What size roofing nails do you use for architectural shingles?
Short answer. Architectural shingles are typically installed with 1-1/4 inch galvanized roofing nails, 11 or 12 gauge with a 3/8 inch head, and with 1-1/2 inch nails for thicker premium lines or thicker decking. Just as important, each nail must go through the marked nailing zone where both layers of the laminated shingle overlap.
Why architectural shingles need careful sizing
At the nailing zone, a laminated shingle is two layers thick, and it sits on top of the upper edge of the course below. The nail passes through all of that plus the underlayment, then needs 3/4 inch of bite in the deck, or must go completely through a thinner deck. On standard 7/16 inch OSB, 1-1/4 inch usually does it. Heavier designer and impact rated shingles are thicker, so 1-1/2 inch is often the better choice.
Placement rules
- In the zone. Most architectural shingles have a printed or textured nailing strip. Nails above it miss the bottom layer; nails below it show or land in the sealant.
- Count. Four nails per shingle in the standard pattern; six in the high wind pattern or where the maker requires it.
- Flush, not buried. The head should sit snug against the surface. Overdriven nails cut the mat; underdriven nails lift the next course.
- Straight. Angled nails leave part of the head raised and can tear the shingle.
Hand nailing vs nail guns
Both are acceptable. Pneumatic nailers are faster but need their pressure set so nails sit flush, and good crews adjust as the roof heats through a Georgia afternoon, since softer shingles let nails sink deeper.
See architectural vs 3-tab shingles and wind damage to roofs in Georgia.