Roofing nails are essential components in any roofing project and are just as important as the shingles and underlayment. They are specialized for roofing and come in a few different options.

Types of Roofing Nails

There are three main types of roof nails.

• Smooth shank - These shingle nails are the most common and are sufficient for most jobs. The shaft is smooth with no ridges.
• Ring Shank - These roof shingle nails have grooves in the shaft to hold them more tightly into the roofing materials.
• Square cap - These have a larger head for a stronger hold. They are used for underlayment or felt.

There are some other options for specialized nails, such as washer nails with a thicker larger head for greater holding power. Most shingle manufacturers recommend 4-6 roof tacks per square.

Nail Length and Gauge

Nail length and gauge are important elements to consider when choosing the right nail. 

Nail length refers to the measurement of the nail from head to tip. Most roofing nails vary in length from 1-2 inches. The right length nail should be selected so it will secure the shingle in place and puncture the decking below.

A gauge is a measurement of the diameter of the nail shaft. Most roofing nails are 10-12 gauge. The smaller the gauge, the stronger the nail. Stronger nails may be required in areas of high winds or extreme weather. 

Roofing Nail Materials, Corrosion Resistance, and Durability

A long-lasting roof starts with the right nails. Roofing nails are typically made of galvanized steel, copper, stainless steel, or aluminum. All provide varying levels of corrosion resistance, and some are better suited to certain climates or environments than others.

Stainless steel nails are corrosion-resistant and best for slate or tile roofs. They are also used in coastal climates for additional resistance to salt and moisture.

Galvanized steel nails are created in two ways. Hot galvanized nails are immersed in melted zinc. This process produces the highest quality galvanized nails that are longer lasting and are great for indoor or outdoor use. The electrogalvanized process uses electricity mixed with a chemical to create a thinner zinc coating. Galvanized steel nails are a great choice for most asphalt roofs and are produced to be corrosion-resistant.

Copper nails are used mostly with copper flashing or other roofing materials. They are naturally corrosion-resistant.

Aluminum nails do not hold up as well as steel or copper and will have a shorter lifespan.