It’s a well-known fact that a roof replacement is an expensive undertaking for homeowners. Therefore, when the time comes to replace your aging roof, you’ll want to ensure the job gets done correctly. The first thing you’ll want to do is check on how the nailing is done.
While this may seem like a straightforward task, how it’s done will affect the performance and longevity of your roof. You need to make sure the roofing contractor nails the shingles properly for continued protection against the elements. Proper nailing also enhances aesthetic appeal by being uniform.
1. Selecting the Best Roofing Nail Materials
We understand that the metal used to make a nail can make all the difference in its longevity. It also determines how the nail will hold down the shingle. Examples of common types of roofing nails include the following:
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized nails are manufactured using a steel base. They’re then coated in zinc chemicals to make them rust-resistant. This makes them ideal for coastal regions, including for roofs that you would want covered by a warranty.
Aluminum
These are the most common types of roofing nails, partly because of their affordability. While they’re readily available, we don’t recommend them to coastal town homeowners. The salty air causes them to rust and deteriorate. Rust can compromise the hold the nail has on the shingle, causing it to blow off. As a homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with is a missing shingle on a three-year-old roof.
Copper
Copper nails are costlier than the other options listed here, making them ideal for some roofing projects. These nails are stronger than those made using steel, making them ideal for the use of slate roofs.
Stainless Steel
Steel nails are less corrosive compared to aluminum roofing nails. They’re cheaper than their galvanized counterparts and are preferred in regions that have salty air. We typically recommend them for projects where the costs need to remain low without compromising the quality of work.
2. Choose the Right Nail Size and Length
Before we go any further, we would like to note that we don’t recommend DIY roofing projects. It’s always best to let the professional roofers handle roof replacements. That said, there are three types of roofing nails.
Each type serves a specific purpose, and the one to use will depend on the roofing material you have selected. Other factors that may affect the type to be used will include the part of the roof that the roofer is nailing down and your overall budget.
1. Square Cap
You’ll never find this type of roofing nail on an asphalt shingle roof. Our roofers use it to hold down the underlayment. You can recognize this type of nail by its coiled or smooth shank, featuring a large, square-shaped nail head.
2. Smooth Shank
The best example of a smooth shank is your everyday nail. These nails are as described by their name because they feature a smooth shank. As your roofer will explain, these nails are basic but sturdy. They’re also affordable, making them a favorite for most roofing projects.
3. Ring Shank
They’re like smooth shanks, though their shank has grooves that look like a screw. Roofers can’t screw them into the roofing material, but their grooves help to provide additional grip. This help hold the shingles in place.
3. Roofing Nails Should Penetrate the Bottom-Most Layer
To guarantee the long-lasting performance of your roofing system, it’s crucial to take the time to carefully specify and select the correct roofing nails. The International Building Code requires that all roofing nails be made of copper, stainless or galvanized steel, or aluminum. Each nail should be at least 0.105 inch (2.67 mm).
Besides complying with the International Building Code, the roofer also needs to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Many shingle manufacturers provide fastener recommendations that are like those of IRC 2018 and IBC 2018.
Compliance with these building codes is among the many reasons we don’t recommend DIY projects. Please note that failure to comply with these guidelines may cause your warranty to become void. An experienced roofer will know what to do to ensure compliance.
4. Roofing Nails Shouldn’t Be Under-Driven or Over-Driven
During a roof replacement, there’s something known as under-driving or over-driving a nail. If either of these happens, the roofer will need to remove the affected nail and replace it with a new one. This happens when driving in the nails by hand instead of a nail gun.
Our roofers can use a hammer to tap under-driven nails into place. However, with over-driven nails, the only solution is to remove them. Once removed, the roofer will need to fill in the holes left behind using asphalt cement.
The same holds true for crooked nails. Such nails should never be left as they are and should instead be removed by the roofing expert and replaced with fresh ones.
5. Ensuring a Tight Seal
Many shingles require that the roofer use either a four or 6-nail pattern for each shingle. The purpose of this is to guarantee a tight seal. The pattern to use will depend on the local building code requirements and on the roof’s slope.
Many times, four nails are needed to confirm a tight seal of the roofing system. It’s up to your roofer to confirm that they have positioned the nails in line with the manufacturer-provided instructions. Proper alignment of the shingles is also needed to avoid exposing the nails.
Shingle Nailing Techniques
While the five tips mentioned above are important, understanding the nailing technique is perhaps the most crucial tip. A roofer must make sure that it’s done right, or else the roof will become corroded and start leaking.
We cannot emphasize the need to use the correct type of nails enough. You need to understand that the roofing nails are manufactured for this exact reason. The roofer will need to select a nail that can penetrate the roof deck without going through the roof.
After selection, they’ll have to consider the placement carefully. By placement, we mean ensuring the nail goes into the designated area. Placement can vary from one material to the next, hence the need to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines routinely.
For the angle and depth, proper roofing techniques recommend that nails be driven in at an angle of about 10-15 degrees off vertical. This type of angling helps secure the roofing materials without leading to a lift.
Reliable Roofing in Georgia and South Carolina
Are you a property owner looking for professional and reliable roofing services in Georgia and South Carolina? We at Fraser Roofing, LLC are an experienced team of roofers with years of experience in the roofing industry.
Since the early days, we have established ourselves as the go-to roofing company for residential property owners in the area. Our roofers understand the crucial role your roofing system plays in safeguarding your family and take this responsibility seriously.
Our roofing services in Georgia and South Carolina fall under five categories:
Our dedication to roofing helps set us apart from our competition. We take our time to ensure that we have taken care of any issue that may compromise the integrity of your roof. The five-star reviews posted on our website are a testament to our excellent service.
For more information on roof repair, contact Fraser Roofing, LLC today!
