By Roland Mitchell, Kore Roofing.
I’m Roland Mitchell from Kore Roofing, a local roofing company in Scottsdale, Arizona. I’ve been roofing under the sun for four decades. I’ve seen scorching heat waves, violent monsoon downpours and enough UV damage to make most folks’ heads spin. If there’s one question I get all the time, besides, “How do you handle this heat?” it’s “Roland, how many nails do I need per shingle?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to cover everything you need to know about nailing down shingles the right way.
Unlike some states that follow a single set of rules, state's with warmer climates got a bit of a “local flavor” when it comes to building codes. Sure, we rely heavily on the International Residential Code (IRC), but because of our triple threat intense heat, UV exposure and seasonal monsoon winds you’ll see local tweaks depending on the county or city.
Now, you might not be using standard asphalt shingles, some folks go for metal, tile or those fancy new synthetic shingles. Each of these materials comes with its own set of fastening rules. Metal panels might use screws, while tile might rely on special clips or adhesives in addition to nails. My best piece of advice: always check the manufacturer’s instructions and your local codes.
The IRC (International Residential Code) is what most of the country uses as a baseline. It calls for a minimum of four nails per shingle for standard conditions, and bumps it up to six nails per shingle in high-wind zones. Sounds simple, right?
Every county (and often each city) can put its own spin on the rules:
Big takeaway? Always check with your local building department. Even if the county’s set on one rule, the city you’re in might enforce something more specific.
I’ve seen one strong gust pop off poorly secured shingles like they were playing cards. If your roofer skimped on nails, all it takes is one monsoon storm to turn your roof into a jigsaw puzzle missing half its pieces. More nails = more holding power.
When shingles flap around even a little water can sneak in underneath. Over time, that can soak your roof deck, ruin insulation and lead to mold or other pricey damage. Trust me, dealing with that is no fun and no cheap fix.
Most shingle makers aren’t shy about telling you how many nails their product needs. Ignore that, and you risk saying “bye-bye” to your warranty. If something goes wrong and they find out you shorted the nail count, you’re on your own for repairs.
I know how it goes. Everyone wants to cut corners to save a few bucks. But using the right number of nails up front (even if that means buying another box or two) can save thousands in damage control later. Think of it as cheap insurance.
So, how many nails per shingle do you really need? Anywhere from four to six but the exact number depends on your local building department, whether you’re in a high-wind zone and what your shingle manufacturer calls for.
Take it from a guy who’s been roofing under the blazing sun for 40 years: don’t cut corners on nailing. It’s a simple step that’ll keep your roof tight, your home dry and your wallet happier in the long run.
If you’re not sure what applies to your area, call your local building department or talk to a trusted roofing pro. When done right, a good roof can outlast your neighbor’s AC unit and you’ll sleep easy knowing it’s nailed down the way it should be.
Learn more about Kore Roofing in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit koreroofing.com.
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