What Are Roofing Nails Made of and How to Choose the Right Type

Roofing nails are essential components in roofing systems, and their material, coating, and design affect durability, corrosion resistance, and holding power. This article explains common materials used for roofing nails, how coatings improve performance, and which nail types best suit different roofing materials and climates. Understanding the composition and coatings helps homeowners and contractors make informed choices to extend roof life.

Material	Common Coatings	Typical Use
Steel	Galvanized, Hot-Dipped, Electroplated, Vinyl	Asphalt shingles, underlayment, general purpose
Stainless Steel	None (inherently corrosion-resistant)	Metal roofs, coastal areas, cedar shakes
Copper	None (patinates)	Cedar, slate, historic restoration
Aluminum	None (resists corrosion)	Metal panels, aluminum roofs, lightweight applications

Materials Used To Make Roofing Nails

Most roofing nails are produced from metal wire and then formed with a head and shank appropriate to roofing fasteners. Steel is the most common base metal because of its strength and affordability, while stainless steel, copper, and aluminum are chosen when corrosion resistance or compatibility with roofing materials is a priority.

Steel

Steel roofing nails are typically made from low-carbon steel wire that is easily formed and provides high tensile strength. Steel offers the best balance of cost and mechanical performance and is used for a wide range of roofing applications including asphalt shingles and felt underlayment.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel nails are made from alloys that include chromium and often nickel to deliver significant corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is ideal for coastal or high-humidity environments and for fastening chemically reactive materials like cedar shakes or slate.

Copper

Copper roofing nails are softer but naturally corrosion-resistant and develop a protective patina over time. Copper is often chosen for historic or premium roofing materials and for compatibility with copper flashing and trim to avoid galvanic reactions.

Aluminum

Aluminum roofing nails are lightweight and resist corrosion without coatings. They are suitable for aluminum roof panels and conditions where weight savings and non-magnetic fasteners are preferred, though they are softer than steel and have lower shear strength.

Common Coatings And Treatments

Coatings extend the life of steel roofing nails by protecting them from moisture and chemical reactions. Choosing the proper coating is as important as choosing the base metal because coating failures are a major cause of nail corrosion and subsequent roof leaks.

Electro-Galvanized Coating

Electro-galvanized nails receive a thin layer of zinc applied by electroplating. They offer basic corrosion resistance at a lower cost, but the coating thickness is typically insufficient for coastal or highly corrosive environments.

Hot-Dipped Galvanized

Hot-dipped galvanized nails are immersed in molten zinc, producing a thicker, more durable zinc coating. Hot-dipped galvanization provides much better long-term corrosion protection and is preferred for exterior applications where exposure to weather is constant.

Vinyl-Coated Nails

Vinyl-coated roofing nails have a plastic sleeve that seals the penetration and increases holding power by creating a friction fit. These nails are popular for asphalt shingle installations because the sleeve helps prevent water migration and enhances pullout resistance.

Zinc-Aluminum (Galfan) And Other Advanced Coatings

Zinc-aluminum alloys provide enhanced sacrificial protection compared to pure zinc and can offer superior corrosion resistance in challenging environments. Advanced coatings can extend nail life significantly in coastal and industrial areas where chloride or sulfur exposures are high.

Design Variations And Their Purposes

Nail geometry affects how a fastener performs. Head size, shank type, and length determine holding power, roof surface compatibility, and resistance to pullout or shear.

Head Types

Roofing nails commonly have large, flat heads to distribute load and keep shingles or underlayment seated. Some specialty nails have countersunk or umbrella-style heads for metal or composite installations. Larger heads reduce the chance of pull-through on soft materials.

Shank Types: Smooth, Ring, And Screw Shanks

Smooth-shank nails are easier to drive but have lower withdrawal resistance. Ring- and screw-shank nails are designed to increase pullout strength via mechanical interlock. Screw or ring shanks are preferred where wind uplift or substrate movement is a concern.

Length And Gauge

Nail length and thickness (gauge) should match roof covering thickness and substrate. Undersized nails can fail to penetrate sheathing adequately while oversized nails risk splitting. Correct length ensures secure fastening into roof deck without over-penetration.

Compatibility With Roofing Materials

Material compatibility avoids galvanic corrosion and chemical reactions that can accelerate nail failure. Choosing nails made of compatible metals or with barrier coatings is essential to prevent premature deterioration.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are commonly fastened with hot-dipped galvanized or vinyl-coated steel nails. Vinyl-coated nails are popular because they combine corrosion resistance with improved sealing around the shank.

Cedar Shakes And Wood Shingles

Wood roofs often require stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails because wood contains tannins and acids that can corrode standard electro-galvanized nails. Stainless steel is preferred in coastal or humid climates where wood roofs are common.

Slate And Tile

Slate and clay tile roofs may use copper or stainless steel nails depending on the flashing and substrate. Copper nails match historic materials and avoid visual corrosion streaks, while stainless steel is used for durability when copper is not specified.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs may call for aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized fasteners depending on panel composition. Matching the fastener metal to the roof panel metal or using compatible isolation coatings prevents galvanic corrosion.

Environmental And Code Considerations

Building codes and manufacturer instructions often specify nail materials and coatings for wind ratings, fire performance, and warranty compliance. Failure to follow specifications can void warranties and compromise roof longevity.

Coastal And High-Corrosivity Areas

In coastal zones, chloride-driven corrosion demands higher-performance fasteners such as stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized with additional protective measures. Local codes or manufacturers frequently require stainless steel in these areas.

Fire-Rated Roof Assemblies

Certain fire-rated roof assemblies and asphalt shingle ratings mandate specific fastener types or materials. Meeting fire and wind uplift specifications is critical for safety and insurance requirements.

How To Choose The Right Roofing Nail

Selecting the right roofing nail involves balancing cost, corrosion resistance, holding power, and compatibility with roofing materials. Prioritize corrosion resistance in wet or coastal climates and ensure nails meet the roof system manufacturer’s specifications.

• Check Manufacturer Requirements: Always follow the shingle or panel manufacturer’s nail recommendations to preserve warranty.
• Match Metals: Use compatible metals to prevent galvanic reactions between fasteners and roof components.
• Consider Coatings: Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel for long-term durability in exposed conditions.
• Pick Proper Length and Shank: Ensure nails penetrate the sheathing adequately and use ring or screw shanks in high-wind applications.

Signs Of Nail Failure And When To Replace Them

Nail corrosion or back-out can manifest as missing shingles, leaks, or nail pops. Early detection and replacement with appropriate materials prevent further roof damage and costly repairs.

Visual Indicators

Rust stains on shingles, displaced or loose roofing materials, and visible corroded heads indicate nail failure. Inspection of flashing and eaves often reveals the greatest concentrations of failing nails.

When To Re-Nail Or Replace

If numerous nails show corrosion, or if wind uplift tests fail, re-nailing with stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails may be necessary. Always correct underlying causes such as poor ventilation or incompatible materials before replacing fasteners.

Costs And Availability

Steel with electro-galvanized coating is the most economical and widely available option, while stainless steel and copper are premium choices with higher upfront costs. Investing in higher-quality fasteners often reduces long-term maintenance and roof replacement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Nails

Are galvanized nails good for roofing? Hot-dipped galvanized nails provide strong corrosion resistance for most roofing situations, but electro-galvanized nails are less durable and not recommended for coastal conditions.

When should stainless steel be used? Stainless steel is recommended in coastal areas, near pools, for cedar or copper roofs, and whenever maximum corrosion resistance is required.

Can wrong nails void a shingle warranty? Yes. Most manufacturers specify nail type, length, and shank style; failure to comply can void warranties and reduce wind uplift performance.

Question	Short Answer
Best nail for coastal areas	Stainless steel
Best value for asphalt shingles	Hot-dipped galvanized or vinyl-coated steel
Fastener for slate or copper roofs	Copper or stainless steel

Practical Tips For Installation And Inspection

Proper installation practices such as driving nails square to the surface, avoiding under- or over-drive, and placing nails in the correct locations reduce the risk of leaks and nail failure. Regular inspections after storms and during routine maintenance catch early signs of corrosion or back-out.

• Drive Nails Correctly: Flush with the shingle surface or slightly below per manufacturer guidance.
• Use The Right Fastener Gun Settings: Calibrate pneumatic guns to avoid overdriving on soft decks.
• Inspect Flashing And Eaves: These areas often show the earliest corrosion signs.

Choosing the appropriate roofing nail—based on material, coating, and design—significantly impacts roof performance and lifespan. When in doubt, consult roof manufacturers’ specifications and local building codes to select fasteners that match environmental conditions and roofing materials.