By: Boxer Exteriors • Sep 4, 2024 • 10 min. read
Although roofing nails might seem ordinary, choosing the right ones can significantly improve your roof’s safety and lifespan. Uncover 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
- 7. Types of Roofing Nails: Understanding Their Features and Applications
Roofing nails are essential in any roofing project, securely fastening everything from shingles to sheathing. Though they might appear simple, selecting the correct type can significantly influence the durability and safety of your roof. This guide aims to inform Illinois homeowners and DIY enthusiasts about the different types of roofing nails available. By highlighting their specific uses and benefits, we ensure your roof replacement or installation complies with local building codes and withstands Illinois’s diverse 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Factors Affecting Nail Choice
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.
Types of Roofing Nails: Understanding Their Features and Applications
What is the purpose of the diamond-shaped point on roofing nails?
The diamond-shaped point on roofing nails is specifically designed to minimize splitting in roofing materials and underlying wood structures during installation. This sharp point allows the nail to penetrate smoothly, reducing resistance and the likelihood of damaging the materials. By ensuring a clean entry, it helps maintain the integrity of shingles, underlayment, and decking, which is crucial for the roof’s longevity. In climates like Illinois’s, where weather conditions can be harsh, using nails with a diamond-shaped point enhances the roof’s durability and resistance to elements like wind and moisture.
What are the specific differences between hot-dipped and electro-galvanized nails?
The primary difference between hot-dipped and electro-galvanized nails lies in their galvanization process and resulting corrosion resistance. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are coated by immersing them in molten zinc, producing a thicker, rougher zinc layer that offers superior protection against rust and corrosion. This makes them ideal for roofing projects in harsh climates like Illinois, where durability is crucial. Electro-galvanized nails, on the other hand, are coated through an electroplating process that applies a thinner, smoother zinc layer. While they have a more polished appearance, their thinner coating provides less corrosion resistance, making them less suitable for outdoor roofing applications exposed to severe weather conditions.
How many nails are typically used per square of roofing?
Typically, around 320 nails are used per roofing square, which covers 100 square feet of roof area. This estimate is based on the standard practice of using four nails per asphalt shingle, the most common roofing material. In areas prone to high winds, like certain regions in Illinois, building codes may require six nails per shingle to ensure better hold, increasing the total nails needed per square. The exact quantity can vary depending on the type of shingles used and local regulations, so it’s important to consider these factors when planning a roofing project.
Can screws be used instead of nails for roofing shingles?
Screws are generally not recommended for installing roofing shingles. While screws offer superior holding strength and withdrawal resistance, they are typically used for metal roofing where thermal expansion is a concern. For asphalt shingles, nails are preferred because they are faster to install and more cost-effective. Using nails like ring shank or smooth shank nails complies with local building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), which often specify nails for shingle installation. Nails provide adequate durability and are sufficient to secure shingles against wind uplift. Therefore, replacing nails with screws for roofing shingles is not standard practice and is discouraged.
What type of nails should be used for roof felt/underlayment?
For securing roof felt or underlayment, it’s best to use wide-head nails, specifically galvanized square cap nails. Square cap nails have a larger surface area due to their square-shaped heads, which provides enhanced holding power to keep the underlayment firmly in place, especially in high wind conditions. The galvanized coating prevents rust and corrosion, ensuring durability against moisture and varying weather conditions. Using these nails helps prevent tearing of the underlayment, contributing to the overall longevity and effectiveness of the roofing system.
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.
