with the roofing material.

Sealing Exposed Nails

Exposed nail heads can lead to leaks and corrosion over time. To protect your roof, cover any exposed nails with a high-quality, weather-resistant roofing sealant. This prevents water ingress and extends the nail’s life by preventing rust and corrosion, particularly important in Illinois’s snowy winters and rainy springs.

Reusing Roofing Nails (and when not to)

While it might be tempting to reuse roofing nails during repairs, this is generally not advisable. Reused nails can compromise roof integrity due to weakened grip and potential rusting. Always opt for new, corrosion-resistant roofing nails, especially when dealing with critical installations like shingles and flashing.

Project Planning and Purchasing

Understanding the scope of your roofing project will help in estimating the necessary materials, including nails, to ensure efficient and cost-effective purchasing.

• Estimating Nail Quantity Needed: As a rule, estimate approximately 320 nails per roofing square (100 square feet) for standard shingle installation. This number can increase depending on local building codes and the type of shingles used.
• Cost Considerations: The cost of roofing nails varies depending on the type and material. Galvanized and aluminum nails are generally less expensive than stainless steel or copper. Bulk purchasing can often reduce the overall cost, particularly for larger projects.

Choosing the right type of roofing nails and installing them correctly is crucial for the longevity and integrity of your roof, particularly in a state like Illinois, where the weather can be unforgiving. From asphalt shingles to ceramic roofing, understanding the specific requirements and adhering to local building codes will not only keep your home safe but also ensure that your roofing projects are built to last.

For residents of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, and surrounding areas, Boxer Exteriors is your trusted local contractor, ready to supply quality materials and expert advice for all your roofing needs. Licensed under BBB License# 104.019463, we guarantee professionalism and adherence to the highest standards. For more information or to start planning your next roofing project, contact us at 630-570-0269 or visit our website at info@boxerexteriors.com.