Where to Nail Shingles: A Comprehensive Installation Guide

Where to Nail Shingles?

To properly install roofing shingles, it is important to nail them within the designated nail zone.

This area is crucial for the performance of the shingles and if nails are installed incorrectly, it can cause the entire roof to fail.

Atlas Shingles, known for their superior quality, have the largest nail zone in the industry with a one-and-a-half-inch zone.

It is designed to rest on top of the common bond area of the shingle.

Nailing shingles too high, above the nail zone, can lead to shingle sliding off, while nailing them too low, below the nail zone, can result in rusting and leaks.

For a more detailed demonstration on proper installation using the nail zone, a video is available.

Key Points:

  • Nailing shingles within the designated nail zone is crucial for proper installation and the performance of the shingles.
  • Incorrectly installed nails can cause the entire roof to fail.
  • Atlas Shingles have the largest nail zone in the industry, measuring one-and-a-half inches.
  • The nail zone is designed to rest on top of the common bond area of the shingle.
  • Nailing shingles too high can lead to sliding off, while nailing them too low can result in rusting and leaks.
  • A video demonstrating proper installation using the nail zone is available for more detailed instruction.

Did You Know?

1. Shingle nails 1 ¼ inch in length and with a smooth, galvanized finish are the most commonly used type of nails for fastening shingles securely to roofs.

2. The correct placement to nail shingles is usually indicated by a nailing strip located on each shingle. It is essential to position the nails properly to prevent them from puncturing the shingle, which can lead to leaks and roof damage.

3. Did you know that driving nails too deep into the shingles can cause cracks and compromise their integrity? Precise nailing techniques, such as ensuring the correct amount of penetration, are vital for the longevity of your roof.

4. For areas that experience strong winds or severe weather conditions, it is recommended to use specially designed shingle nails with enhanced holding power. These nails often have a ring-shank or spiral-shank design that provides increased resistance to uplift.

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5. When replacing shingles, it is crucial to remove any existing nails left in the roof deck. Failure to do so can result in improper installation and diminish the overall effectiveness of the new shingles. So, remember to thoroughly inspect and prepare your roof before starting any re-shingling project.

Importance Of Proper Nail Installation

Proper installation of roofing shingles is crucial for their overall performance and longevity. One of the most important aspects of shingle installation is nailing. Nailing shingles incorrectly can have significant consequences and can even cause the entire roof system to fail. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the correct placement of nails to ensure the stability and durability of the roof.

  • Correct placement of nails is crucial for the stability and longevity of roofing shingles.
  • Nailing shingles incorrectly can lead to roof system failure.
  • Understanding the proper technique for nailing is imperative.

The Nail Zone: A Critical Component Of Shingle Installation

All shingles have a designated nail zone where nails must be installed. The nail zone acts as a secure anchor point for the shingle, preventing it from shifting or dislodging due to wind or other external forces. This properly placed nail ensures that the shingles remain intact and effectively protecting the underlying structure.

To understand the nail zone, one must look at the anatomy of a shingle. Each shingle typically consists of three key areas: the common bond area, the nail zone, and the exposure. The nail zone is specifically designed to rest on top of the common bond area. When nails are placed within the nail zone, they penetrate the underlying structure, creating a strong connection between the shingle and the roof.

Atlas Shingles: Industry Leading Nail Zone Size

In the roofing industry, Atlas Shingles stands out for its industry-leading nail zone size. With a generous one-and-a-half-inch nail zone, Atlas Shingles provides ample space for proper nail placement. This larger nail zone offers greater flexibility during installation, allowing roofers to easily position the nails within the specified area.

The larger nail zone size offered by Atlas Shingles is highly advantageous as it minimizes the likelihood of incorrect nail placement. It ensures that the nails are securely placed within the nail zone, reducing the risk of shingle sliding or shifting due to high winds or other external factors.

  • Ample space for proper nail placement
  • Greater flexibility during installation
  • Minimizes the likelihood of incorrect nail placement
  • Securely holds nails in place to prevent shingle sliding or shifting

The larger nail zone offered by Atlas Shingles provides significant benefits by providing proper nail placement and reducing the risk of shingle damage.

Consequences Of Incorrect Nail Installation

Improper nail installation can have severe consequences for the overall roof system. High nails, installed above the nail zone, can lead to shingle slide-off. This causes the shingles to become loose and exposes the underlying structure to potential water damage and leaks. Additionally, high nails create an uneven roof surface, potentially leading to poor drainage and accumulation of debris.

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On the other hand, low nails, installed below the nail zone, can result in rusting and leaks. When nails are improperly placed, water can penetrate the nail holes, leading to rust formation. Eventually, this rusting weakens the integrity of the nails, compromising the overall stability of the shingles.

Utilizing The Nail Zone For Effective Shingle Installation

Proper utilization of the nail zone is crucial for effective shingle installation. It is essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and ensure that the nails are placed within the designated nail zone. By doing so, the shingles remain secure, allowing the roof to perform its intended function of protecting the underlying structure from the elements.

For those seeking more information and a visual demonstration of proper nail installation using the nail zone, a helpful video is available. Watching this video can provide valuable insights and ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge required to install shingles correctly and maximize the longevity of your roof system.

The proper installation of roofing shingles, including nailing, is vital for the performance of the roof. With Atlas Shingles offering the largest nail zone in the industry, along with the understanding of the consequences of incorrect nail installation, it is crucial to utilize the nail zone to guarantee a secure and long-lasting roof system. Empower yourself with the knowledge and resources available to ensure proper nail placement and the utmost protection for your home.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Should shingles be hand nailed?

While there is no definitive answer to whether shingles should be hand nailed or not, it ultimately depends on the preference of the roofer. Shingle manufacturers have acknowledged that both hand-nailing and using a nail gun are acceptable installation methods. Hence, it is not a matter of work quality but rather a personal choice made by the roofer. Factors such as efficiency, speed, and accuracy may come into play for roofers when deciding which method to use for installing shingles.

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Where do you put nails on 3 tab shingles?

To secure 3-tab shingles, it is important to place the nails just below the self-seal strip. Two nails should be evenly spaced 1 inch on either side of each cutout. Additionally, the end fasteners should be positioned approximately 1 inch away from each edge. These guidelines ensure proper fastening and effective sealing of the shingles for long-lasting protection against external elements.

Do nails go above or below tar strip on shingles?

To ensure proper installation and prevent water infiltration, nails should be placed just below the tar line on shingles. It is crucial to maintain a 1-inch distance from the sides and ensure that no nails protrude below the shingle level. Adhering to this high wind nailing pattern will enhance the shingles’ resistance to wind damage and ensure optimal longevity of the roofing system.

What length nail is used for shingles?

The appropriate length of nails for shingles largely depends on the thickness of the sheathing and the type of shingles being installed. For standard architectural shingles and 3/8-inch-thick sheathing, 1-inch nails are recommended. However, if building codes mandate thicker sheathing or thicker shingles, 1 ¼-inch nails should be used to ensure proper penetration. The choice of a longer nail becomes crucial when thicker shingles are used to ensure complete penetration of the OSB beneath the shingle layer.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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