Liam Carter
When it comes to roofing, there are many factors to consider to ensure a long-lasting and safe installation. One key consideration is the length of nails used for double shingling, which is the practice of layering shingles on top of each other to create a new roof. While building codes allow for up to two layers of shingles, it is important to use the correct nail length to avoid leaks and ensure the structural integrity of the roof. The ideal nail length will depend on various factors, including the type of shingles, the thickness of the sheathing, and the number of shingle layers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail material | Steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, aluminium |
| Shank type | Smooth, ring |
| Shank diameter | 3/8-inch |
| Head diameter | 3/8-inch to 7/16-inch |
| Gauge | 10-12 |
| Length | 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch, 1 1/2-inch, 1 3/4-inch, 2-inch |
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What You'll Learn
Nail length depends on sheathing and shingle thickness
The length of nails used for double shingling depends on the sheathing and shingle thickness. Nails are essential for roof installation, and choosing the appropriate ones will ensure the stability and durability of your roof. The most common type of roofing nail is the typical roofing nail, which may have a smooth shank or a circular unconnected ring around the body to help maintain grip in the deck. The other common type is the ring shank nail, which has connected rings around the shaft, giving it superior withdrawal resistance during high winds.
The length of the nail you use depends on the thickness of the sheathing and shingles. If you're using typical architectural shingles and 3/8-inch-thick sheathing, you'll need 1-inch nails. If your building codes require thicker sheathing, you'll need 1 1/4-inch nails. When installing thicker shingles, you may need to use a longer nail to penetrate the OSB beneath fully. Ridge and hip shingles also require longer nails, as they need to penetrate more shingle layers.
The gauge of the nail also depends on the thickness of the sheathing and shingles. Roof nails are available in 12, 11, and 10-gauge. For best performance, you should use ring roofing nails made of hot-dipped galvanized steel with a gauge of 12 or thicker. The head diameter is typically a standard 3/8-inch for all roofing nails. A larger-size head might increase the risk of exposing part of the nail head, which can cause issues.
The type of shingle you use will also determine the length of the nail. Dimensional shingles are double the thickness of regular shingles, so you must choose a longer nail. Most roofing nail guidelines use the asphalt shingle as the standard, and nails for these can range in length from 1 inch to 2 inches. However, some applications may require longer nails of up to 6 inches. These longer nails are usually not needed for residential roofing and are thus harder to find in local roofing supply stores.
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Use galvanised nails for asphalt roofing shingles
When it comes to roofing, you need to consider the weight of the roof and the appearance of the finished project. A second layer of shingles means doubling the weight on the roof, which can lead to roof damage. The second layer also won't lie flat and won't have the same final appearance as the first layer. In addition, the new shingles will be more prone to blow-offs, and multiple layers of shingles do not make the roof more waterproof. In fact, they have the opposite effect, as they obscure the potential source of a leak.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to remove the first layer of shingles before adding a new layer. However, if you choose to add a second layer of shingles, you will need longer nails to penetrate the additional shingle layers. The length of the nails will depend on the thickness of the shingles and the sheathing. For typical architectural shingles and 3/8-inch-thick sheathing, you will need 1-inch nails. If your building codes require thicker sheathing, you will need 1 1/4-inch nails. When installing thicker shingles, you may need to use even longer nails to fully penetrate the sheathing.
Additionally, when installing ridge and hip shingles, you will need nails that are about a half-inch longer. Roofing nails are typically made of steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper. Galvanized nails are typically recommended for asphalt roofing shingles as they have a layer of zinc that inhibits rust and corrosion. There are two methods of galvanizing nails: hot-dipped and electro-galvanized. Hot-dipped galvanized nails have a thicker layer of zinc and last longer, so they are generally preferred.
Roofing nails come in various lengths, typically ranging from one to two inches. It is important to use nails that are long enough to completely puncture the sheathing and extend slightly beyond it. This ensures a secure hold for the shingles. The head diameter of roofing nails is typically a standard 3/8-inch, although larger heads may be used in some cases. Ring shank nails have been found to have significantly more strength than smooth shank nails and are recommended for improved wind resistance.
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Smooth shank nails are the most basic type
For example, ring shank nails, also called annular roofing nails or corrugated roofing nails, have rings along the shank that gives them extra grip in the shingles and sheathing. One IKO test found that ring shank nails have 300% more strength than smooth shank nails. So, if performance and wind resistance are important, ring shank nails are a better option.
Additionally, the length of the nail you use depends on the thickness of the sheathing and shingles. If you're using typical architectural shingles with 3/8-inch-thick sheathing, you'll need 1-inch nails. If your building codes require thicker sheathing, you'll need 1 1/4-inch nails. When installing thicker shingles, you may need to use longer nails to penetrate the OSB beneath fully. Ridge and hip shingles also require longer nails, about a half-inch longer than what you would use for other shingles.
When choosing nails for roofing shingles, it's also important to consider the material of the nails. Steel nails, for instance, must be stainless steel or galvanized steel to withstand rust and corrosion. Stainless steel nails are best used for slate, ceramic, or asphalt shingle roofs in coastal climates. For asphalt roofing shingles, galvanized nails are preferred. Galvanization adds a layer of zinc that inhibits rust and corrosion. The hot-dipped method of galvanizing results in a thicker layer of zinc that lasts longer.
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Ring shank nails have 300% more strength than smooth shank nails
When considering roofing, it is important to take into account the type of nails used. While there are various types of nails, this discussion will focus on ring shank nails and their advantages over smooth shank nails in terms of strength and performance, especially in double shingling.
Ring shank nails, also known as annular or corrugated roofing nails, have rings along their shanks, providing extra grip and strength compared to smooth shank nails. This grip is created by the locking effect of the rings with the wood fibres, making them more resistant to withdrawal. The International Code Council (ICC) classifies smooth-shank nails as "common" and ring-shank nails as "deformed," indicating their specialised use in high-wind zones and certain subfloor assemblies. The deformation of the shank increases the nail's holding power and makes it more suitable for specific applications.
The performance benefits of ring shank nails become evident when considering their strength and wind resistance. An IKO test revealed that ring shank nails possess 300% more strength than smooth shank nails. This increased strength is particularly advantageous in double shingling, where the weight of the shingles can be doubled, exerting greater stress on the nails. By using ring shank nails, the risk of nail withdrawal or blow-offs is reduced, ensuring a more secure roof.
In addition to strength, ring shank nails offer superior wind resistance. The locking effect created by the rings prevents the nails from being easily removed, even in extreme wind conditions. This feature is crucial in high-wind zones, as it helps maintain the integrity of the roof structure. While smooth shank nails rely solely on friction between the wood fibres and the shank for holding power, ring shank nails provide an additional mechanical grip that enhances their performance in challenging weather conditions.
When choosing nails for double shingling, it is essential to consider the weight of the shingles, the pitch of the roof, and the wind conditions in your area. While ring shank nails offer superior strength and wind resistance, they might not be necessary for every roofing project. Smooth shank nails are suitable for many everyday construction applications due to their ease of use and lower cost. However, if you prioritise performance and want to ensure your roof can withstand heavier shingles and high winds, ring shank nails are the recommended choice.
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Pneumatic nailers are faster than manual hammering
Pneumatic nailers are faster and more efficient than manual hammering. While hammers have been used as a tool to drive sharp objects for millions of years, nail guns have become an essential tool for many building projects. They offer speed and precision, driving nails straight and at the desired angle, with minimal effort and reduced risk of fatigue.
Nail guns use electrical or pressurised force to drive a nail, and pneumatic nailers specifically use air pressure via an air compressor to drive and set nails. They are a popular choice for longer and larger jobs, as they rarely encounter issues with power, compressors, or hoses. While cordless nailers may seem more convenient, they come with the limitation of battery life, which is not a concern with pneumatic nailers, which will run until the power goes out.
Pneumatic nailers are also more cost-effective than their cordless counterparts. For example, a cordless nailer like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18ga brad nailer costs around $279, while similar pneumatic products from Makita, Senco, and DeWalt range from $70 to $99. Additionally, pneumatic nailers have a simpler design, making them easier to use.
However, one drawback of pneumatic nailers is the setup time required. To get started with a pneumatic nailer, you need to bring the compressor, nailer, and hose to the worksite, connect the hose and nailer, and wait for the compressor to reach operating pressure, which can take several minutes. In contrast, a cordless nailer can be pulled off a truck and fired in less than 30 seconds.
When it comes to the specific application of double shingling, the choice between pneumatic nailers and manual hammering depends on various factors. Roofing nails are typically available in lengths ranging from one to two inches, and the appropriate length depends on the thickness of the sheathing and shingles being used. For example, if you're using architectural shingles with 3/8-inch-thick sheathing, you'll need 1-inch nails. However, if your building codes require thicker sheathing, you may need 1 1/4-inch nails or longer. Additionally, when installing ridge and hip shingles, longer nails are necessary to penetrate the additional shingle layers.
In summary, pneumatic nailers offer significant advantages in terms of speed, efficiency, cost, and ease of use compared to manual hammering. They are particularly well-suited for larger jobs and provide consistent nail placement. However, they do require more setup time and equipment than cordless nailers. When choosing between pneumatic nailers and manual hammering for double shingling, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the project, including the thickness of the sheathing and shingles, to ensure the use of appropriately sized nails.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of the nails depends on the thickness of the sheathing and shingles used. Nails for roofing typically range from 1 to 2 inches in length. For example, if you're using 3/8-inch-thick sheathing with typical architectural shingles, you'll need 1-inch nails. If you're using thicker sheathing or shingles, you may need longer nails, such as 1 1/4-inch or 1 1/2-inch nails, to ensure proper penetration.
It is recommended to use ring roofing nails made of galvanized steel with a thickness of 12-gauge or more. Galvanized steel provides corrosion and rust resistance due to its zinc coating. Hot-dipped galvanized nails offer a thicker layer of zinc and are preferred for their longer-lasting protection.
The number of nails required depends on the wind conditions in your area. For normal wind conditions, four nails per shingle above the tab cuts are typically used. In high wind areas, such as exposed locations with little cover from wind breaks, six nails per shingle with a double nail above the central tab cuts are recommended.
