Your Guide to Roofing Nails: Types, Maintenance, and Cost

The nails you choose for your roof may seem like a small piece of your roofing puzzle, but your roofing nails play a big part in the integrity and longevity of your roof. Whether your roof is on a commercial or residential building, your roofing nails can make or break the strength of your roof.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common types of roofing nails used in both commercial and residential applications. We’ll also go over the importance of maintenance to keep your nails in good shape, and we’ll discuss cost considerations when choosing roofing nails.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of roofing nails, how to choose the right ones for you, how to maintain them, and what they may cost!

Types of Roofing Nails

Roofing nails are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different types of roofing are compatible with different nails, and vice-versa. The type of roofing materials, the climate, and the requirements of your roofing project all influence which nails you can and cannot use.

Here are some of the most common types of roofing nails!

Common Nails

Common nails are very versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. They are common not only in roofing but also in construction as a whole. Common nails are relatively durable and can be used on both commercial and residential roofing.

Galvanized Roofing Nails

We talk about galvanization all the time, as it is a key to making different metals hold up against rust and corrosion. Galvanized nails do the same. The nails are dipped into a layer of zinc, making them highly resistant to rust and corrosion and helping them hold up against water. This ensures your nails last through all kinds of weather conditions.

Roofing Cap Nails

Roofing cap nails have plastic or metal caps that provide extra support to the nail and more protection for the roofing material the nail is holding in place. Cap nails are usually used to fasten roofing felt underneath shingles, which helps protect from leaks.

Coil Nails

Coil nails are normal nails that come packaged in a coil. The coil is loaded into a nail gun for quick and easy application to a roof. They are usually used in larger roofing projects.

Maintenance for Roofing Nails

When getting routine roof inspections or checking on your roof yourself, there are some things you can do to ensure your nails are in good shape. Here are some maintenance tips for getting the most out of your roofing nails.

1. Regularly check your roof: After severe weather, check for any loose nails, rust, or roofing nails that may have dislodged. You may find roofing nails in your gutters or on the ground around your home or building.
2. Have missing nails replaced: If you notice a few or many nails are missing from your roof, have them replaced promptly. This will keep other parts of your roof, such as shingles or metal sheets, from coming loose or leaking.
3. Prevent water from accumulating: Keep your gutters clear, check for debris or obstructions, and have roofing damages repaired promptly to prevent water from building up and damaging your roofing nails and roof.
4. Apply a sealant to your roofing nails: If you have any exposed nails on your roof from a temporary repair or other instance, they should be covered with roofing cement to prevent leaks.
5. Get professional inspections: Inspections are key to avoiding roofing issues, and not just for your nails. Get an inspection at least once a year and any time you suspect your roof is damaged.

By staying proactive with maintenance, you can catch problems early and keep your roof in top shape year-round!

Roofing Nails Cost Considerations

Now that we’ve discussed roofing nail types and maintenance, we can take a look at different factors that influence the cost of roofing nails. If you are looking to get a new roof installed, these are a few things to consider when choosing your nails.

1. Material and Coating: Different materials and coatings incur different price points. Generally, the more durable the material and specialized the coating, the more expensive the nails will be. Galvanized nails, for example, tend to be more expensive upfront because of their resistance to rust and corrosion, but they may be cheaper in the long run because they will last longer.
2. Size and Length: The longer and thicker the nails, the more expensive they tend to be. Keep in mind that some roofing types will require larger and longer nails than others, so you may not be able to cut costs by choosing different nails for certain roofs.
3. Brand and Quality: More established brands with a reputation for quality may charge more for their nails. However, investing in high-quality, reputable nails can pay off in the long run. Good brands may also offer more support in terms of warranties and replacements.

Choosing the Right Roofing Nails

Whether you’re looking to get a temporary repair done or are working with a roofing company for a full roof replacement, you should be aware of the factors that impact the longevity and performance of your roof. This applies to choosing your nails as well. Here are some tips for making an informed choice and understanding the recommendations of your roofing company:

• Consider the type of roof you are installing and ask your roofing company what they recommend for nails and why. Different materials and types of roofs will require different nails, but you may have options to choose from.
• Evaluate your climate and weather conditions. Are you concerned about water resistance? Strength against wind or heavy storms? Some nails are better suited for certain climates than others.
• Take your roofing company’s recommendations seriously. A professional will have great insight and knowledge to help you choose the right nails. 
• Balance cost with quality. It can be tempting to cut costs by buying cheaper nails, but lower-quality nails can end up costing more in the long run through replacements and repairs.

Conclusion

The roofing nails you choose are the unsung heroes of a quality roofing project. With different types for different applications and varying lifespans, choosing the right nails is essential.

Making the right choice for your roof, maintaining your roofing nails, and keeping up with your inspections is key to keeping your nails and entire roof in good shape. By following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions alongside a roofing professional and protect your investment!

We hope this post helped you learn more about roofing nails, their options, maintenance, and cost considerations. If you have any questions, reach out to us on our contact page and ask us! You can also get a free quote for your next roofing project with Statewide Roofing. Call us today for roofing services all over the state of Oklahoma. Check out our residential and commercial roofing services, and learn more about us.