Types of Roofing Nails

There are a multitude of nail styles along with length and width of nails.  Nails are made with both small and large heads depending on what the nail is intended to be used for.  With all of the nails out there, it may be difficult to determine the right one for the job at hand.  Several types of nails are suitable for roofing.

• Screw Shank Nails - Screw shank nails have a flat head and have pointed tips.  The diamond point tip of a screw shank nail allows it to be hammered into the shingles and wood underneath more easily than a nail which is not pointed.  If using screw shank nails for roofing, ensure that these are galvanized so that if any moisture hits them, the nails do not rust and lose strength. 


• Smooth Shank Nails - Smooth shank nails are also pointed at the end and have a flat head.  This style of roofing nail is the most cost efficient, but does not hold as securely as a screw shank nail.  Smooth shank nails come in a variety of metals including copper, galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel. 


• Ring Shank Nails - Ring shank nails have larger heads than screw shank or smooth shank nails.  The purpose of this is to help keep the shingles secure on the building.  If the shingles have more of a hole to make before breaking free from the building it is less likely that the shingles will get torn off by heavy winds.  Ring shank nails can be made out of several different metals such as zinc plated steel, copper and aluminum.  These nails come with an electrogalvanized coating.