What Are Roofing Nails Used For: Types, Uses, and Best Practices

Roofing nails are specialized fasteners designed to secure roofing materials like shingles, underlayment, and flashing. This article explains the common types of roofing nails, their specific uses, selection criteria, installation best practices, and maintenance considerations to ensure a durable roof. Understanding which roofing nails to use directly impacts roof performance, weather resistance, and longevity.

Nail Type	Head Style	Common Use	Material/Coating
Roofing Shingle Nails	Large Flat Head	Asphalt Shingles	Galvanized / Aluminum
Clout Nails	Large Round Head	Felt, Flashing	Galvanized
Screw Shank Nails	Ring Or Spiral Shank	High Wind Areas	Stainless / Coated
Copper Nails	Flat Or Oval Head	Copper/Slate Roofing	Copper

What Roofing Nails Are And Why They Matter

Roofing nails are specifically engineered to fasten roofing materials to decking. Unlike general-purpose nails, roofing nails feature larger heads and corrosion-resistant coatings or materials. Proper nail selection and placement influence wind uplift resistance, waterproofing, and the roof’s service life.

Common Types Of Roofing Nails

Different roofing systems require different fasteners. Below are the most common roofing nail types with their defining features and typical applications.

Roofing Shingle Nails

Roofing shingle nails have a large, flat head to hold asphalt and composite shingles and are usually 1 to 1-1/2 inches long. They are typically galvanized or aluminum to resist corrosion when exposed to the elements.

Ring-Shank And Screw-Shank Nails

Ring-shank and screw-shank nails have textured shanks that provide superior pullout resistance. They are preferred in high-wind or coastal areas and for fastening heavy materials to reduce nail back-out over time.

Copper And Stainless-Steel Nails

Copper nails are used with copper or slate roofing to prevent galvanic corrosion and staining. Stainless-steel nails are chosen for extreme corrosion resistance, particularly with cedar shakes and coastal installations. Match metal types to avoid chemical reactions that accelerate corrosion.

Clout Nails And Lathe Nails

Clout nails have large heads and are used for felt underlayment, flashing, and sheet metal. Lathe nails are shorter and sometimes used for historical restoration. These fasteners provide surface holding without tearing softer materials.

Materials And Coatings: Preventing Corrosion

Roofing nails are made from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. Coatings include hot-dip galvanization and electro-galvanization. Choosing the right metal or coating is essential to avoid rust stains and deterioration.

Galvanized Nails

Hot-dip galvanized nails have thicker zinc layers and offer better long-term protection than electro-galvanized variants. They are suitable for most asphalt shingle installations. Hot-dip galvanization is the recommended minimum for durability.

Aluminum, Copper, And Stainless Steel

Aluminum nails are lightweight and used with aluminum roofing components. Copper nails are ideal for copper and slate roofs, while stainless steel nails are best where maximum corrosion resistance is needed. Select metals that are compatible with the roofing material to prevent staining and decay.

Choosing The Right Roofing Nail: Key Criteria

Selecting roofing nails depends on roofing material, wind zone, substrate, and climate. Important attributes include length, shank type, head diameter, and material. Correct selection reduces leaks, avoids nail pull-through, and improves overall roof performance.

Length And Penetration

Nails should penetrate through the roofing material and at least 3/4 inch into solid wood decking or completely through sheathing into the rafter or truss. For 7/16-inch OSB or plywood, common lengths are 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches. Insufficient penetration increases the risk of nail pull-out.

Head Size And Holding Power

Larger head diameters provide a greater bearing surface and reduce the chance of shingles tearing. Roofing nails usually have a head diameter of about 3/8 inch. A larger head helps distribute stress under wind loading.

Shank Type

Smooth shanks are common for standard conditions; ring-shank or screw-shank nails are used in high-wind zones or for heavy materials. Shank design determines the nail’s mechanical resistance to pullout.

How Roofing Nails Are Used In Common Roofing Tasks

Understanding how roofing nails are used helps ensure correct installation whether replacing a few shingles or installing a new roof.

Installing Asphalt Shingles

Shingles require multiple nails per shingle strip, placed in the designated nailing area. Installers typically use four nails for standard three-tab shingles and six for hip and ridge or high-wind areas. Proper alignment and consistent nail depth prevent leaks and blow-offs.

Securing Underlayment And Felt

Underlayment may be attached with cap nails or staples, but nails with larger heads (clout nails) reduce tearing. Secure underlayment prevents moisture intrusion and keeps shingles flat.

Fastening Flashing And Metal Components

Sheet metal flashing is attached with clout or lead-coated nails to avoid tearing and to provide a stable edge seal. For metal roofs, exposed fasteners are often screws with rubber washers. Flashing fasteners must maintain watertight integrity around roof penetrations.

Best Practices For Roofing Nail Installation

Correct nailing technique is as important as nail selection. Consistent placement, depth, and patterning maximize performance and warranty compliance.

• Nail Placement: Place nails in the manufacturer’s designated nailing area, avoiding overdriven or underdriven nails.
• Use The Correct Quantity: Follow shingle maker guidelines—under-nailing voids warranties and increases failure risk.
• Avoid Parking Nails: Do not drive nails down on the shingle but not into the deck—this leads to water paths and blow-offs.
• Overlap Considerations: Do not place nails in overlapping shingle tabs where they might corrode or split material.

Tools And Safety Considerations

Nail guns are common for efficiency, but pneumatic or gas-powered guns must be adjusted to prevent overdriving. Manual hammering remains the fallback for repairs. Proper PPE, ladder safety, and fall protection are essential when working on roofs.

Nail Gun Settings And Quality Control

Calibrate pneumatic nail guns for the deck thickness and fastener type. Periodic inspection for correct nail depth and placement is critical during roofing installation. Incorrect gun settings are a leading cause of shingle damage and nail failure.

Common Problems And How To Avoid Them

Improper nail selection, placement, or corrosion-resistant mismatches cause many roof failures. Identifying these issues early reduces repair costs.

1. Nail Pull-Out: Caused by inadequate penetration or weak decking; use longer or ring-shank nails where necessary.
2. Corrosion And Staining: Avoid mixing metals and choose appropriate coatings to prevent rust streaks and weakened fasteners.
3. Overdriven Nails: Prevent by adjusting nail gun pressure or using experienced hammer technique.

Maintenance, Inspection, And Repair Tips

Regular roof inspections identify loose or corroded nails, missing shingles, and flashing issues. Replace corroded nails with compatible, corrosion-resistant fasteners. Timely maintenance extends roof life and maintains warranty compliance.

When To Replace Fasteners

If nails show rust, back out, or have been driven incorrectly, replace them and surrounding shingles if damaged. Use the same head type and material compatibility when repairing. Addressing a handful of bad nails early prevents larger failures.

Code, Warranty, And Manufacturer Recommendations

Building codes, shingle manufacturers, and local wind-zone requirements can dictate fastener type and nailing patterns. Always consult product instructions and local code. Following manufacturer nailing guidelines preserves warranty coverage and ensures compliance.

Summary: Choosing And Using Roofing Nails Wisely

Roofing nails are a small yet critical component of a roofing system. Proper selection—considering material, length, shank type, and corrosion resistance—paired with correct installation practices, ensures a durable, weather-resistant roof. Investing in the right fasteners and installation quality saves homeowners and contractors time and money over the roof’s life.