Roofing Nails and Fasteners: The Complete Guide
Match the fastener to the material, the climate and the metal it touches. Here is what each type is for.
Fastener types at a glance
| Fastener | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized roofing nail (smooth shank) | Asphalt shingles | Wide 3/8 in+ head, 11–12 gauge shank. Electro-galvanized is common; hot-dipped holds up better |
| Coil roofing nail | Shingles with a pneumatic coil nailer | Same nail, wire-collated in coils (often 120 per coil) |
| Ring-shank nail | Decking, some high-wind shingle and shake specs | Rings resist withdrawal; harder to remove |
| Stainless steel nail | Coastal areas, cedar shakes, tile | Resists salt corrosion and the tannins in cedar |
| Copper nail | Slate, copper flashing and copper roofs | Prevents galvanic corrosion against copper |
| Aluminum nail | Aluminum flashing and trim | Use like metal with like metal |
| Plastic or metal cap nail | Felt and synthetic underlayment | The wide cap keeps underlayment from tearing |
| Metal roofing screw (with EPDM washer) | Exposed-fastener metal panels | Usually #9–#14, 1 to 1-1/2 in; washer seals the hole |
| Pancake-head screw / clip fastener | Standing-seam clips | Hidden under the panel seam |
Coatings and corrosion
- Electro-galvanized: thin zinc plating. Fine for most inland shingle roofs.
- Hot-dipped galvanized: thicker zinc; better near the coast and with pressure-treated wood.
- Stainless: the choice for salt air, cedar and long-life roofs.
- Mixed metals: keep copper away from galvanized steel and aluminum. Dissimilar metals in contact with water corrode the less noble one.
How many to buy
Nails by weight
Counting coils for a nail gun instead? Use the nails per square calculator. Picking a length? See roofing nail size.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of nails are used for roofing?
Asphalt shingles use galvanized (or stainless, aluminum or copper) roofing nails with a wide head and at least a 12-gauge shank. Underlayment uses cap nails, slate uses copper nails, and metal panels use gasketed screws.
Are roofing nails galvanized?
Most are. Electro-galvanized nails are standard for inland shingle roofs; hot-dipped galvanized or stainless is better near salt water and for cedar.
Can I use staples for shingles?
Some codes and manufacturers once allowed staples, but most shingle manufacturers now require nails, especially for wind warranties. Use nails.
Last reviewed 2026-10-10. Results are estimates for planning; confirm quantities with your supplier and requirements with your local building code and the manufacturer's instructions.