Whether made from steel or aluminum, roofing nails make a great choice for roofing applications. Featuring large, flat heads and sharp points, their shanks are usually square or tapered to secure various roofing thicknesses. Available in a variety of lengths, these nails make the perfect tool for any roofing job.
Asphalt shingles can be securely fastened with the use of roofing nails. These nails feature a distinctive large head which helps keep the shingle in place, and a sharp point that effectively penetrates the material it’s being driven into. Roofing nails are not only useful for asphalt shingles, they can also be deployed with other roofing materials such as wood shake, slate, and metal. They provide a reliable grip when driven into the sheathing beneath the shingle.
Installing asphalt shingles effectively requires utilizing the optimal size and type of roofing nail. As there are numerous thicknesses of shingles available, the correct batch of nails must be acquired, ensuring they penetrate the sheathing far enough to grip securely to the essential joists beneath. For extra anchoring prowess, it is advised to use a ring-shank or spiral-shank nail for each shingle.
Utilizing a compressed-air-driven mechanism, roofing nails are often placed with the aid of a pneumatic nail gun. Furnished with a trigger to activate the compressed air, the nail gun is fed with nails from either a strip or coil that drive them into the roofing material.
Roofing projects often require different sized and configured pneumatic nail guns. Coil guns are the go-to choice for most roofers, as they can store a generous number of nails and are straightforward to recharge. Strip guns, while available, are not as preferred due to needing more regular reloads.
Although pneumatic nail guns may appear intimidating with their loud noise and fast-moving nails, they are safe to use if the proper precautions are taken. Protective eye and ear gear should always be worn when using the gun, and each roofing job requires specialized adjustments to the tool to ensure that it is optimized for maximum performance.
Installing wood shake or slate roofing may involve securing roofing nails manually. This is so the nails are inserted at a slight angle, rather than perpendicularly. In this case, it is advised to select a hammer that has a smooth face since this will reduce the chances of harming the roofing material.
When choosing a nail for any roofing endeavor, the proper size and type must be determined; this enables for secure fastening and satisfactory completion of the project. Roofing nails are quintessential components, which vary depending on the material being applied.