Roofing Nails 101: Types, Sizes & When to Use Them
If you’re planning a roofing project or just want to understand how your roof stays intact through wind, rain, and time, start with the roofing nails. These small components are essential to your roof’s durability, appearance, and resistance to weather damage.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore:
- The most common types of roofing nails and how to use them
- Why materials like copper, steel, and aluminum matter
- How to choose the correct nail length and head size for your project
🛠️ Why Roofing Nails Matter for Every Roof
Though they’re easy to overlook, the nails you use on your roof can make or break the quality and longevity of your roofing system.
Secures Roofing Materials Properly
Whether you’re installing shingles, slate, or wood shakes, roofing nails ensure materials stay fastened in all weather conditions.
Prevents Water Damage
Poor-quality or incorrectly installed nails can create gaps where moisture seeps in, especially around copper flashing or valleys.
Impacts Lifespan
The right material, head diameter, and placement all contribute to how long your roof will last—especially in extreme climates.
💪 Types of Roofing Nails (And When to Use Each)
Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of roofing nails and which materials they’re best suited for.
Smooth Shank Nails
- Best For: Basic shingles or temporary roof repairs
- Design: Straight shaft, easy to drive into wood
- Benefit: Cost-effective, but lower holding power
Ring Shank Nails
- Best For: Asphalt shingles, steep-slope roofs, or windy areas
- Design: Ribbed shaft provides stronger grip
- Benefit: Reduced risk of nail pop or shingle blow-off in extreme weather
Screw Shank Nails
- Best For: Dense wood, high-end or thick roofing systems
- Design: Twisted shaft increases pull resistance
- Benefit: Holds tight in areas with freeze-thaw cycles
Coil Roofing Nails
- Best For: Professional or large-scale jobs
- Design: Connected in a coil for pneumatic nail gun use
- Benefit: Speeds up installation while maintaining consistency
⭐️ Roofing Nail Materials: Strength Meets Weather Resistance
Your environment and roofing material should guide your choice of nail material.
Galvanized Steel
- Used For: Most residential roofing projects
- Resists: Rust and corrosion with zinc coating
- Works With: Asphalt shingles, wood, and underlayment
Stainless Steel
- Used For: Coastal or high-moisture regions
- Resists: Corrosion and salt air
- Ideal Pairing: Metal roofing and synthetic slate
Aluminum
- Used For: Lightweight roofing in dry or coastal climates
- Resists: Rust and corrosion, won’t stain like steel
- Best For: Asphalt or exterior trim fastening
Copper Nails
- Used For: Premium roofing with copper flashing, slate, or wood shakes
- Resists: Oxidation and corrosion naturally
- Aesthetic Bonus: Patinas over time for a classic look
- Tip: Only use copper nails with copper flashing to avoid galvanic corrosion
🔨 Nail Design Features That Matter
Choosing the right design goes beyond material—these details matter too.
Flat Head
- Function: Provides a wide head diameter that holds shingles securely
- Benefit: Reduces risk of pull-through during windstorms
Diamond Point
- Function: Tapered tip that allows easier penetration into wood or composite materials
- Benefit: Cleaner entry with less splitting or cracking
Head Diameter
- Standard Size: At least 3/8 inch
- Why It Matters: Wider flat head spreads pressure evenly and prevents material damage
- Common Issue: Narrow heads can punch through soft shingles over time
📋 Choosing the Correct Nail Length
Picking the correct nail length is essential for performance, safety, and compliance with building codes.
Standard Roofing Nails
- Typical Length: Between 1 inch and 2 inches
- General Rule: Must penetrate at least ¾ inch into the roof deck or pass entirely through if thinner
- Consider Layering: If installing over old roofing or thicker underlayment, add nail length accordingly
For Slate and Wood
- Longer Nails: Required due to the thickness of slate and natural wood
- Use Case: When attaching over battens or skip sheathing
For Shingles
- Shorter Nails: Often sufficient when fastening directly to sheathing
- Tip: Match to manufacturer’s spec to avoid warranty issues
❌ 7 Common Mistakes With Roofing Nails
Even high-quality nails can cause problems if used incorrectly. Avoid these common issues:
1. Wrong Material for the Job
- Issue: Galvanized nails corroding in salty air
- Fix: Use copper or stainless steel for coastal or high-moisture areas
2. Incorrect Nail Length
- Issue: Nails don’t penetrate the deck deeply enough
- Fix: Ensure correct nail length by accounting for all roofing layers
3. Mixed Metals
- Issue: Using copper nails with steel flashing causes corrosion
- Fix: Always pair metals appropriately to prevent galvanic reactions
4. Overdriving Nails
- Issue: Nail head sinks below shingle surface, weakening its hold
- Fix: Calibrate pneumatic nailers and monitor depth
5. Underdriving Nails
- Issue: Nail head protrudes, allowing moisture intrusion
- Fix: Drive flush with surface without damaging the flat head
6. Nails in the Wrong Spot
- Issue: Placing nails too high on the shingle can cause leaks
- Fix: Follow nailing zone guidelines on each bundle
7. Using Too Few Nails
- Issue: Improper fastening reduces wind resistance
- Fix: Use four nails per shingle minimum, or six in high-wind zones
❗️ How to Choose the Best Roofing Nails for Your Project
Here’s how to pick the right nail combination depending on your materials and environment:
Asphalt Shingles
- Best Choice: Galvanized ring shank nails
- Nail Size: 1¼ inches for standard installations
- Application Tip: Nail flush to avoid damaging the mat
Wood Shakes
- Best Choice: Stainless steel or copper nails
- Nail Size: 1¾ inches or longer
- Application Tip: Use diamond point nails to prevent splitting
Slate Roofing
- Best Choice: Copper nails for durability and appearance
- Nail Size: 2 inches or longer
- Application Tip: Hand-nailing preferred to avoid overdriving
Metal Roof Panels
- Best Choice: Screws often preferred over nails, but stainless or galvanized nails can be used in specific trim applications
- Application Tip: Always seal fasteners to prevent leaks
⭐️ Strong Roofs Start With the Right Nails
Don’t let something as small as a nail ruin your roofing investment. Understanding the differences between roofing nails, choosing the correct nail length, and selecting the right materials like ring shank nails, copper nails, or steel can make all the difference in durability and performance.
At M & M Roofing, we sweat the small stuff—because every detail matters when it comes to protecting your home. Whether you’re replacing shingles, installing new slate, or repairing exterior woodwork, our expert team knows exactly which nails to use—and how to use them right.
Need help with a repair or roof upgrade? Contact M & M Roofing today for a free evaluation and expert guidance tailored to your home and project needs.
