Best Roofing Nails of 2026
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Roofing nails are an essential component in any roofing project, designed specifically to hold shingles and other roofing materials securely in place. These nails are typically made from strong, durable materials such as galvanized steel or aluminum, ensuring they can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting support. With their wide, flat heads and sharp points, roofing nails offer excellent penetration and grip, preventing any potential damage to the roofing materials. Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, investing in high-quality roofing nails is crucial for a successful and durable roof installation.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Roofing Nails
The Hillman Group 42041 Galvanized Roofing Nails
The Hillman Group 42041 Galvanized Roofing Nails, also known as Hillman Galvanized Roofing Nails, are a reliable choice for your roofing needs. These nails can be easily installed with a hammer, making the process quick and hassle-free. Made of durable steel, they are built to last and provide a secure hold for your roofing materials. The galvanized coating adds an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of your roof. With a 1-inch length, these nails are suitable for a variety of roofing projects. Whether you are a professional roofer or a DIY enthusiast, Hillman Galvanized Roofing Nails are a must-have for any roofing job.
One Stop Outdoor 3/4-Inch Roofing Nails
The One Stop Roofing Nails are designed for professional-grade performance. With a 3/4-inch length, these galvanized nails are perfect for securing roofing felt, asphalt shingles, and insulation boards. The diamond point tip allows for easier penetration, making your installation process smoother and quicker. Additionally, the large diameter shank enhances holding power, ensuring that your materials stay firmly in place. For your convenience, these nails can be easily installed using just a hammer, simplifying your roofing projects.
Swpeet 300Pcs 1-1/4 Inch Galvanized Roofing Felt Nails
The Swpeet Galvanized Roofing Nails come in a kit of 300 nails, each 1-1/4 inch long, perfect for your daily roofing projects. These nails have a round, flat head and a pointed tip, making them easy to drive into wood with a hammer. Made from high-quality galvanized steel, they resist rust and corrosion, so you can trust them to last longer even in tough weather. Their sharp diamond point helps you nail through materials smoothly, while the large shank diameter ensures a strong hold. Plus, they come in a sealed plastic bag, making storage and use convenient for you.
Grip-Rite 112EGRFG1 1-1/2" Electro-Galvanized Roofing Nails
The Grip-Rite Roofing Nails are designed to provide strong and reliable fastening for your roofing projects. Their excellent holding strength ensures that your shingles stay firmly in place, giving you peace of mind against wind and weather. The nails come with a galvanized coating, which helps resist rust and corrosion, so they last longer and maintain their performance over time. These nails are especially made to securely attach asphalt shingles, making your roofing job easier and more efficient. If you want durable, rust-resistant nails that keep your roof intact, these Grip-Rite nails are a smart choice.
Hillman Fasteners 1.75" R Roof Nail
The Hillman Fasteners 1.75" R Roof Nail is a simple and easy-to-use kit for roofing. Manufactured in China, this roofing nail is designed to provide convenience and efficiency for your roofing needs. The 1.75" length of the nail ensures a secure and reliable hold, while the RS (Ring Shank) feature adds extra grip and stability. With the Hillman Roof Nail, you can confidently secure your roof, knowing that it will withstand the elements and provide long-lasting durability. This roofing nail is perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professional roofers, offering a reliable solution for all your roofing projects.
Hillman 461513 2.5" Galvanized Roofing Nails
The Hillman Galvanized Roofing Nails come in a 2.5-inch length with an 11-gauge thickness, making them strong enough for secure roofing applications. These nails are coated with Fans-Rite Electro Galvanization, which helps protect against rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. The product is designed for easy use, so you can quickly and efficiently complete your roofing projects. Manufactured in China, these nails offer a reliable option for your roofing needs, providing the balance of durability and convenience every homeowner or contractor looks for.
Grip-Rite 112EGRFG5 Roofing Nail
The Grip-Rite 112EGRFG5 Roofing Nail is a high-quality option for your roofing needs. With its 1-1/2-inch length and 11-gauge 7/16-inch diameter thin flat head, this nail provides a secure and durable hold for your roofing materials. The electro-galvanized, barbed shank ensures excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. The sturdy cardboard box with a view window and description label allows for easy storage and identification. With approximately 186 nails per pound, you'll have plenty to complete your roofing project. This Grip-Rite nail meets or exceeds the appropriate ASTM and UBC specifications, ensuring its reliability and performance. Choose the Grip-Rite 112EGRFG5 Roofing Nail for its strength, corrosion resistance, and convenient packaging.
Hillman 461463 2" 11 Gauge Roofing Nails
The Hillman 2" Roofing Nails offer a reliable solution for your roofing projects. These nails measure 2 inches long and are made with 11-gauge thickness, providing strong and durable fastening. Their electro-galvanized coating helps resist rust and corrosion, ensuring your roof stays secure over time. This easy-to-use kit simplifies your work, making it convenient whether you’re a DIYer or a professional. Although manufactured in China, these nails meet quality standards to give you dependable performance. With compact dimensions, they’re easy to store and handle, making your roofing tasks smoother and more efficient.
Grip-Rite 114EGRFG1 Roofing Nail 11 Ga 1-1/4"
The Grip-Rite Roofing Nails are designed to make your roofing projects easier and more secure. These nails measure 1-1/4 inches long with a strong 11-gauge thickness, giving you the right size for sturdy roof attachment. Their thin flat heads provide a neat finish and help the nails sit flush with the surface, preventing damage to your materials. The electro-galvanized coating protects the nails from rust and corrosion, so your roofing stays durable over time. Plus, the barbed shank ensures the nails hold firmly in place, reducing the chance of loosening. These nails come in a sturdy cardboard box with a clear window, making it easy for you to see how many nails you have left.
One Stop Outdoor Lime Green Plastic Cap Roofing Nails 1 Inch 250 Pack
The One Stop Outdoor Roofing Nails come with sturdy lime green plastic caps that are designed to resist breaking or bending, giving you reliable use over time. The nails themselves are electro-galvanized, which means they resist rust and corrosion, so you can count on them even in harsh weather. Their flexible round caps fit snugly to surfaces, helping prevent water from seeping underneath and causing damage. These nails are perfect for securing roofing felt, foam board, house wrap, and more, making your installation projects easier and more efficient with a product built for outdoor durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What nails should be used for roofing?
For slate, ceramic, or asphalt shingle roofs in coastal climates, stainless steel nails are recommended. Galvanized nails are suitable for asphalt roofing shingles.
2. Should roofing nails be exposed?
Ideally, roofing nails should not be visible on the roof. They should be installed flush with the shingle they are inserted into and covered by the shingle above them. This ensures their security and prevents them from being seen.
3. Are screws or nails better for roofing?
The choice between screws and nails for roofing depends on the specific circumstances. Nails are typically used when joined surfaces are more likely to slide, while screws are preferred for areas that are more likely to pull apart or for replacing nails in existing holes.
4. What size nails do roofers use?
Roofers typically use nails with a minimum shank diameter of 11 or 12 gauge and a minimum head diameter of three-eighths of an inch. The length of the nails should be at least 1¼ inches, and for roof-overs, a recommended length of at least 2 inches.
5. Are roofing nails supposed to go through the plywood?
Roofing nails should penetrate at least 3/4 inch into wood decks or just through the plywood decks. It is important to drive the nails flush with the surface of the shingle to avoid damaging the shingle.
6. How many roofing nails for 200 sq ft?
Typically, it is recommended to use four nails per shingle in the main area of the roof and five nails per square in the first row of roofing. This translates to an average of 320 nails or 100 square feet. In high wind areas, it is advisable to use five nails per shingle, totaling around 480 per square.
7. Why do contractors use nails instead of screws?
Contractors often choose nails over screws for large construction projects due to their lower cost and shear strength. Nails provide the ability to withstand shear pressure, where two surfaces slide past each other.
8. How deep should roofing nails go?
Roofing nails should have a minimum length of 1¼ inches, or at least 2 inches for roof-overs. They should penetrate the roof deck by three-fourths of an inch to ensure proper installation.
During our roofing nail research, we found 24 roofing nail products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,233 customer reviews through our big data system to write the roofing nails list. We found that most customers choose roofing nails with an average price of $12.76.
The roofing nails are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of roofing nails, including Hillman, One Stop Outdoor, Swpeet, Grip-Rite. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.