Galvanized nails are steel nails that have been coated in a layer of zinc.
Best nails for asphalt shingles.
The ring shank nails.
Compared with other common types of roofing nails they are also more likely to hold up over the seasons and less likely to shrink and crack.
Although staples are allowed in some jurisdictions they do not provide the same holding power.
Use proper nailing technique.
When the pressure is set too high the nails simply get driven into the shingles too far.
Be sure to verify this against local building code requirements and recommendations from the manufacturer.
They hold up better against rust and they can also be used for asphalt shingles.
When installing asphalt shingles on felt only to any grade decking you should use 1 inch long roofing nails.
Fasteners for asphalt shingles shall be galvanized steel stainless steel aluminum or copper roofing nails minimum 12 gage 0 105 inch 3 mm shank with a minimum 3 8 inch 10 mm diameter head astm f 1667 of a length to penetrate through the roofing materials and a minimum of 3 4 inch 19 mm into the roof sheathing.
As we state in our companion article asphalt shingle installation best practices the preferred fastener is galvanized roofing nails with a minimum 12 gauge shank and head diameter of at least 3 8 inch.
A guide to buying the right roofing nails for your project.
Another kind of classification for roofing nails is by size.
Galvanized roofing nails are steel nails that are zinc coated.
Where the roof sheathing is less than 3 4 inch 19 mm thick the fasteners shall penetrate through the sheathing.
Owens corning requires using either galvanized steel stainless steel or aluminum nails to affix shingles.
Nails used to secure asphalt shingles must be intended for the purpose.
The screw shank nails.
Before you go shopping for roofing nails you need to have an idea of what you are looking for.
These are often used for projects with asphalt shingles.
For instance if you live in a coastal area where your home is exposed to salt stainless steel roofing nails may be a good choice.
Galvanized roofing nails tend to resist rust formation and they are a suitable option for asphalt shingles.
Size length and gauge of nails.
Standard lengths are between 1 and 2 inches 2 and 5 centimeters but they are also available at lengths of up to 6 inches 15 centimeters.
Many roofers use pneumatic nail guns to nail down the shingles.