Roofing a house or commercial building is a big investment, so naturally you want the job done right. That’s why choosing quality roofing materials in Fairburn is important. But did you know that your selection of quality shingles could become meaningless if the nailing is done incorrectly? That’s right. Something seemingly simple like nailing could result in an inferior roofing job if done the wrong way. For this reason alone, it’s essential to hire experienced roofers who use best practices in doing their job. Here’s why proper nailing is so important.

 

Roofing-Grade Nails

First of all, it’s important that you use the right kind of nail. You can’t simply use any nail off the hardware store shelf. To protect against the corrosive effects of weather, only galvanized nails should be used. In addition, roofing nails need to have a large head and heavy-duty shank to hold shingles securely.

 

Adequate Nail Length

You’ll also need to consider the length of the nail you’re using. The nail should be long enough to go through the shingles, sheathing, and into the decking. Before choosing nails, you should consider how many layers of shingles are already on the roof and the thickness of the new shingles you’re installing. Professional roofing contractors can recommend the appropriate length for roofing nails in Fairburn.

 

Too Few Nails

Using too few nails can result in shingles separating from the roof or being vulnerable to strong winds. The temptation to use too few nails is often not the cost of the nails, but rather the effort it takes to do the work. Nailing is one of the more labor-intensive parts of the job, and some workers may be tempted to cut corners to reduce workload. It’s not a wise move to be stingy with the number of nails used. It can directly affect the lifespan of the roof.

 

Incorrect Nail Placement

Proper nail placement will secure the top shingle and the edge of the shingle directly below. The most common error is nailing too high on the top shingle, which often then misses the shingle underneath.

 

Nails Driven Too Far

When nails are driven in too deeply, they break through the mat of the shingles. When this happens, the integrity of the shingle to protect against rain is compromised. It also makes the shingles less secure and more susceptible to wind damage. With the use of pneumatic nailing guns, it’s easy to overdrive nails if the pressure is too high. Roofers need to monitor their work and adjust gun pressure if necessary.

 

Nails Driven at Angles

For the most secure hold, roofing nails need to be driven straight. Sloppy nailing can result in nails being driven at angles, causing less secure anchoring of shingles. 

 

Staples

Some people may wonder if staples can be substituted for nails. Most roofing contractors now consider staples to be a less desirable choice for attaching shingles because staples have less holding power than nails. In fact, using staples to attach shingles is now prohibited by some jurisdictions.

 

Contractors Committed to Quality

It’s important to use a roofing contractor with the expertise to do the job right. The best roofing companies have quality control practices in place to monitor their work. Because a roof is your first shield of defense against the elements, a poor-quality job can lead to expensive water damage inside a building. That’s why you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your roofing.

 

Go with the Roofing Pros

When you’re ready to install a new roof, contact Preferred Roofing. They don’t miss a detail in doing the job with high professional standards, including using the right nails for shingles in Fairburn. They make no compromises because your satisfaction is their top concern.