Best Nails for Roofing: Choosing the Right Roofing Nails for Durability

Selecting the best nails for roofing directly affects a roof’s durability, wind resistance, and longevity. This guide explains nail types, sizes, materials, coatings, and application tips to help contractors and homeowners make informed decisions for asphalt shingles, metal roofs, wood shakes, and tile systems.

Roof Type	Recommended Nail Type	Length & Gauge	Preferred Coating
Asphalt Shingles	Copper/Hot-Dipped Galvanized Ring-Shank	1¼”–1½”, 12–14 gauge	Hot-dipped galvanized or copper
Wood Shakes/Shingles	Stainless Steel Ring-Shank	1½”–2¼”, 10–12 gauge	Stainless steel (no coating)
Metal Roofing	Aluminum Or Stainless Steel Exposed Fasteners	Depends On Panel Thickness; Often Self-Drilling	Painted/Coated To Match
Tile Roofing	Nylon Or Stainless Steel Cap Nails / Clips	Specialized Lengths	Stainless Or Corrosion-Resistant

Roofing Nail Types And Their Uses

Roofing projects require nails engineered for the substrate and roofing material. Common types include smooth-shank, ring-shank, screw-shank, and cap nails.

Smooth-shank nails are economical and work for temporary installations or low-wind zones, but they have lower pull-out resistance than other styles.

Ring-shank nails add lateral holding power by creating friction between the nail and the wood fibers. They are highly recommended for high-wind areas and for securing heavy materials like wood shakes.

Screw-shank nails combine the holding strength of a screw with the installation ease of a nail, providing superior pull-out resistance for long-term performance.

Cap nails use a large plastic or metal washer to increase surface area under the head for materials like asphalt roll roofing or tile underlayment to reduce tearing and improve holding in thin or brittle materials.

Materials And Coatings: Corrosion Resistance Matters

Exposure to moisture and chemicals from roofing materials means metal choice and coating determine durability. Common options are hot-dipped galvanized, electro-galvanized, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.

Hot-dipped galvanized nails have a thicker zinc coating than electro-galvanized versions and provide better corrosion resistance in most environments.

Stainless steel offers the best long-term corrosion resistance and is essential for coastal, salt-air, or chemically treated wood applications.

Copper nails are ideal with copper flashing and cedar shingles because of galvanic compatibility and aesthetic match; they resist corrosion and patina attractively over time.

Nail Size, Gauge, And Length Guidelines

Correct nail length ensures penetration into the roof deck sufficient to secure the roofing without causing splitting. Typical lengths for common roofs range from 1¼” to 2¼”.

For standard three-tab and architectural asphalt shingles, nails should penetrate the roof deck by at least ¾” to 1″. That often means using 1¼” nails for ½” decking and 1½” nails for thicker decks.

Wood shakes and shingles commonly require 1½” to 2¼” nails depending on shake thickness and whether double nailing is used. Thicker nails (10 or 12 gauge) reduce bending and improve hold.

Roofing nails for metal panels may be shorter but often require specialized washered screws or self-drilling fasteners sized to the panel substrate and overlay materials.

Choosing Nails For Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common U.S. roofing product, so selecting the right nail type is critical for warranty compliance and performance.

Manufacturers often specify hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails; ring-shank nails are recommended in high-wind zones to meet ASTM and local code requirements.

Use 12–14 gauge nails with a length that allows at least ¾” deck penetration. Avoid roofing staples unless the shingle maker explicitly allows them; staples have much lower pull-out resistance.

Best Nails For Wood Shakes And Shingles

Wood shakes and shingles require nails that resist corrosion and offer superior holding power to prevent uplift and splitting. Stainless steel ring-shank nails are widely preferred.

Use nails long enough to penetrate the deck deeply—often 1½” to 2¼”—and choose a gauge that minimizes nail bending. Stainless steel avoids staining and decay caused by metal reactions with tannins in cedar.

Fasteners For Metal Roofs And Specialty Systems

Metal roofing often uses specialty fasteners: exposed fastener screws with EPDM or neoprene washers, concealed clip systems, or self-tapping screws. Matching fastener metal to the panel material prevents galvanic corrosion.

Aluminum panels with aluminum fasteners or stainless steel with stainless fasteners help prevent dissimilar metal corrosion. These fasteners usually have painted heads to match the roofing finish.

Installation Best Practices And Code Considerations

Proper nailing technique is as important as nail selection. Drive nails flush to the shingle surface without overdriving or leaving them proud.

Follow manufacturer nailing pattern recommendations and local building codes for spacing and line offset. Inadequate nailing or incorrect placement voids many manufacturer warranties and reduces wind resistance.

Use cordless tools calibrated for depth or a pneumatic tool with adjustable pressure for consistent, correctly seated nails. Hand nailing may be appropriate in tight areas but requires skill to seat nails properly.

Why Nail Head And Shank Design Matter

Nail head design affects holding and weather sealing. Common head designs include smooth, textured, and large-cap heads. Large or textured heads reduce pull-through in soft materials.

Shank design—smooth vs. ring vs. screw—determines how a nail resists withdrawal under uplift and thermal cycling. Choose ring or screw-shank nails for high-wind zones or where long-term pull-out resistance is essential.

Cost Versus Performance: Making The Right Investment

Higher-grade nails like stainless steel cost more but often save money over the roof’s lifespan by preventing leaks, staining, and premature failures. Investing in proper fasteners reduces maintenance, callbacks, and warranty claims.

For budget projects where conditions are mild, hot-dipped galvanized ring-shank nails can offer a balance of cost and performance. For coastal or chemically treated wood, prioritize stainless steel despite the premium.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid these frequent errors: using staples instead of nails, overdriving or underdriving nails, using the wrong coating for the environment, and incorrect nail spacing. Each mistake accelerates roof failure and voids warranties.

Also avoid mixing incompatible metals (e.g., bare steel nails with copper flashing) to prevent galvanic corrosion and staining.

Maintenance And Inspection Tips

Periodic roof inspections help catch loose or corroded nails before they cause leaks. Inspect nail lines, flashing areas, and ridge caps after severe storms.

Look for signs of rust staining, raised nails, or missing fasteners. Replace corroded nails with the correct material and consider localized upgrades to higher-performance fasteners if problems recur.

Summary Checklist For Choosing Roofing Nails

• Match Nail Material To Environment: Stainless or copper for coastal/treated wood; hot-dipped galvanized for inland conditions.
• Choose The Correct Length: Ensure at least ¾” penetration into the roof deck.
• Select Shank Type Based On Wind/Uplift Needs: Ring or screw-shank for high-wind areas.
• Follow Manufacturer And Code Requirements: Adhere to specified nailing patterns and fastener types.
• Use Proper Tools And Technique: Ensure nails are driven flush without overdriving.

Where To Buy And How To Verify Quality

Purchase nails from reputable suppliers, professional roofing distributors, or manufacturer-authorized retailers. Look for ASTM or equivalent standards, manufacturer certifications, and documented coatings like G-185 for hot-dipped galvanized products.

For large projects, consider ordering samples or a performance data sheet that details coating thickness, alloy composition, and compliance with local building codes.

Additional Resources And Standards

Relevant standards and organizations include ASTM International, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and local building codes. These resources provide guidance on fastener performance, testing, and installation practices.

Contractors should consult shingle manufacturers for warranty-specific requirements and local building departments for wind-zone and fastening mandates.

Final Practical Tips For Contractors And Homeowners

Always verify the roofing material manufacturer’s recommended fastener type and pattern before starting work. Document fastener choices for warranty records and maintain an inventory log for large jobs.

When in doubt, upgrade to a corrosion-resistant nail that meets or exceeds code. Proper selection and installation of roofing nails are small investments that yield significant long-term protection for the entire roof system.