This guide explains how to choose the right roofing nail for the job. Smooth-shank galvanized for asphalt shingles, ring-shank for metal panels and underlayment, stainless steel for coastal zones. Length: 1-1/4" for new install on 7/16 OSB; 1-1/2" or 1-3/4" for overlay; 2" for cedar shake. Gauge: 11 or 12 with 3/8" head minimum per ASTM F1667. Includes coverage rates so you can buy the right pound count.
Roofing nails are the cheapest component on the roof and the one most able to ruin it. Length, head size, material and how they are driven all matter, and three of the four are decided before the crew arrives.
| Situation | Length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New shingles on a bare 1/2 in deck | 1¼ in | Reaches 3/4 in into the deck |
| Over one existing layer | 1¾ in | Adds the old course thickness |
| Over two layers or a thick deck | 2 in | Same rule, more material above |
| Board sheathing under 3/4 in | Through the board | Full penetration replaces the 3/4 in rule |
| Cap over a ridge vent | 2 in or longer | The vent raises the cap off the deck |
| Roof area | 4-nail pattern | Weight | 6-nail high-wind | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 2,640 | 18.9 lb | 3,960 | 28.3 lb |
| 1,500 sq ft | 3,960 | 28.3 lb | 5,940 | 42.4 lb |
| 2,000 sq ft | 5,280 | 37.7 lb | 7,920 | 56.6 lb |
| 2,500 sq ft | 6,600 | 47.1 lb | 9,900 | 70.7 lb |
| 3,000 sq ft | 7,920 | 56.6 lb | 11,880 | 84.9 lb |
1¼ inch on a bare half-inch deck, 1¾ inch over one existing layer, 2 inch over two layers or a thick deck. The nail must reach at least 3/4 inch into the sheathing, or fully through if it is thinner.
About 264 for architectural shingles on a four-nail pattern and 320 for three-tab. Six-nail high-wind patterns raise both by half.
The marked band where the fastener must go, in the common bond area where two shingle layers overlap. Nailing above it means the fastener holds only one layer, and that is where blow-offs start.
No. Most manufacturers treat staples as voiding the wind warranty and many jurisdictions no longer permit them.