Caleb Foster
Roofing nail size is an important consideration in roof installation. Nails that are too long or short can cause damage to the shingle, resulting in poor performance and leaks. CertainTeed, a popular shingle manufacturer, recommends that nail shanks be long enough to penetrate the roofing and then go 3/4 into solid wood, plywood, or non-veneer wood decking. This is to ensure that the nails don't back out or come loose. Standard roofing nails typically measure anywhere from 1 to 2 inches, with 1 1/2 nails being commonly used to secure shingles to the wood deck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Roofing nails typically measure between 1 and 2 inches. |
| Length (in specific contexts) | Nails should be long enough to penetrate the shingle and then penetrate plywood or OSB decking by at least 3/4 of an inch. |
| Length (CertainTeed Presidential Shake Series) | 1 1/2" |
| Length (standard) | 1 1/4" |
| Material | Galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, or aluminium |
| Number of nails per shingle | Most manufacturers require a minimum of four nails per shingle, while some warranties require up to six. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail length depends on the type of shingle
The nail length for roofing shingles depends on several factors, including the type of shingle, roof sheathing thickness, and decking material.
For standard 3-tab shingles, a 1 1/4" nail is typically used. However, if you are laying shingles in a second layer, a longer nail of 1 1/2" is recommended to ensure proper penetration and prevent nail pops and leaks. Architectural shingles, such as the CertainTeed Presidential Shake Series, are thicker and require longer nails, typically 1 1/2" in length.
The type of roof sheathing also determines the required nail length. If you are using roof sheathing that is 3/4" or thicker, the nail must penetrate a minimum of 3/4" into the sheathing. On the other hand, if you are using approved roof sheathing thinner than 3/4", such as 7/16" OSB or 3/8" plywood, the nail must go entirely through the sheathing.
Additionally, the decking material beneath the shingles should be considered. The nail should penetrate the decking by at least 3/4" for adequate holding power. This decking could be made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board).
It is important to note that some parts of the roof may require longer nails. For example, hip and ridge cap shingles and ventilation accessories like ridge vents typically need longer nails than standard shingles.
The material of the nails is also an important consideration. Galvanized steel nails are a popular choice due to their corrosion and rust resistance, while stainless steel nails are typically reserved for environments with a high likelihood of corrosion, such as coastal regions. Copper nails are another option, offering excellent corrosion resistance and longevity, but they are more commonly used with long-lasting roofing materials like tile and clay.
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Minimum nail length for roof sheathing
The minimum nail length for roof sheathing depends on the thickness of the sheathing. If you are using roof sheathing that is 3/4" or thicker, then the nail must penetrate a minimum of 3/4" into the sheathing. If you are using an approved roof sheathing that is less than 3/4", like 7/16 OSB or 3/8" plywood, then the nail must go all the way through.
For example, if you are using 1/2" OSB sheathing, you should leave 1/4" of the nail sticking through the sheathing into the attic. This ensures that the nail penetrates the minimum required amount into the sheathing while also complying with the specification that nails should be cut off flush when using 1/2" sheathing.
It is important to note that the nail shank must be long enough to penetrate the roofing and then go 3/4" into solid wood, plywood, or non-veneer wood decking, or through the thickness of the decking, whichever is less. The minimum nailing base should be 3/8" plywood or 7/16" OSB, and the nail shank should be 11-12 gauge with a head diameter of at least 3/8".
In terms of nail spacing, it is recommended to space nails a maximum of 6 inches apart at supported panel ends and edges. At intermediate supports, fasten panels 12 inches on center. For slats with face widths of 12 inches, space three nails evenly about every 3 inches. For sheets of OSB and plywood, the nail spacing is 8 inches per nail.
Additionally, certain types of shingles may require longer nails. For example, architectural shingles, such as the CertainTeed Presidential Shake Series, require longer 1 1/2" nails.
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Nail length and the number of nails per shingle
The nail length and number per shingle are crucial factors in roof installation. While the number of nails per shingle is typically specified by the shingle manufacturer, the nail length depends on the thickness of the roof sheathing.
Most manufacturers require a minimum of four nails per shingle, with some requiring up to six. This specification is usually indicated on the shingle packaging or installation instructions. For example, CertainTeed's Landmark shingles can be installed as a second layer, according to their application instructions.
The nail length, on the other hand, is determined by the thickness of the roof sheathing. Nails should penetrate the shingle and then extend at least 3/4 of an inch into the roof sheathing. If the sheathing is 3/4" or thicker, a minimum penetration of 3/4" into the sheathing is required. For sheathing less than 3/4" thick, such as 7/16" OSB or 3/8" plywood, the nail must go all the way through.
It is important to note that using nails that are too short can lead to issues. For instance, a standard 1 1/4" nail may not be long enough and could work its way up through the shingle over time, causing nail pops and leaks. Therefore, longer nails, such as 1 1/2" nails, are often recommended to ensure proper penetration and reduce the likelihood of nail pops and leaks.
Additionally, some parts of the roof may require longer nails. For example, hip and ridge cap shingles and ventilation accessories like ridge vents typically need longer nails. Premium or designer shingles, which are thicker than standard 3-tab shingles, may also require longer nails.
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Nail length and the type of decking
The nail length required for roofing depends on the type of decking used. Roofing nails typically measure between 1 and 2 inches in length. The nail should penetrate the shingle and then go through the plywood or OSB decking beneath by at least 3/4 of an inch. If the sheathing is 3/4" or thicker, the nail must penetrate a minimum of 3/4" into the sheathing. If an approved roof sheathing is less than 3/4", such as 7/16" OSB or 3/8" plywood, the nail must penetrate all the way through.
For instance, standard 1 1/4" nails may not be long enough and could eventually work their way up through the shingle, causing nail pops and leaks. Therefore, longer nails, such as 1 1/2" nails, are recommended to ensure they penetrate the wood deck securely and do not come loose over time.
Architectural shingles, such as the CertainTeed Presidential Shake Series, are thicker than basic 3-tab shingles and require longer nails. These thicker shingles may require 1 1/2" nails for proper installation.
It is important to note that some parts of the roof may require longer nails. For example, hip and ridge cap shingles, and ventilation accessories such as a ridge vent, typically need longer nails than standard shingles. Additionally, premium or designer shingles tend to be thicker and may also require longer nails than basic 3-tab shingles.
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Longer nails for CertainTeed's Presidential Shake Series
The CertainTeed Presidential Shake Series are architectural shingles that are thicker than 3-tab or composition shingles. Therefore, they require longer nails that are typically used for standard shingles.
The nails should be long enough to penetrate the shingle and then go into the plywood or OSB decking beneath by at least 3/4 of an inch. This is to ensure that the nails do not back out or come loose over time. If the decking is thicker than 3/4", the nail must penetrate at least this depth into the sheathing. If the decking is less than 3/4" thick, such as 7/16" OSB or 3/8" plywood, the nail must go all the way through.
A standard 1 1/4" nail is typically not long enough and may eventually work its way up through the shingle, causing nail pops and leaks. A longer nail of 1 1/2" is recommended to ensure the nail stays securely in the wood deck.
It is important to note that the number of nails per shingle is also crucial. Most manufacturers require a minimum of four nails per shingle, with some requiring up to six nails. This helps to increase the wind rating of the shingles.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of roofing nails for CertainTeed depends on the type of shingles being used and the roof sheathing. Architectural shingles, such as the CertainTeed Presidential Shake Series, require longer 1 ½" nails. For roof sheathing that is 3/4" or thicker, nails must penetrate a minimum of 3/4" into the sheathing. If using an approved roof sheathing thinner than 3/4", such as 7/16" OSB or 3/8" plywood, the nail must go all the way through.
For the CertainTeed Landmark shingle, the minimum number of nails per shingle for a warranty is four.
Yes, for steeper slopes, six nails per shingle are required.
While four nails per shingle is the minimum, five nails per shingle are ideal for consistency, especially depending on the wind.
The nail strip is the area on the shingle where nails are placed. This area may be reinforced, marked, or have specific instructions for correct nail placement.
