Best Fasteners for Roofers
Roofing fasteners hold the entire weather envelope against wind uplift: coil nails for asphalt shingles, ring-shank nails where wind codes demand them, self-drilling screws with sealing washers for metal roofing, and cap nails for underlayment. Get the fastener wrong and the warranty — and the roof — is gone with the first big storm.
What to Look For
- 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 in galvanized coil nails for shingles — collated for the roofing nailer, heads sized to resist pull-through.
- Ring-shank nails in wind zones — many coastal codes require them; everywhere else they are cheap insurance.
- #12 or #14 self-drilling screws with EPDM washers for exposed-fastener metal roofing — matched to the panel color.
- Plastic cap nails for felt and synthetic underlayment — caps that hold against wind before the roof covering goes on.
- Stainless steel or copper for slate, tile, and coastal work — the fastener must outlast a 50-year roof.
Top Picks
1. Grip-Rite galvanized coil roofing nails, 1-1/4 in Best overall
The shingle-roof default — collated for any roofing nailer, hot-dip galvanized against rust streaks, and priced for squares, not handfuls.
Check price on Amazon →2. Ring-shank coil roofing nails, 1-1/4 in Best for high wind
Ring shanks grip the deck so shingles stay put in storms — required by code in many wind zones and the professional standard everywhere else.
Check price on Amazon →3. Metal roofing screws with EPDM washers, #12 x 1-1/2 in Best for metal roofs
Self-drilling points for purlins or decking plus sealing washers that compress into a watertight gasket — color-matched to the panel.
Check price on Amazon →4. Plastic cap roofing nails, 1 in Best for underlayment
Wide caps hold felt and synthetic underlayment through wind and foot traffic until shingles or panels cover them — collated for cap nailers.
Check price on Amazon →What to Avoid
Avoid
- Smooth-shank nails where code or the shingle warranty requires ring-shank — a failed inspection costs more than the upgrade.
- Staples for asphalt shingles — prohibited by most manufacturers and many codes.
- Mismatched metals on metal roofing — plain steel screws on aluminum or copper panels corrode and streak.
- Nails too short for architectural shingles — the point must fully penetrate the deck, not just the old layer.
Also in the toolbox
- Coil roofing nailer — a square an hour instead of a day
- Roofing hammer hatchet — teardown, trimming, and the nails the gun misses
- Magnetic nail sweeper — protects tires, feet, and mower blades after tear-off
FAQ
How many nails per shingle are required?
Four nails per standard shingle, six in high-wind zones and on steep slopes — placed just below the adhesive strip per the manufacturer nailing pattern. The pattern matters as much as the count for warranty coverage.
Should metal roofing use nails or screws?
Screws with sealing washers for exposed-fastener systems — they clamp the washer into a watertight seal nails cannot match. Standing-seam roofs use concealed clips specified by the panel manufacturer.
What gauge are roofing nails?
Standard coil roofing nails are 11 or 12 gauge with 3/8 in heads — thick enough to resist pull-through in wind, with ring-shank versions for extra grip in the deck.
When do roofs need stainless steel fasteners?
Within sight of saltwater, on slate and tile roofs rated for 50-plus years, and anywhere the fastener must outlast galvanized coatings — stainless costs more once instead of a re-roof later.
Keep Reading
- Roofing Nail
- Common Nail
- Ring Shank Nail
- Self-Drilling Screw
- What Size Roofing Nails for Shingles
- Best Screws for Metal Roofing
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