What are the best roofing nails for shingles?
Short answer. The best nails for asphalt shingles are galvanized steel roofing nails, at least 12 gauge with a 3/8 inch head, long enough to go 3/4 inch into the deck or fully through thinner sheathing. Hot-dipped galvanizing carries a heavier zinc coat than electro-galvanizing, ring shanks resist pulling out better than smooth ones, and stainless or copper nails are for coastal work or copper flashing.
What makes a good shingle nail
- Meets the standard. The residential code calls for galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails meeting ASTM F1667, at least 12 gauge (0.105 inch) with a head at least 3/8 inch across.
- Coating. Hot-dipped galvanized nails have a thicker zinc layer and last longer where moisture lingers. Electro-galvanized nails are common and accepted by most shingle makers away from the coast. Bright, uncoated nails rust and stain.
- Shank. Ring-shank nails grip the wood fibers and resist withdrawal when the deck swells and shrinks. Smooth shanks are standard but more prone to popping.
- Length. Long enough to fully penetrate the deck. On 7/16 or 1/2 inch decking that usually means 1 1/4 inches for the field and longer at ridges and hips.
- Head. A full, flat head that is not cracked or undersized. Off-brand coil nails sometimes have thin heads that pull through.
Hand nails vs coil nails
Both work. Coil nails for pneumatic guns are the norm on replacements. What matters is gun pressure: overdriven nails cut the shingle and underdriven ones hold it up off the deck.
What to avoid
- Staples on shingles.
- Aluminum nails with copper flashing or copper nails with aluminum.
- Nails too short to come through the deck.
Your shingle warranty assumes the right fastener in the right place, so the manufacturer's instructions are the final word. See roofing warranties explained and how to choose a roofing contractor in Georgia.