Architectural shingles how many nails

Nails should be driven in just below the factory-applied self-sealing adhesive strip. Generally you should use at least a minimum of 4 nails per shingle but many building departments, especially in high wind areas are requiring 6 nails per shingle. Never drive the nails in too high high nail as you need to ensure the nail also penetrate the shingle underneath.

See video below:. Usually when nailing materials into sheathing you try to avoid nailing in a straight line to avoid splitting the wood however in this case nail placement is extremely important. If you nail too high you miss the shingle underneath, if you nail too low your nail is exposed shiner. A ring shank nail is also called an annular roofing nail or corrugated roofing nail. As its many names suggest, this type of nail has rings along the shank.

Still, these rings give the nail extra staying power, or grip, in the shingles and sheathing. A larger-size head might increase the risk of exposing part of the nail head in standard nailing locations on the shingle. So, choose these nails where performance, especially wind resistance, is a priority. Square cap nails are typically used for fastening felt underlayment and not asphalt shingles. They have a square-shaped head, instead of the more typical circular head you see on other nails.

Square cap nails may have a smooth or coiled shank. You can find each of the three types of roofing nails in the three materials we list below. Whichever material you choose for your nails, remember that roofing nails are on the exterior of homes and therefore the outer surface needs to be corrosion-resistant.

In fact, in some coast regions, the building codes require the entire nail to be corrosion-resistant, not just the outer surface. Steel makes for strong nails. Of course, as your nails will be on the exterior of a home, they must have rust and corrosion protection. For steel, this means stainless steel or galvanized steel. Stainless steel nails are best used for slate and ceramic roofs or asphalt shingle roofs in coastal climates.

For asphalt roofing shingles , use galvanized nails. Galvanization adds a layer of zinc onto the steel that significantly inhibits rust and corrosion. Copper is strong and naturally resists rust and corrosion. You may prefer to use copper roofing nails on a roof with other copper accents. Copper nails are most often used on roofs with copper flashing and accessories.

Aluminum is a weaker metal than steel and copper. However, aluminum nails are still used on asphalt shingle roofing by some roofers. Aluminum nails are more prone to corrosion, as well as chemical and salt damage, than steel nails. Roofing nails are available in lengths ranging from one to two inches.

Roofers seek to use just the right length of nail so that the decking or OSB is completely punctured by the nail. Find a Contractor. Search Search Button. Roofing Roofing Tools. How to Nail Roofing Shingles Roofing shingles and underlayment work together to provide your home with protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind. Proper Nailing Techniques for Optimal Performance of Asphalt Shingles Roofing shingles have specific guidelines for how they should be fastened to your roof.

Roofing Nail Characteristics Roofing nails may be used to install shingles and most roofing underlayments. Materials Nails can be made of: Aluminum Copper Stainless steel, or Galvanized steel zinc-coated Some roofing nail materials are more suitable for certain geographies than others.

Penetration When nailing shingles, proper penetration into the roof deck is essential to ensure the nail and shingle remain secure. General Guidelines for Nailing Shingles To ensure optimal performance of your asphalt roofing shingles, be sure to follow these general directions for proper nailing: Use the correct roofing nail material, size, and grade as specified in the shingle installation instructions. Fasten shingles with corrosion-resistant nails. Install the recommended number of nails per shingle.

In most cases, 4 nails are adequate. Position the nails appropriately according to the shingle installation instructions. Align shingles properly to avoid nail exposure. Where to Nail Shingles Each shingle manufacturer has its own requirements for proper nailing, including where roofing nails should be placed. How Roof Shingles Are Installed The specifics of how shingles are laid on your roof vary by manufacturer.

Wind Protection Along with defense against water infiltration, another important reason for nailing shingles properly is wind protection. Applying more nails per shingle is acceptable, within reason.

However, 4 fasteners per shingle are industry standard. A three-tab shingle requires 4 nails per shingle. The amount of tabs does not change the number of nails required to secure the shingle. A 4-tab shingle of the same length will also require 4 nails — the same goes for architectural shingles.

The amount of nails you will need per bundle of shingles depends upon the number of shingles in the bundle. Most bundles cover around 33 square feet. However, the size of the shingle itself will dictate the number it takes to cover that square footage.

Using that example, a 33 square foot bundle of shingles of that size will have 26 shingles in a bundle. You should have at least 5 nails in your starter strip shingles, as they are your first defense against wind uplift and moisture penetration on your roof. For roofs that have slopes of 50 degrees or steeper, it is recommended that 6 nails are used instead of the required 4.

Increased forces on steep-sloped roofs put more stress on roofing shingles, and more nails will ensure shingles remain in place. A square of shingles simply refers to several right-sized shingles that equal square feet.

Typically shingle manufacturers sell bundles of shingles that equal