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Roofing Nails Vs. Siding Nails

Views: 319     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2022-10-27      Origin: Site

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roofing nails


 1 

 What is the difference between roofing nails and siding nails? 

 2  What is siding nails?
 3  What is roofing nails?
 4   What size nails for roofing?
 5  Roofing nail size
 6  Knowing the Differences
 7  Can you Use Screws for Roofing Shingles?
 8  How many roofing nails per square?
 9

 How to Nail Vinyl Siding?


What is the difference between roofing nails and siding nails?


The main difference between the two nails is that roofing nails are designed for roofing, unlike the siding nail, which is meant to be secured into the siding for its lifetime. Roofing nails will need replacing every so often, so the design of the larger nail head allows for an easier grab for removal.

Siding nails and roofing nails


What is siding nails?

Siding nails are installed by means of a siding nailer.  While a siding nailer looks quite similar to a roofing nailer, but the tools use different nails.  Siding nails are of course installed into exterior walls to secure siding pieces.

siding coil nails


These siding nails are designed to stay untouched, meaning once you’ve installed nails into the siding, You won't take out these nails so easily.  This is because siding isn’t meant to be replaced as often as roofing (shingles are frequently replaced).  Siding nails are ring shank  or screw shank, which gives siding nails can better hold on the siding.  For the same reason, siding nails are designed with smaller heads than roofing nails.




Siding nail will require you to leave a small gap between the head of the nail and the siding itself.  Vinyl siding has a tendency to expand and contract thanks to its inherent nature, which is why you’ll want to put the siding nail a little cockeyed into the surface.  By doing so you can avoid getting cracks in the siding at the site of puncture, which can happen when the seasons swing from too hot to too cold.


siding nails for nail gun


You'll also notice that siding nails are more expensive than roofing nails.  Siding nails are longer, and with more material comes a higher price.  These nails need to be longer as siding panels are rather thick.  Don't be tempted to switch to a cheaper roofing nail to do a siding nail’s job—you could be putting your siding at risk for cracking and popping off.


About roofing nails


Roofing nails are cleverly designed to help you do a better job. Though they vary greatly in material, size and type, all roofing nails share one helpful characteristic: a diamond‐shaped point. This point is expertly designed to keep the decking intact when it punctures through. Difficulty distinguishing between roofing nails and siding nails.  Although roofing nails are cheaper than siding counterpart, they are a completely different fastener and shouldn’t be used on exterior siding.


roofing-nails


Unlike siding nails, roofing nails are installed flush against the surface.  These nails are meant to punch through asphalt shingles to secure them onto the roofing system, so you won’t want this style of nail to stick out and make the roof line look uneven.


What size nails for roofing?


Shingles aren't too thick, so the roofing nails length are actually shorter—no longer than 1-3/4 inches.  Siding nails length are much longer because they need to pierce through a thick layer of vinyl paneling. This is perhaps the most noticeable difference between the two nails.


More people prefer to use roofing nailers than siding nailers.  Even though the two tools look similar, But they use different nail designs, and each has its own purpose.  Roofing nails are cheaper Because they don't require as much material as siding nails to make.  You can also remove roofing nails, so roofing nailer may bring you more use for projects other than nailing in shingles.


nail gun roofing nails


Roofing nails size:


Roofing nails size


Size Thickness Length Surface Treatment Shank Type Package
Inch MM Inch MM Pcs/coil Coil/ctn
3.05x19 0.120" 3.05mm 3/4" 19mm Bright,EG,HDG,MG,SS304,SS316 Smooth,Ring 120 60
3.05x22 0.120" 3.05mm 7/8" 22mm Bright,EG,HDG,MG,SS304,SS316 Smooth,Ring 120 60
3.05x25 0.120" 3.05mm 1" 25mm Bright,EG,HDG,MG,SS304,SS316 Smooth,Ring 120 60
3.05x32 0.120" 3.05mm 1-1/4" 32mm Bright,EG,HDG,MG,SS304,SS316 Smooth,Ring 120 60
3.05x38 0.120" 3.05mm 1-1/2" 38mm Bright,EG,HDG,MG,SS304,SS316 Smooth,Ring 120 60
3.05x45 0.120" 3.05mm 1-3/4" 45mm Bright,EG,HDG,MG,SS304,SS316 Smooth,Ring 120 60


Knowing the Differences:


You’ll need different nails and different tools for nailing in shingles or siding.  Roofing nailers and siding nails aren’t the same tool and require their own nails for these two distinct jobs.  Both of these tools are coil nailers that are designed to punch nails through materials, but whether you’re securing siding or a roofing shingle will determine which one you need to be successful.



Roofing nails are:


  • Designed to be removed

  • Have a larger nail head for the purpose of removal

  • Have a smooth shank for removal,Of course, if you need other shank types such as ring shank, we can also supply.

  • Are no longer than 1-3/4 inches.

  • Are meant to be installed flush against the shingle surface.


Siding nails are:


  • Meant to stay in put.

  • Have a smaller head to secure them in place.

  • Have a ring shank to help them remain in place.

  • Are up to 2-1/2 inches long.

  • Are meant to be installed at an angle—not flush against the siding.

Can you Use Screws for Roofing Shingles?


You cannot use screws for roofing shingles, only roofing nails are approved fasteners. Screws leave small gaps in the material they are driven into, and this may be enough to allow for a leak. If you were considering using screws for their extra security, consider ring shank nails instead.

How many roofing nails per square?


Estimating your roofing material is key to your success, so you'll want to know how many nails you'll be using in a square. It depends on the level of exposure and coverage of shingles. With more coverage, you'll be laying fewer shingles in the square, so you'll use fewer nails. For example, when using Cambridge™ Shingles, you will use about 240 nails, because of their Advantage size. If you are installing via a high wind application, you will be using two nails for a shingle, so 360 nails per square.

How to Nail Vinyl Siding?


Do not face nail. Face nailing (driving nails through visible parts of the panels) is not only unsightly, but it will also cause vinyl to buckle with changes in temperature.

Do not nail any siding parts too tight. Leave 1/32 inch between the nail head and the vinyl. Vinyl siding must be attached “loosely.”

Center nails in slots to permit expansion and contraction of the siding.

Drive nails straight and level to prevent distortion and buckling of panel.

Start nailing vertical siding and trim pieces in the top of the uppermost slots to hold them in position. Place all other nails in the center of the slots.

Space nails a maximum of 16 inches apart for horizontal siding panels, every 12 inches for vertical siding panels, and 6 to 12 inches for accessories. (See individual manufacturer’s instructions for fastening specific accessories and for recommended spacing.)

Make sure the panels are locked at the bottom, but do not pull them tight when nailing.


vinyl siding nails


At KYA Fasteners, We supply professional roofing nails and siding nails, We have 12 years export experience, specialize in producing all kinds of fastener and tools. Get a free quote today.


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