Some roofers believe hand-nailing shingles gives them more control over the process. They can use “feel” to determine if the nail is deep enough and in the right location. Since hand-nailing takes a bit more time, they have the chance to correct any mistakes on the spot. On the other hand, labor costs will be higher.
Why is hand-nailing shingles better?
By hand-nailing the roof, roofers can ensure the nail is properly placed and is nailed in at the correct depth; flush with the shingle and not over- or under-driven. … The advantage to nail guns is that they do reduce the amount of time and require less effort to put on a roof.
Is it better to nail or staple shingles?
Fasteners for asphalt shingles should be roofing nails or staples. The head of a roofing nail or the crown of a staple is what actually holds a shingle in place. … If staples are properly installed, they offer nearly the same wind resistance as nails. The problem with staples is the orientation of the staple crown.
Should nails be exposed on shingles?
3. Exposed Nails or Improper Nail Placement. Shingles should always be aligned so that the top layer lays directly over the nails in the bottom layer. Exposed nails look unappealing and can lead to serious issues like rust.
Can you use a nail gun on shingles?
Roofing manufacturers have determined that hand-nailing shingles and using a nail gun are both valid methods of installing shingles, so it is not a reflection on your roofer’s work quality level if they choose one over the other.
Do roofers use hammers?
All roofing manufacturers approve of the use of hammers or nail guns when installing their shingles.
What size nails should I use for shingles?
NRCA does not recommend the use of staples for fastening asphalt shingles. Roofing nails should be round-headed, sharp-pointed 11-gauge galvanized steel or the equivalent corrosion-resistant roofing nails. Nail head sizes recommended are 3/8-inch to 7/16-inch diameter. Nail heads should be low profile, smooth and flat.
Can you use a brad nailer for shingles?
Large-body nailers typically include framing nailers and roofing nailers. These nailers are used for more technical projects such as framing out a basement or installing roofing shingles. … For woodworking projects, a brad nailer is a good choice. If you’re constructing a fence, a framing nailer is a good option.
What kind of nail gun do you use for shingles?
Shingles should be mechanically fastened with a pneumatic nail gun if the contractor determines that the roof sheathing is consistent and free from gaps. Most roof systems with plywood or OSB sheathing will fall into this category.
What can I use to cover my roof nails?
Use roof cement on the nails. Just cover the nails.
How long can a roof go without shingles?
It is typical for the roof to be in this condition for 30-60 days while other phases of the construction are completed. Over a Long (and I mean LONG) period of time the sun/heat will dry out the oil in the paper which gives it the water resistant property. Cold makes it brittle and wind can tear it.
How can you tell if a roofing job is bad?
The appearance test: common visual signs of a bad roofing job
- The roof is not uniform in appearance. …
- The roof is missing shingles or has damaged shingles. …
- Reusing old flashing material. …
- Roofing materials were not attached correctly. …
- Stains on the roof. …
- Uniformity. …
- Wrong nails or improper nailing techniques are used.
Can you use a hammer instead of a nail gun?
You can still complete projects without a nail gun. A classic hammer and nails will get the job done if you do not have a nail gun. While nail guns may make the work go faster, you also lose some control over where the nails go. In some situations, you may even be able to use glue instead of nails.
Can I use 1 inch roofing nails?
If you’re using typical architectural shingles and 3/8-inch-thick sheathing, you’ll need 1‐inch nails. If your building codes require thicker sheathing, you’ll need 1 ¼-inch nails. When installing thicker shingles, you may need to use a longer nail in order to penetrate the OSB beneath fully.
How long should my roofing nails be?
Proper Nail Application For Asphalt Shingles
Nails should have a minimum, nominal shank diameter of 11- or 12-gauge, and a minimum head diameter of three-eighths of an inch. The length of each nail must be a minimum of 1¼ inches long, and for roof-overs, Atlas recommends a nail length of at least 2 inches.