The nails used in roofing are extremely important in the terms of how well your roof will perform and last over its lifetime. In College Station roofing, nails provide added strength to both the outer roof (shingles, metal sheeting, etc.) and to the inner roof (trusses and support structures) during stormy and windy weather. Different nails are used in different areas of the roof based on the anticipated structural demands of a given section and for environmental demands.
Roofing nails can be classified by size and shape. The overall shape of roofing nails helps College Station roofers by including a pointed tip for easy insertion, a wide and flat head to minimize the damage to surrounding materials, and a short shank.
Roofing Nails by Type
Aluminum Nails: Aluminum nails are widely used for metal roofs and composite or asphalt shingle roofs. However, in areas like Houston where salt can be found in the air, aluminum nails would not be suitable. Instead, coastal regions should use stainless steel nails.
Stainless Steel Nails: Stainless steel nails are preferred for slate and tile roofs. Copper nails offer additional algae and mildew prevention and reduction opportunities.
Galvanized Nails: Galvanized nails are commonly used in asphalt shingles that withstand rust better than other nails because of their outer zinc coating.
Roofing Nails by Size
Roofing nails typically measure between 1 and 6 inches or the shank (nail length). The shank itself is twisted with a diamond-shaped tip. This allows the nail to bite into and pierce wood or other materials in a more efficient matter, even allowing this gentleman to drive it in with his hand.
There are two shank types commonly used; ring shanks and smooth shanks. Ring shanks have a larger head and are used in areas where the high wind is prone. Smooth shank nails are the nails most used in roofing because they are less expensive than ring shank nails. However, they are also weaker and should not be used in areas with high wind conditions.
Smaller shank sizes (1-2 inches) are used for thinner roofing materials like shingles while longer nails are used for thicker materials like tiles.
Why Nails Matter in College Station Roofing
College Station, TX resides in the Brazos Valley which is a geographical depression that brings unique weather patterns. While College Station itself is not normally prone to high wind events like hurricanes, they have sprung up within the last few years. And every year there seems to be at least one heavy and windy storm to hit the area.
As these periodic events become more common, College Station roofs should be built for those scenarios. Schulte Roofing builds roofs to exceed manufacturer specifications for these events as a standard way of operating business. Using nails that are rated for high wind in roofing projects is one of the many ways Schulte Roofing strives for excellence. If you have any questions about roofing attachment standards and building codes in College Station, TX, contact Schulte Roofing today.