What Is Better When You Redo Your House: Staples or Roofing Nails?

Building Codes

• Most building codes require the use of roofing nails rather than staples for the installation of shingles. When they're applied properly, staples have almost as much wind resistance as nails. But roofers often have trouble installing them perfectly, as a staple gun can be hard to use, according to the International Association of Certified Building Inspectors.

Felt

• One aspect of roofing where staples remain the dominant fastener is in the application of builder's felt or tar paper to the sheathing. Wind resistance is not as critical in this part of roofing, as the shingles will soon cover the felt. The felt remains exposed to the elements for only a short time. In high-wind locations, however, some roofers use plastic caps, which are roofing nails with large plastic heads, rather than staples.

Standards

• Whether a roofer decides to use nails or staples, the fastener must adhere to certain industry standards. The nail head must have a minimum width of three-eighths of an inch, while the staple must have a minimum crown width of almost an inch. The fastener must have enough length to reach three-fourths of an inch into the roof sheathing, according to the Ask the Builder website. It also needs good corrosion resistance, as moisture can seep under the shingle and cause the fastener to rust.

Application

• The proper application of a fastener, whether it's a nail or a staple, remains crucial to providing a strong bond for the shingles. The bottom of the head of each fastener should be flush with the shingle. Driving the head too far in or not far enough weakens the connection. Manufacturers have specifications indicating the placement of fasteners. For many types of shingles, the optimal location is five-eighths of an inch above the bottom of the shingle. Most manufacturers specify four fasteners per shingle and recommend six in areas of high winds.