In terms of durability, felt nails are more durable than staples. Work up the roof to the peak and fold felt over the top, overlapping at least 3 inches and fasten it on both sides. To ensure we feature the products available in your area, please select your country and state/province. Overlapping roofing felt protects the roof deck from seepage, wind-driven precipitation, and ice-dam back-up. Dry sheathing and felt paper also help ensure a watertight roof in severe climates. The penny system is an old way of classifying nails. The head diameter is typically a standard 3/8-inch for all roofing nails. Conclusion (A Beginners Guide) Done. You can also install asphalt shingle roofs using either a staple or nailer. Your attic needs to breathe. Overlay a second layer of felt 2 to 3 inches and fasten it through the overlay so it secures the top of the felt underneath. DIY Roofing | Owens Corning Roofing - Roofing, Insulation, and In this guide well discuss what roofing felt is, why it is necessary, and the different types of underlayment. Is Roofing Felt Necessary on a Shed? - Plasticine House If you take off a shingle for repairs or take off the whole roof in preparation for a reroofing job, youll have a ton of roofing nails on hand. However, due to manufacturing variances, the limitations of your monitor resolution and the variation in natural exterior lighting, actual colors may vary from the images you see. Tags Arrow 1/4-Inch T50 Monel Rust Proof Staples, Building Code [IRC2018 Table R905.1.1(2)] requires two layers of underlayment for low-slope roof decks between 2/12 and 4/12, Local Codes may require it for slopes greater than 4/12, Many home and roof warranties require felt paper, NRCA (National Roofing Contractor Association) recommends bitumen, asphalt, tar, or synthetic felt for asphalt shingles, The NRCA recommends water-resistant underlayment for roof slopes greater than 3/12, Roofing felt helps to prevent pitch, uneven or sharp edges, and nails from damaging shingles, Some shingle warranties are void if felt isnt used, Necessary to meet Class A fire rating with some shingles, Provides additional protection to the roof decking against moisture penetration, When removing old shingles, fully remove and replace the old felt with new felt, Made of tar, asphalt, or bitumen-saturated organic or fiberglass substrate felt paper, Commonly used for slopes greater than 3/12, Water-resistant and breathable, not waterproof sheds moisture, doesnt trap it, 15-pound is lighter and thinner, and easier to damage; it has a permeability rating of 5, 30-pound is thicker and stiffer, and more resistant to damage; provides greater protection, Must overlap 19-inches or more on a low slope, 2/12 to 4/12, to form a double layer on the whole roof deck, On slopes greater than 4/12 the courses of felt should overlap at least 2-inches, Commonly fastens with staples or in high wind areas with plastic capped nails or plastic wind-strips, Compounds leach out over time and with sustained exposure to heat it becomes more absorbent, Manufactured from polyethylene or polypropylene, plus fiberglass in an asphalt-saturated base layer, Equivalent to felt but withstands higher temperatures, Lighter and stronger than felt, wrinkle-free, and may have a non-skid coating that is slip-resistant even when wet, Resistant to moisture, mildew and fungal growth, and UV damage, Can be left weather-exposed for 6-months or more, Overlap depends on the slope and manufacturers instructions, Fastens to deck with roofing nails or plastic cap nails staples arent recommended, May void warranties for some asphalt shingles, Polyester or polyethylene layer bonded to a weather-resistant non-skid upper layer, May have a moisture-resistant polymer film and/or a mineral coating melded to the upper layer, Typically self-adhering with a peel-off membrane protecting the adhesive side, Rubber-like material will self-seal around nails and staples, making it waterproof, Very flexible for irregular surfaces and different temperature extremes, May be designed to resist high-temperatures up to 250F, May be fiberglass-reinforced or polymer-modified for strength and elasticity, May have a selvedge edge or sticky strip along the upper edge to form a stronger watertight seal with the overlapping upper course, Typically more expensive than other underlay treatments. The quality of the material used is also an important consideration. We have the following; For galvanized roofing shingles, they make use of a 16 gauge shank. Unfortunately, when it comes to asphalt shingle roofs, they fall short in having enough holding strength. Length: 1" - 3". Uneven strips and wrinkles can allow dust, moisture and mold to develop. Sheathing that gets wet before the roofing material can go on should be allowed to dry thoroughly before continuing. So, choose these nails where performance, especially wind resistance, is a priority. Staples are faster and easier to use as an underlayment. The installation process for felt nails and staples is relatively simple and can be completed by most people with little experience. Specifically, youll need roofing cap nails. As a result, most local building authorities have banned staples for roofing. Install the drip edge to the eaves (the lower edge of the roof) prior to rolling out the felt, or slide it under the felt underlay and over the fascia. Penetration. Staples are typically made from aluminum or other metals that are not as durable. Nails and staples are standard roofing underlayment options that you can use on all building products. Steel makes for strong nails. The most common width is 36", although they are sometimes available in other sizes. This means that using a staple to nails is four staples to 1 nail. It is quicker to install and can withstand winds and extended exposure better than felt. Cap Nails - Lowe's Home Improvement This is because there is more surface area for the nail to grip. Roofing | DoItYourself.com Head diameter: 0.55" - 0.79". In normal wind zones the nails should be driven at 6.0 O.C. NOTE: Not all products featured will be available in your area. Roofing Nails | Nails | Screwfix The roofing nailers are designed for driving 12-gauge nails up to a depth of 1 inch whereas the framing nailer shoots large 16d nails to a depth of 3 inches. Staples are also not as durable as nails and are more likely to come loose in high winds. Align this layer with the bottom of the roof; snap a chalk line the length of the roof, spaced to the width of the felt roll, to aid in keeping layers straight. Rolled roofing (or roll roofing)also known as MSRcomes in rolls of 100 square feet. Roll out about 10 feet of felt and fasten with staples or roofing nails with plastic washer heads. Not only is this roll affordable, it's also slip-resistant. There are fewer requirements for these nails than those used to secure shingles. If you need to install new roof decking or OSB, youll need to nail it to the roof truss. For example, when using Cambridge shingles, youll use roughly 240 nails, because of their Advantage size. FREE delivery Tue, Feb 21 on $25 of items shipped by . In addition, staples create a neater finished look. To calculate the slope or grade of your roof, youll need to measure the rise and run of your roof. Professional roofers look for the correct length because they want the nails to puncture the decking entirely. The size and complexity of the roof decking affect how long the task will take, but regardless of size, most felt installs are similar. They are easy to install and are unique in their work and functions. Roof felt is available in weights of 15 or 30-pounds per 100sqft. For asphalt roofing shingles, use galvanized nails. 8D nails are considered standard for OSB roof sheathing materials. Roof Underlayment Requirements & Recommendations - is roofing felt The best roofing nails for 7/16 sheathing are 3/8-inch to 7/16-inch diameter. The roofing felt should be applied in layers that overlap. Paper can be fitted around vent pipes by cutting a slit and then putting it over the pipe. This is a fabric impregnated with asphalt to form a moisture barrier. This can cause your roof to leak. The felt should be trimmed flush with the edge or 1/2 past to wrap the edge when the drip edge is placed. Today, the penny system refers specifically to nail length. Local codes may have different requirements, and shingle manufacturer warranties often specify underlayment requirements, so check them out too. They are called 8d common nails or 8-penny nails and can be round-headed, sharp-pointed 11-gauge galvanized steel or the equivalent corrosion-resistant roofing nails. Plastic Round Cap Roofing Nail (3,000-Pack) 3.7k (161) Questions & Answers (18) Hover Image to Zoom share Share print Print $ 19 92 For use with housewrap, sheathing, and roofing felt Wide head for superior holding power Ring or spiral shanked for greater holding power View More Details However, the size differs depending on the application and the local building codes. Choosing the right roofing nails and driving them properly is essential for getting the best performance out of your roof. In addition to these, nail felts are made from steel and used only to secure the roofing felt underlayment. Tack about every 4 on gable edges and 8 or so everywhere else. They can also be unsightly if they rust or break over time. Fit felt around vent pipes or other protrusions by cutting it with a utility knife and fastening around the bottom of the vent. what size roofing nails for 1/2 plywood - Columbus Roofing Company 2004-2023 IKO Industries Ltd., IKO Industries, Inc., and their affiliated and related entities. The gasket is rubber, not plastic. On the rakes or gable ends, the drip edge goes on top of the felt, helping to seal the end and prevent moisture penetration under the shingles. This should be laid before the first felt is applied. Repeat as necessary. Note the differences in the specification and length of the fasteners as well as the nail/staple patterns. Use a utility knife or hook-bladed knife to cut the felt. How to Install Roofing Tar Paper | Home Guides | SF Gate Ask your dealer for the correct amount of nails for your size roof, in the length you specify. The seams between sheets use nails at 5cm spacing. Proper roofing practices call for a plywood roof deck at least one inch thick, 3/4-inch galvanized nails, and 3/8-inch head nails. Used for fastening roofing felt for waterproofing or roofing tiles to metal. Measure the deck from the bottom to top for the number of courses of paper. 1 8d nail i like ring shank will help with a nail pop later 2 roof felt staples or plastic cap nails and rolled roofing aluminum 1 1/4 roof nails. How to Attach Roof Felt on a Shed: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow 320 nails will be needed to install a square of standard 3-tab shingles, assuming four nails per shingle and 80 shingles per square. How to Replace Roofing Felt on Your Home - Arrow Fastener Be sure the tar paper lies in flat strips that are absolutely smooth. Recently, things have changed as staples are no longer fancied or used as roofing felt underlayment. Then they nail it along the edge every 6 to 10 inches. Here is what a roof certification letter encompasses. How to felt a shed roof: simple steps for protecting - GardeningEtc Rolled Roofing Basics. Nail every 8 to 12 and about 1-1/2 in from the outer face of the drip edge. Nails and staples have several significant differences. For roofs with slopes greater than 4/12, a minimum overlap of 2-inches between courses is required. What Size Nails For Roof Sheathing - MasterYourNails.com (Explained), Or Drywall For Ceiling (All You Need To Know), How To Overlap Or Hang Drywall On 45-Degree Corner? The average 3-tab shingle needs four nails per shingle. Cap nails or nails with a 3/8-inch head are also a good choice for roofing felt, as theyre less likely to come loose over time. Roofing felt nails like cap nails are generally more expensive than staples. This will help keep any moisture from getting under the felt. The nails should provide a minimum of 40mm penetration into the rafter, so a nail length of 65mm is generally recommended. Also, you can use an aluminum or copper nail, depending on your location. Otherwise, all new nails should be inserted so that they are covered by the shingle above them. These factors above determine if your nail or staple underlayment is good enough to hold your roof. It takes 3 bundles to cover a square if you use 3-tab shingles, the most common type. To protect the rake or gable ends from wind-driven moisture, the drip edge is placed over the underlayment to seal it down to the deck. On the flipside, if you rush through the initial steps, the felt installation can be compromised by sloppy oversights such as stray nails. Plywood Under Deck Boards! They are also available in both hand-drive and pneumatic versions. What Size Roofing Nail Should I Use. Smooth application of the roofing paper will help you achieve a smooth installation of the shingles. Instead of using lighter-weight 15-pound felt, use the heavier 30-pound felt as it will last longer too. The heavy-duty felt or paper is saturated or coated with bitumen. Upper lengths of edge flashing should overlap lower lengths by a minimum of 6. Exposed nails are those with visible nail heads. Visit the officia. For irregularly shaped roofs, break it down into smaller rectangles or triangles to calculate the areas. You can get away with using regular nails if working on a smaller project, such as repairing a leaky roof. The key difference between a roofing nailer and a framing nailer is the nail size. The 30-pound roll is 36 wide by 72 long and covers 216sqft. in normal wind zones. Installing roofing felt is easy to install and is the first step to protecting your roof decking and home. Grip the hammer tightly by the end of the handle and hold your thumb at the top of the shaft. 30-pound roofing felt costs more, but also offers more protection. Which roofing nails do I need? - Roofing Superstore Help & Advice Start at the bottom of the roofline and work up so any water that gets through the roofing material will shed down the tar paper and will not go under it. They have a square-shaped head, instead of the more typical circular head you see on other nails. What Type of Nails Should be Used with Shingles? Various nail shank types for different requirements. Nail metal drip-edge flashing, which bends over the roof and down the edge of the facing board, on all roof edges. Though they vary greatly in material, size and type, all roofing nails share one helpful characteristic: a diamondshaped point. As a result, roof nails can last for over 50 years, and most last for more extended periods provided the building is still standing. This is because the nails are small and blend in with the paper backing of the roll. Start at the lower edge of the roof, nailing the batten into place at the centre of the rafter. There are two ways to measure the size of a roofing nail diameter and length. In addition, roof staples are affordable, easy to work with, and can be used for diverse building projects. The T-50s are compatible with most brands of staple guns or hammers. Can Roofing Felt be Glued? Cap nail shank shall have a length sufficient to penetrate through the roof sheathing or not less than 3/4 inch into the roof sheathing. This makes it 320 nails per square foot. A staple gun is convenient because it is less bulky and can shoot a lot of staples in a short period. The drip edge is nailed every 8 to 12 with 1 roofing nails, and the ends project 3/4 past the rake or gable end. Roofing nails are available in lengths ranging from one to two inches. [4] 4. However, felt nails edge out staples in terms of cost, hold, durability, and quality. Nail guns are pretty easy to use as there is no risk of an incorrect installation even if the gun is not held in the correct position. Tack the next course or layer into place. Cut it at the opposite gable edge, and roll out and staple the next course with the desired overlap. One IKO test found that ring shank nails have 300% more strength than smooth shank nails. The head diameter is typically a standard 3/8-inch for all roofing nails. On the other hand, Roof nails have a more substantial and extended holding strength. The average roll of 15-pound roofing felt covers about 400 ft2, or 4 squares, while the average roll of 30-pound roofing felt covers about 200 ft2, or 2 squares. If you have any further unanswered questions or want to know more about the best roofing nails for your project, don't hesitate to get in touch. An excerpt of Table R803.2.3.1 is shown below. They install it by tacking one end, rolling it out, and centering it on the ridge. Valley, ridges and hips should have a 6 inch overlap of paper. The Purpose of Roofing Felt - Is Roofing Felt Necessary? - IKO In addition, the manufacturer's instructions should indicate which side of the roofing felt goes down if that matters for the specific product. However, on low-slope roof applications from 2:12 to 4:12, roofers may use . Rolls of felt are typically 36 wide, and low slopes require 19 overlaps. Unlike selfadhering underlayments, such as ice and water protector, felt underlayment needs to be fastened in place with nails. Watch our step-by-step video showing how to felt a shed roof, with expert advice and top tips to help you complete the job with confidence. Package This can be done prior to tacking or afterward. Felt Roofing Underlayment at Lowes.com Common nails, or even wood screws, may be acceptable nails for OSB roof sheathing. Heavier roll weight. According to BS 5534, the nails used to fix battens to rafters should usually have a diameter of at least 3.35mm. How To Properly Install Roofing Felt at RoofingFelt.org Shed Roof vs. Gable Roof Comparison Guide. Nails should have a minimum, nominal shank diameter of 11- or 12-gauge, and a minimum head diameter of three-eighths of an inch. Use stainless steel to T50 staples or 12-gauge shank 7/8 to 1-1/2 hot-dipped galvanized or aluminum roofing nails with a 3/8 head diameter. . Roll out the first course, align it, tack it down with galvanized nails or staples, and cut it to size. The rolls are typically either 50 or 100 feet long. When the shingles are installed the felt is not going anywhere. The three types are: Asphalt, tar, or bitumen-saturated felt, Synthetic or non-bitumen underlay, and Rubberized asphalt underlay. By using this website you accept our use of cookies and the. The last part of the extended eaves edge flashing is folded back over the rake edge and nailed into place, thus sealing the exposed corner of the drip edge. Underlayment, also known as roofing felt or tar paper, is a layer of protection that roofers install between your roofing deck and the roofing shingles or tiles. There will be a tiny gap on one side of the nail or the other. You need #buttoncapnails in order to nail down your roofing underlayment on your roofing project whether it's tar paper or or even peel in stick in some area. This is because the nails are made of a stronger material that can withstand more wear and tear. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. It is required to block any rain that gets under or between shingles from penetrating into the wood decking. Staples are faster but lack the holding power of nails. Fasten drip edge on eaves. 1 Use a sharp knife to trim that shingle to within about 18 in. The differences between the stable and nails are visible. Installing roof felt is a two-person job. Double that value and you have the full roof area. Add more felt if required Attach or tack roofing felt to galvanized or aluminum 12-gauge roofing nails with a 3/8" head diameter with stainless steel staples 1*4" to 12" T50 staples or 7/8" staples to 1/2-inch hot dipped galvanized or aluminum nails. (Follow Correct Way), What Does A Roof Certification Cover? There are two methods of galvanizing nails: hotdipped and electrogalvanized. 2 1 Overlap the corner by enough to trim the edge of the end shingle properly. The lower edge will need to be trimmed to the drip edge. How Long Should Roofing Nails Be? - Home Efficiency Guide Measure up the roof and snap chalk lines where the upper edge of each course will go. When you arrive at the rake, the paper should be cut flush with a knife and then adjusted to line up with the chalk line. They are widely used and have been recognized as effective methods of holding roofing felt or underlayments and can be used for several small-scale buildings or larger building projects. This inarguably depends significantly on the type of nails used. While this may not be a concern for some homeowners, others may find that staples are not as aesthetically pleasing as nails. Copper is strong and naturally resists rust and corrosion. This means they may lose over time, especially in high winds or severe weather conditions. Share this Post: Back to Home. For slopes greater than 4/12 a single layer of felt is acceptable. Never mount the felt paper on wet sheathing. A typical roll of 15-pound felt is 36 wide and 144 long and covers 432sqft. The first course commonly extends past the lower edge of the sheathing by 1/2 or to cover the drip edge. What Size Staples Required for 30lb Felt? Place your nails in a plastic cap or one with nails. It helps protect the sheathing and the shingles and commonly has parallel lines printed on it that make shingle placement easier. One IKO test found that ring shank nails have 300% more strength than smooth shank nails. The numbers refer to the actual weight of the felt. However, the process can be tedious, as you must constantly stop and reload the nail gun, adding more time to your roofing project. (Follow Correct Way)Continue. Directly answering if you can use staples for roofing felt depends on your local building authority and fire codes. Roofing and reroofing are two of the most common home improvement projects. The length of nail you use depends on the thickness of the sheathing and shingles you use. If youre unsure how to install roofing felt or are just looking for some pointers, this guide is all you need. Different roof slopes require different protection for asphalt shingles. The Best Roof Underlayments of 2023 - Picks from Bob Vila The standard size for roofing felt paper is categorized into four. Tack or fasten roofing felt using stainless steel " to " T50 staples or 7/8" to 1-1/2" hot-dipped galvanized or aluminum 12-gauge shank roofing nails with a 3/8" head diameter. It starts with installing solid decking, usually plywood or oriented strand board, but that is not waterproof. Or, if a roofs decking has warped or bent, it can pull nails out of place. Use the nails with or without plastic caps. (on center) on both head and end laps. Divide the resulting area value by the area one roll of 15 or 30-pound felt will cover, and round up as its sold in full rolls. Pack Size. Point: diamond or blunt. The most common include galvanized roofing nails and aluminum roofing nails, but you can also find copper and stainless steel roofing nails. Due to these, Read More Plywood Under Deck Boards! Step-by-Step Ridge Vent Installation Instructions - Fine Homebuilding Square cap nails may have a smooth or coiled shank. How Long Are Roof Nails. Nevertheless, it is essential always to consult the products to see if the producers have a laid-down procedure of which of the two roofing options are best for their products and how you should use them. Rolled Roofing: Basics, Costs & Self-Installation - The Spruce Roofing felt is commonly used between roof deck sheathing and roof shingles. The main drawbacks are cost and the need to use capped fasteners. Installing New Shingles Over Old Shingles | DoItYourself.com This is important since asphalt is a relatively soft and flexible material. The downside of roof nails is that they are bulkier and prone to multiple jams while working with them. (Explained), Uneven Transition Between Cement Board And Drywall, Drywall Anchor Keeps Breaking (Causes & Fixes). . One MSR roofing roll is usually about 36 feet long by 36 inches wide. The use of nails for roofing in an area may differ from another, but they are primarily similar; therefore, it is difficult to go against building codes when using roofing nails. Roofing felt nails or staples in time past was quite challenging to distinguish which of the two roofing options is better clearly. If the guide was helpful, please share it with others. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. Some roofers recommend laying a strip of adhesive rubberized membrane over the drip edge at the eave as an added protection. While nails are mostly used with asphalt shingles, staples can be used with various roofing materials such as fiberglass mat, roll roofing, and thatch. That being said, you can expect a small, 5-pound box of smooth shank galvanized steel roofing nails to cost around $10. Therefore, settling to use any of your options depends mainly on the slope of the roof of the building they are being installed on. Its general knowledge that nail roofing felt, and staples are almost the same and give desired results: securing or holding the roofing felt. #12 x 1 in. Plastic Round Cap Roofing Nail (3,000-Pack) #30 Asphalt Saturated Underlayment Benefits. 15-pound roofing felt costs around $20 for just over 420 square feet. In this case, youll want to use roofing nails made of robust materials such as steel or aluminum. The cap nail shank shall be not less than 0.083 inch for ring shank cap nails and 0.091 inch for smooth shank cap nails.