2nd part

read the 1st part here

HOW MANY NAILS PER SHINGLE?

It depends on the number of tabs.

For example the normal three – tab rectangular asphalt shingles used in USA / Canada need 4 nails: two above the cutouts and two near the edges.

In Europe, mostly four-tab asphalt shingles are used and the number of nails needed is 5/shingles.

More nails are needed:

- in windy regions

- when slopes are very steep, normally bigger than 200%.

In this case two nails are used above the cutout. So 6 nails will be needed for the 3-tab shingles and 8 nails for the 4-tab shingles.

WHAT ABOUT STAPLING ?

Stapling is not recommended in Europe and as far as I know also in USA and in Canada.

Stapling can easily damage shingles.

WHERE EXACTLY TO PLACE THE NAILS?

In Europe we place the nails a little above the sealant strip. The nails are placed 2-3cm above the upper point of the cutout. The nails near the edges should not be closer than 2,5cm from the edges.

On no occasion should the nails be driven into discontinuities and problematic points of the substrate.

HAND NAILING OR PNEUMATIC NAILER?

Hand nailing is more accurate. It does a better job but it is slower and most expensive. If you cannot afford hand nailing for the whole project, at least use it:

- near the rakes

- for the first course at the eaves

- for the ridge and the hips

- for the valleys.

Because hand nailing is more accurate, it will reduce the possibility of wind uplift at this critical regions.

The nails should be driven vertically and flush with the upper side of the asphalt shingle securing it in its position.

If the nail is overdriven, it will harm the integrity of the asphalt shingle.

If the nails are underdriven, they cannot fix / secure the asphalt shingles properly.

In the case that the nails are not completely vertical, they will harm the shingle with their heads. These nails should be discarded and replaced.

CONCLUSION

Learn the right nailing techniques because they are critical for the expected life and behaviour of the shingles.

Do pay to buy the best quality nails in the market.

Chris Strogilis

Civ. Eng. – MBA – DipM

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/

Asphalt roofing shingles are typically installed by professionals over a special type of roofing felt in an overlapping pattern. Avoid a leaky roof caused by improperly installed shingles by contacting a professional to install asphalt shingles with tips from a home repair specialist in this free video on roof shingles. Expert: Tim Gipson Contact: www.inhisstepsremodeling.com Bio: Tim Gipson is a home repair specialist and remodeling contractor in Franklin, Tenn. Filmmaker: Tim Brown

Trying to decide if a roofing nailer will make life easier will depend on the definition of easier. Something else to consider is this; are you a professional roofer in need of a professional nailer? Or, are you a home owner and are looking for a nailer to help you make your own repairs? If you decide to go ahead and purchase a roofing nailer you will need to be decided on the type based upon your needs (like everything else…). Keep in mind that nailers are available with pneumatic power, electric and rechargeable, and made by various manufacturers.

To put it simply, a roofing nailer will save your arms and hands from pounding with a hammer all day long. The other nice add is that since most nailers have adjustable power settings; you don’t have to worry about over driving a nail into the roof, damaging your new roofing material. This can be especially helpful if installing slate or tile roof since too much power can crack one of the expensive tiles. On asphalt shingles too much power can tear through the shingle and, if left unnoticed, this can cause a leak in the future.

The first feature to look at is a nailers durability. It will have to hold up to hours on a hot roof without being damaged by the sun. It should also be able to live through a two-story drop onto the ground or concrete without breaking into a thousand pieces. Typically, no matter careful you think you’re going to be; you will no doubt drop your nailer from the roof at least once.

Choosing Clutter Or Convenience

While most professionals swear by a pneumatic roofing nailer there are some who are not interested in being connected by a long air hose and having to have an air compressor running all day. Although they can usually be adjusted for air power of between 70 and 120 pounds per square inch, they can be tough to maneuver in tight spots such as under second story eaves or around chimneys.

An electric power roofing nailer obviously does not require the air compressor but the user will still be dragging a long extension cord behind them as they work. Something else to consider is that adjustable depth gauges and built-in features to help keep nail lines straight into the shingles, while they’re great on paper, can make the nailing gun slightly heavier than a pneumatic roofing nailer as the driving power is located in the nailer itself.

Most rechargeable roofing nailers have the same power, with a minimum voltage of around 20, and do everything the electric roofing nailer can do. Typically, most companies claim the battery charge lasts long enough to nail down about two square of roofing material. Extra batteries are available for use on large jobs, but the ability of them to survive a 15 of 20-foot fall is questionable.

So before you buy check out the manufacturers specs and see if they’ll meet your needs. Consider how much use you’ll be giving the nailer and what kind of roofing you’ll be doing. With these things in mind you’ll be on your way to selecting the ‘perfect’ nail gun for your needs.

Be sure to check out our store for a complete line up of roofing nailers.