Roofing and reroofing are two of the most common home improvement projects. And while they may seem pretty straightforward, there are various factors to consider when choosing the suitable roofing materials and methods for your project. One of the essential factors is selecting a suitable fastener!
Most roofing installation processes include attaching roofing felt ( roofing underlayment or tar paper) to the roof deck as recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). A roof felt is a moisture barrier made of natural and synthetic materials.
It also helps the roof sheathing by preventing leaks and extending its lifespan. Materials used to make the natural and synthetic underlayment include; wood cellulose, polyester, and fiberglass.
There are a couple of different ways to attach felt. Using roofing nails and roofing staples are common methods. This article will explore the pros and cons of each technique to help you make an informed decision for your next roofing project.
What are Roofing Felt Nails?
Roofing nails are the most common type of fastener used to attach asphalt shingles to the roof deck. There are various roofing nails available in different materials. The most common include galvanized roofing nails and aluminum roofing nails, but you can also find copper and stainless steel roofing nails.
Galvanized nails are also available in a variety of lengths and sizes. The most common shingle roofing nail size is 3/8 inch diameter with a 1-1/2 or 2-inch length. However, the size differs depending on the application and the local building codes.
One of the most significant advantages of using a roofing nail is that it creates a stronger bond than a roofing staple on the roof decking. This is because a roofing nail has high holding power, unlike its counterpart. This is essential in windy conditions or in areas that experience severe weather conditions.
Pros and Cons of Roofing Felt Nails
PROS
Penetrate asphalt more deeply.
Roof nails go deep into the roofing shingles and the roof decking, providing a firmer grip and preventing the asphalt from sliding around. This is important since asphalt is a relatively soft and flexible material.
Nails are less likely to come loose.
The added depth that roofing nails provide makes them less likely to come loose over time. This is because there is more surface area for the nail to grip.
Aesthetics
Although this is admittedly a matter of opinion, many people feel that nails provide a neater appearance than staples. Roofing felt nails are less visible than staples, which give your roof a neater appearance. They are also less likely to leave behind unsightly marks on your top.
Nails resist corrosion better.
Corrosion is always a concern with any metal roofing fastener. Roofing felt nails are made of galvanized steel or aluminum, which resists corrosion better than standard steel staples.
Meets most building codes
In most jurisdictions, building codes require using nails for roof shingles. This is because nails create a stronger bond than staples, making the roof more resistant to high winds and other severe weather conditions.
CONS
Expensive
Roofing felt nails like cap nails are generally more expensive than staples. So if you’re on a budget, staples may be the way to go. However, remember that you get what you pay for—the added durability of nails may mean they last longer and save you money in the long run.
Slower to install
The added depth that roofing felt nails provide makes them slower to install. This is because each nail needs to be driven individually into the roof.
Using a nail gun can be tedious.
A nail gun is the best way to install roofing felt nails. However, the process can be tedious, as you must constantly stop and reload the nail gun, adding more time to your roofing project.
What are Roofing Staples?
Roofing staples are a fastener to secure roofing felt or tar paper to the roof deck. They are made from galvanized or stainless steel for durability and rust resistance. Roofing staples have a broad, flat head that helps to keep them in place and prevent them from pulling through the roofing material.
Like roofing nails, roofing staples are available in various sizes to accommodate different thicknesses of roofing felt. They are also available in both hand-drive and pneumatic versions.
Most professional roofers use staples instead of nails when installing roof felt on larger roofs. This is because they are faster and easier to install than nails. In addition, staples create a neater finished look.
Pros and Cons of Roofing Staples
PROS
Affordable
For budget-conscious homeowners, roofing staples are the more affordable option. They cost less per square foot to install than nails, making them a good choice for those working with limited funds.
Roofing staple guns are efficient.
A staple gun is convenient because it is less bulky and can shoot a lot of staples in a short period. As a result, they are less susceptible to jamming and easily reload. This is helpful when you have a large roofing project.
Staples are used with a variety of roofing materials
While nails are mostly used with asphalt shingles, staples can be used with various roofing materials such as fiberglass mat, roll roofing, and thatch.
Less damage to shingles
Another benefit of roofing staples is that they cause less damage to shingles than nails. This is because the staples are smaller and have a smaller head, which means they pierce the shingle less.
CONS
More likely to cause leaks
Because they are less secure than nails, staples are more likely to lose over time. This can cause your roof to leak.
Not as durable
Staples are also not as durable as nails and are more likely to come loose in high winds. This can cause your roofing material to lift, making it more susceptible to damage in a storm.
Not as aesthetically pleasing
While this may not be a concern for some homeowners, others may find that staples are not as aesthetically pleasing as nails.
Less holding power
Although roofing staples are designed to be strong, they are not as strong as nails. This means they may lose over time, especially in high winds or severe weather conditions.
What Kind Of Nails Should I Use For Roofing Felt?
The kind of nails you’ll use for your roofing felt will depend on the project you’re working on. For larger projects, you’ll need to use bigger nails so that they can better support the weight of the roofing felt.
Roofing felt on high-traffic roofs, for example, must be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. In this case, you’ll want to use roofing nails made of robust materials such as steel or aluminum.
Cap nails or nails with a 3/8-inch head are also a good choice for roofing felt, as they’re less likely to come loose over time. You can get away with using regular nails if working on a smaller project, such as repairing a leaky roof. Ensure they’re long enough to penetrate through the felt and the roof decking.
How Many Nails Do I Need For Roofing Felt?
The number of nails you’ll need for your roofing felt will depend on a few factors. Such factors include the nail spacing requirements of the total area of your roof and the slope or grade of your roof. Your area can also affect the number of nails needed for your roofing project.
For nail spacing requirements, an online calculator will give you a breakdown of the minimum nails per square footage that is required for your roof.
To calculate the slope or grade of your roof, you’ll need to measure the rise and run of your roof. The rise is the height from the edge of your roof to the peak, while the run is the distance from the eaves to the peak.
Most roofers use four nails per shingle and five nails for each roofing felt square. This makes it 320 nails per square foot. However, you may need more (480 nails per square) if you live in an area with severe weather conditions to ensure that your roof can withstand the high winds and heavy rain or snow.
It’s always better to have too many nails to nail shingles than not enough. This way, you can avoid making multiple trips to the store for more supplies.
Felt Nails vs. Staples Comparison
Below we will explore an in-depth analysis of the two fastening systems to help you select the right one for your needs.
Cost
Cost is an essential consideration for home improvement projects. Felt nails are more expensive than staples. The manufacturing process of felt nails is more complex than staples. However, the cost varies depending on the size and brand of the product.
Hold
Holding power is essential, especially if you live in areas with high winds. Felt nails have a higher holding power compared to staples. Felt nails have a more secure grip on the paper backing of the roll.
Installation
In terms of the installation, there is not much difference between the two fastening systems. The installation process for felt nails and staples is relatively simple and can be completed by most people with little experience.
In addition, both require similar tools for installation. For example, you will need a roofing air nailer for felt nails and a roofing staple gun for staples.
Aesthetics
For most homeowners, aesthetics are essential when choosing a fastening system. Felt nails are less visible than staples. This is because the nails are small and blend in with the paper backing of the roll.
On the other hand, staples are larger and more visible. They can also be unsightly if they rust or break over time.
Material Quality
The quality of the material used is also an important consideration. Felt nails are usually made from galvanized steel, which is corrosion-resistant. This means they will last longer and not rust as easily as staples.
Staples are typically made from aluminum or other metals that are not as durable. This makes them more likely to rust and break over time.
Durability
In terms of durability, felt nails are more durable than staples. This is because the nails are made of a stronger material that can withstand more wear and tear.
However, both fastening systems are durable and will last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Maintenance
Both felt nails and staples require minimal maintenance. However, you may need to replace staples more often than felt nails. This is because staples are more likely to rust and break over time.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to replace your staples more often. This is because the moisture can cause the staples to rust and break down faster.
Verdict
Both felt nails and staples are great fastening systems for roofing projects. However, felt nails edge out staples in terms of cost, hold, durability, and quality. This makes them the better option for most people.
However, this doesn’t rule out staples entirely. If you are on a budget or are looking for a fastening system that is easier to install, staples may be the right choice.
No matter what fastening system you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.