When it comes to roofing, one of the most important steps in the process is properly securing the shingles to the roof deck. This is typically done using a roofing nail gun, which can make the process faster and more efficient than hand nailing. However, it’s important to know how to handle nails when using a roofing nail gun to ensure that they are properly installed and won’t cause damage to your roof. Here’s what you need to know.

Types of Nails

There are several types of nails that can be used with a roofing nail gun, including:

1. Coil Nails: These are the most common type of nails used with a roofing nail gun. They come in a coil and can hold a large number of nails, which means less reloading for the user.
2. Strip Nails: Strip nails come in a strip and are typically used for framing, but can also be used for roofing.
3. Cap Nails: These nails have a large, round cap that is designed to hold down roofing felt and underlayment.

Handling Nails

When using a roofing nail gun, it’s important to handle the nails correctly to ensure that they are properly installed and won’t cause damage to your roof. Here are some tips for handling nails:

1. Use the Correct Size: Make sure that you are using the correct size of nail for the job. Using nails that are too short can cause the shingles to come loose, while using nails that are too long can damage the roof deck.
2. Check the Nail Gun: Before using the nail gun, make sure that it is in good working order and that the nails are feeding properly.
3. Hold the Nail Gun Properly: When using the nail gun, hold it firmly against the shingle and make sure that the nail is being driven straight into the roof deck.
4. Don’t Overdrive Nails: Overdriving nails can cause damage to the shingle and the roof deck. Make sure that the nail is driven in flush with the shingle, but not too far.
5. Don’t Underdrive Nails: Underdriving nails can also cause damage to the roof. Make sure that the nail is driven in far enough to hold the shingle securely.

Conclusion

Using a roofing nail gun can be a great way to speed up the installation process, but it’s important to handle the nails correctly to ensure that they are properly installed and won’t cause damage to your roof. Make sure that you are using the correct size of nail, holding the nail gun properly, and driving the nails in flush with the shingle. If you have any concerns about your roofing installation or need assistance with a roofing project, contact a professional roofing contractor for assistance.