What Are the Different Types of Roofing Nails?

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Do you have an upcoming roofing job? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all that goes into it. Rest assured, we’ve got you covered to handle everything.

When thinking of roofing jobs, you’ll want to take note of which roofing nails you’ll need. How do you decide? A lot of it has to do with the type of roof you choose and where you live.

Plenty of factors will go into what you choose. If you’re unsure of where to start, read our guide below.

Roofing Nail Materials

When thinking of roofing hardware, the material is something you’ll want to pay attention to. When holding down a shingle, you’ll want strong nails that stand the test of time.
 

Below, we’ll cover aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and copper. Some are stronger than others and more resistant to the elements.

Aluminum

Some roofers like to use aluminum nails mainly for asphalt shingles. Compared to steel and copper, aluminum is a weaker metal.

Aluminum nails are the best roofing nails for metal roofing. Use them in areas that are not prone to salt exposure. Corrosion and chemical damage is common with aluminum nails as well.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel nails are a great choice for roofers due to them being inexpensive. They are less corrosive and a top choice when salt is in the air.

If you’re working with slate or ceramic, stainless steel is some of the best roofing nails to use. This is due to their strong nature. Stainless steel is a solid option but aluminum or galvanized steel has them beat.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel nails are the best roofing nails you can use. Their base is steel and is later coated with zinc chemicals. What makes the zinc coating so special is that they are super resistant to rust.
 

These kinds of roofing nails are great for coastal roof replacement especially.

You will appreciate the kinds of roofing nails and their zinc exterior. Galvanized steel roofing nails have both aluminum and stainless steel beat in the strong category.

Copper

If you’re looking for roofing nails that resist rust and corrosion, you’ll want to go with copper. These strong roofing nails are great if the roof you’re working on already has copper accents.
 

With that said, the shingles often hide the roofing nails anyways. The aesthetics of the roof won’t be detracted by steel nails at all.

Types Of Roofing Nails

Aside from the material you use for your roofing nails, the types of roofing nails matter as well. Each one will have its pros and cons and be meant for certain projects.
 

Smooth Shank

Smooth shanks are the most basic type of roofing nail. They are also the least expensive.
 

When roofing stapes are appropriate, so are smooth shanks. Use them when working in areas sans inclement weather. Asphalt roofs are known to have these types of roofing nails. 

Ring Shank

If you’re on a roofing job with high wind or working on tall buildings, a ring shank is your go-to. They provide extra grip with their rings for shingles or sheathing.
 

They also go by annular or corrugated roofing nails.

Square Cap

As the name suggests, the head is a square shape rather than the typical circular head. The shank on these kinds of roofing nails will be coiled or smooth.
 

You won’t want to use square caps for asphalt shingles but rather felt underlayment.

Roofing Nails Hit Hard

Have you got a clearer picture of the roofing nails you’ll use on your project? We hope our guide has helped you with your decision.
 

The good thing is we are the professionals to help you. Why not get a quote today?

You’ll be glad you did and we are looking forward to hearing from you.