Types of Roofing Nails: Guide to Choosing the Right Fastener

Caveats include lower shear strength than steel and potential for work-hardening during installation, which can cause breakage if overdriven.

Copper Roofing Nails

Copper nails pair naturally with copper roofing systems and historic restorations; they provide exceptional longevity and aesthetic compatibility with aged copper patina.

Copper is softer and more expensive, but in applications requiring matching materials for appearance or galvanic compatibility, it is the preferred choice.

Screw-Shank And Ring-Shank Nails

Screw-shank and ring-shank roofing nails feature ridged shafts that increase mechanical grip, delivering higher pullout resistance than smooth shanks, especially in plywood or OSB decks.

They are particularly valuable for steep roofs, high-wind regions, and installations where shingles or underlayment may be subject to uplift.

Materials And Coatings Explained

Material selection and coating determine durability; coated fasteners provide sacrificial protection where the coating corrodes before the steel core does.

Common coatings include zinc (galvanized), polymer over zinc, and proprietary sealants; polymer coatings can reduce friction during driving and extend corrosion resistance.

Manufacturers use ASTM and ASTM/SAE standards to rate coatings and materials; look for specifications like ASTM F1667 when selecting nails for structural consistency and quality.

Choosing The Right Nail For Material And Climate

Matching nail type to roofing material prevents premature failure; use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails for coastal or humid climates to resist rust.

For wood shingles or shakes, ring-shank stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails are recommended to handle the natural movement and tannin exudation of wood.

Metal roofs typically require stainless steel or painted fasteners designed to match thermal movement; avoid mixing dissimilar metals that create galvanic corrosion.

In areas with high wind or seismic risk, longer nails with ring or screw shanks improve uplift resistance and meet code-specified requirements for fastener penetration and spacing.

Installation Best Practices

Proper installation is as important as nail selection; nails should be driven flush but not overdriven to avoid tearing the shingle or crushing the head, which can reduce holding power.

Nail placement must follow manufacturer guidelines: typically just below the tar line on asphalt shingles and into the nailing strip where provided.

Use the correct length—commonly 1″ to 1.5″ for asphalt shingles over 1/2″ decking; longer nails are needed for thicker underlayment or double-layer installations.

Power nailers can speed installation but must be adjusted for depth and chosen nail type to prevent over- or under-driving, both of which compromise performance.

Code, Standards, And Corrosion Resistance

Building codes (IRC and local amendments) and shingle manufacturers often specify fastener types, spacing, and penetration depths; adhere to these standards to maintain warranties and structural integrity.

For coastal zones, the International Residential Code may require corrosion-resistant fasteners; local codes can be stricter, so verify with the local building department.

Certifications like ASTM F568 and ASTM F1667 provide testing criteria for fastener mechanical properties and coatings; select products that list applicable ASTM or ASTM/ISO references.

Maintenance And Replacement

Inspect roofs periodically for signs of rusted or backout nails, especially in high-humidity or salt-spray environments; replace corroded nails promptly to prevent water infiltration and shingle damage.

When repairing or reroofing, use like-for-like or better fasteners; for example, upgrading electro-galvanized nails to hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel can improve longevity.

For historic roofs using non-standard materials, consult a preservation specialist to ensure that replacement fasteners match original materials to prevent chemical reactions and maintain appearance.

Cost, Availability, And Environmental Considerations

Material costs vary: stainless steel and copper are significantly more expensive than galvanized steel and aluminum; budget considerations must be weighed against expected service life and warranty requirements.

Availability is generally good for common sizes of galvanized and stainless nails; specialty finishes or large-diameter ring-shank nails may require ordering from suppliers or distributors.

Environmentally, using longer-lasting, corrosion-resistant materials reduces waste and maintenance frequency; choosing the right nail the first time is the most sustainable option.

Practical Selection Checklist

• Identify Roofing Material: Asphalt, metal, wood, or specialty—match the nail material accordingly.
• Assess Climate And Exposure: Choose stainless or hot-dipped galvanized for coastal/humid areas.
• Pick Shank Type: Use ring- or screw-shank for higher pullout resistance and windy areas.
• Select Head Size And Length: Ensure adequate deck penetration and proper head coverage.
• Verify Code And Manufacturer Specs: Follow spacing, penetration, and material recommendations to keep warranties valid.

Resources And Further Reading

Trusted sources include the International Residential Code, shingle manufacturer installation guides, ASTM standards, and industry organizations such as the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). Consult these resources for technical specifications and updates.

When in doubt, a roofing contractor or building inspector can provide site-specific advice on fastener selection and installation practices to meet local code and performance expectations.