Choosing the Right Roofing Nails for Your Next Project

Whether you’re replacing or repairing your home’s roof, it’s important that you use nails made for roofing, rather than generic nails that are used on a variety of projects. There are many different types of nails for roofing, so here is some information to help you choose the right roofing nails in Atlanta.

Nail Material

Since Atlanta roofing supplies come in different materials, roofing nails must also be made of different material to best suit the type of roof you’re working on. Tile or slate roofs will have more longevity when stainless steel nails are used. Aluminum nails are a good choice for shingles and metal roofs, but can be weakened if exposed to salt or chemicals. Galvanized steel roofing nails that are coated with zinc are more resistant to rust and an excellent choice for asphalt shingles.

Nail Size

The shanks of roofing nails are available in lengths from one inch clear up to six inches. Shorter nails are more standard and usually 1-2 inches. This length of nail is good for fiberglass or asphalt shingles. Wood shingles require a nail with a longer shank since wood shingles are much thicker than asphalt or fiberglass. Roofing nails also come in different gauges, so the longer the nail is, the thicker it will be as well.

Nail Shape

Along with differing nail sizes, roofing nails have slightly varying shapes that are best suited for different types of roofs. Screw shank nails are twisted and have sharp diamond-shaped tips. This allows the nail to fasten tightly into wood roofs. This makes the roof more durable in bad weather. Ring shank nails have a larger head than screw shank nails. They hold up well in strong winds because they are made of galvanized steel, but they are not the best choice for wood shingles because they are not as sharp. Smooth shank nails are a less expensive option because they are not as strong. They are made of copper, stainless steel, or aluminum.