Over time, exposure to the outside elements can cause shingles to deteriorate, leading to potential leaks and damage that compromise a home’s safety and energy efficiency. At some point, homeowners must replace their shingles to keep their roofs functional and visually pleasing.
Replacing some or entire shingles is an essential process that demands careful attention, particularly during the nailing phase. Incorrect nailing can lead to shingle blow-offs, water infiltration, or voided warranties, potentially causing expensive repairs for homeowners.
This guide teaches you the proper nailing techniques and tips for installing shingles, enabling you to finish the project easily.
Step-By-Step Process of How to Nail Shingles
1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before knowing where to nail shingles, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. These include:
- Roofing Nails. Typically, stainless or galvanized steel to resist rust, offering durability against the elements.
- Roofing Nailer or Hammer. This is for driving nails into the shingles and roofing deck. A pneumatic nail gun can speed up the process and provide consistent nail placement.
- Utility Knife. Useful for cutting shingles to fit around roof edges and other obstructions.
- Chalk Line. Essential for snapping straight guidelines on the roofing felt or underlayment so that shingles are laid evenly and in a straight line.
- Roofing Felt or Underlayment. Serves as an additional moisture barrier beneath the shingles.
- Ladder. Necessary to access the roof safely.
- Safety Harness. Important for fall protection and to guarantee safety while working at heights.
- Shingles. This primary roofing material is available in various styles and colors to suit aesthetic and functional needs.
- Tape Measure. To measure lengths accurately and achieve precise shingle placements.
2. Prepare the Roof Deck
Proper preparation of the roof deck is essential for successful shingle application. Start by removing old shingles and debris. Inspect the deck for damage and repair as necessary to provide a solid foundation. Install roofing felt or underlayment, which acts as a secondary moisture barrier.
Roll the underlayment horizontally across the roof, starting at the bottom and working your way up, overlapping each row by a few inches. Use a hammer tack or a staple gun to secure the felt in place. Use a chalk line to snap horizontal and vertical lines on the underlayment to guide shingle placement and achieve straight, even rows.
3. Align and Place the Starter Strip
Once the deck is ready, start with the starter strip. The starter strip is a row of shingles placed at the roof’s edge, with the adhesive strip positioned correctly to seal the leading edge of the roof against wind and water. Cut the tabs off the three-tab shingles and align them flush with the roof’s edge, overhanging them by about half an inch. Nail the starter strip into place, making sure that each nail head is centered over the pre-determined nailing area.
4. Begin Shingle Installation
With the starter strip secured, begin laying the first row of shingles, starting at the roof’s lower edge and working your way upward. Position each shingle so that it slightly overhangs the edge of the starter strip. Each shingle should be offset from the adjacent shingle to prevent seams from lining up, which enhances the roof’s ability to shed water.
Place nails (four to six, depending on the wind exposure in your area) in each shingle, approximately 1 inch above the cutout and near the ends, but not near the edges to prevent damage.
5. Nail With Precision
Drive each nail straight and flat against the shingle. Overdriven nails can puncture the surface, while underdriven nails can cause rust and sealing failures. Use a roofing nailer with adjustable depth settings to maintain nail placement and depth consistency. Place no more than six nails per shingle for enhanced wind resistance, concentrating on the manufacturer-recommended nailing zone.
6. Continue With Layered Rows
As you move up the roof, continue attaching the shingles in rows, staggering them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your chosen shingle type. This staggered pattern avoids water infiltration by providing multiple layers of overlap. Use your chalk lines as guides to maintain a straight and consistent row. Focus on precise nail placement, aiming to keep each nail within the designated zone for optimal hold and performance.
7. Finish With Ridge Caps
Once the main field of the roof is covered with shingles, it’s time to install the ridge caps. These are specially manufactured pieces designed to bend over the roof’s peaks, protecting the ridges from water intrusion and completing the shingle installation.
Align the ridge caps and nail them down appropriately, making sure that each one overlaps the next by a few inches. Use longer nails to penetrate all layers and secure them firmly to withstand wind uplift.
Things to Consider When Nailing Shingles
- Nail Type and Quality. Use galvanized or stainless steel nails to prevent rust and corrosion, as it can weaken the hold and lead to shingle failure. The quality of the nails is equally important, as inferior materials are prone to rusting and breaking over time, compromising the roofing system’s structural integrity.
- Correct Nail Length. Nails should penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the roof deck or completely through the decking if it is one inch or less in thickness. This fastens the shingles properly and withstands high winds and harsh weather conditions in Phoenix, Arizona. Using nails that are too short could lead to blow-offs and inadequate securing of the shingles.
- Proper Nail Placement. Accurate nail placement is important to seal and hold the shingles. Nails should be driven in the designated nailing area as specified by the shingle manufacturer—typically 1 inch above the cutouts and near the ends, but not too close to the edges.
- Nail Depth and Angle. Nails must be driven straight and flush with the shingle surface without being over-driven (causing damage) or under-driven (leading to an uneven surface). Using a roofing nailer with adjustable depth settings can control the nail depth consistently, holding each nail on the shingle without compromising its integrity.
- Nailing Pattern and Number of Nails. Determine how many nails per shingle you need by following the manufacturer’s recommendations—typically four to six. The pattern is equally vital, as it should distribute the holding force evenly across the shingle. In high-wind areas, it may be necessary to increase the number of nails for added security.
- Weather Conditions. Install shingles in calm, dry weather. High winds can interfere with placement, while rain can create slippery surfaces or water infiltrations. Temperatures in Phoenix, AZ, should also be appropriate—extreme cold can cause shingles to crack, and extreme heat can make them too pliable, leading to incorrect sealing.
- Alignment and Layout. Use a chalk line to ensure straight and consistent rows of shingles. Proper alignment prevents water from seeping between improperly laid shingles and maintains the roof’s aesthetic appeal. Start from the bottom and stagger each row according to manufacturer guidelines to reduce the chances of leaks.
- Safety Measures. Always prioritize safety by using a harness and appropriate footwear to prevent falls. Securely position your ladder and ensure all tools are safely handled. Roofing work can be dangerous, and taking preventive measures is crucial to protecting yourself and others on the job site.
Know the Type of Nail to Use for Installing Shingles
When installing shingles, choose the right types of roofing nails to guarantee the roofing’s durability and performance. Different types of nails cater to various roofing materials and environmental conditions.
- Galvanized Roofing Nails. These nails are coated with a zinc layer, preventing rust and corrosion. They are an excellent choice for most roofing projects, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rain, as the coating extends the lifespan of the nails and protects the roof from premature deterioration.
- Stainless Steel Nails. Stainless steel nails are ideal for coastal regions where salty air can accelerate rusting and corrosion. Their strength and durability make them suitable for roofs exposed to extreme weather conditions.
- Copper Roofing Nails. These nails are often used for slate and other high-end roofing materials. They provide corrosion resistance and appeal due to their distinctive look. Over time, copper develops a patina that may be desirable for certain architectural styles.
- Aluminum Nails. Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, these are suitable for asphalt shingles and metal roofing when used in less extreme climates. However, they are generally not recommended for very high-wind areas or applications with greater fastening strength, as they bend under pressure.
- Electro-Galvanized Nails. These have a thin zinc coating applied through an electroplating process. While they provide some corrosion resistance, they are less durable than hot-dipped galvanized nails and are better suited for temporary applications or less harsh environments.
- Ring-Shank Nails. Featuring rings along the shank to provide extra grip, ring-shank nails can resist pull-out under high wind conditions. They are beneficial in securing shingles on steeper roofs or in regions with frequent severe weather.
Types of Roofing Shingles and Their Nailing Techniques
Several types of roof shingles are available, each with unique characteristics and installation requirements, including specific nailing techniques. Understanding these differences can guarantee a successful and long-lasting roof installation. Here’s a detailed look at the different types of roofing shingles and their respective nailing techniques:
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
These are the most common shingles and are available in two main styles: three-tab and architectural (or dimensional) shingles.
Under normal conditions, four nails per shingle are enough for three-tab shingles, with nails placed below the sealant strip and centered over the pre-cut tabs. In wind-prone areas, six nails are advisable for added security. Given their increased thickness and weight, architectural shingles also require four to six nails. For both types, make sure the nails penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the roof deck or pass through the decking.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles are sawn for a smooth finish, while shakes are split, giving them a more rustic appearance.
Wood shingles and shakes generally require two nails per piece, located about an inch from each edge and two inches above the exposure line. The nail should pass through the shingle into the batten or roof deck. Given wood’s natural expansion and contraction properties, placing nails too close to the edges or overdriving them can cause cracking or splitting.
Tile Shingles
Available in clay and concrete versions, tile shingles are durable and offer a distinctive appearance.
The installation varies depending on local building codes, roof pitch, and environmental conditions. However, each tile is typically secured with one or more nails, often in conjunction with a lug or other fastening system. The nails are typically found near the tile’s top edge to prevent cracking. Tiles are often laid in a staggered pattern to minimize water penetration.
Slate Shingles
Natural stone that provides a classic, elegant look and is known for its longevity.
Slate shingles are usually fastened with two nails per shingle in pre-drilled holes to prevent splitting. The nails should be driven flush with the surface without over-tightening, as it could crack the slate. The nails should be positioned about 1 inch from the outer edges and about 2 inches from the top of the shingle.
Metal Shingles
These can mimic the appearance of other shingle types while providing enhanced durability and energy efficiency.
Metal shingles are usually attached with nails or screws, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Each shingle features pre-punched holes for fastening. Tighten the nails or screws to secure the shingle without over-compressing it. Doing so can cause the metal to distort and ruin its appearance.
Composite Shingles
Made from a mixture of materials like plastic and rubber, it is designed to mimic the appearance of wood shakes or slate.
Composite shingles follow a similar nailing protocol to asphalt shingles, using four to six nails per shingle. Placement should be within the manufacturer-designated nailing line and penetrate the roof deck appropriately.
We Do More Aside from Nailing Shingles—Contact Stonecreek Roofing for Expert Roofing Solutions in Phoenix, Arizona!
Whether studying where to nail architectural shingles or using the right type and length of nails, you need to take time to learn the entire installation process. It will take time for any homeowner, and that is why Stonecreek Roofing can take over the job. We can replace or install various roofing materials, from asphalt shingles to metal roofing. Our professional roofers will make sure to give you a brand-new roofing system without any delays.
Contact us right away to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can further improve your home or building’s roofing system.