Number of Nails in Roof Decking

I'm in Madison County Alabama. I am having trouble finding the code for the number of nails to use when installing the roof plywood/OSB decking. I've had trouble with the decking popping up and I've had a leak. The roofer who stripped a section down to the decking (to fix the leak) told me my decking wasn't nailed to code. There were 4 rows of 5 nails and some boards on the roofline edge had no nails on the edge. Roofer said the code is 5 rows of nails with 9 on the first and last rows and 5 in the 3 middle rows (9-5-5-5-9). The county inspection office told me they aren't required to inspect the roof during construction and were not helpful in explaining the code. thanks.

 

Not sure what your contractor is trying to explain, but decking is to be nailed securely along the rafters about every 6 to 8". His pattern is fine, since you need more security on the edges than you do for the field. It appears the original decking was sparsely nailed at best. Don't worry about "code", just be glad the contractor is explaining what he is doing. Any more questions, we're here.

 

I don't know if the current code is different, but the nailing schedule for roof sheathing used to be 8d nails spaced 6" on the edge and 12" in the field.

That nailing schedule is where the 9-5-5-5-9 pattern comes from.

 

Thanks for the info. Here's the situation. I bought my home 3 years ago, a new construction spec home, 4000 sq ft. I've had trouble with the roof from the beginning, including leaks and the decking popping up. During my 1 yr warranty period with the builder he sent out roofers, framers, trim guys, etc. and never fixed the leak or the decking. His trim guys told me the aluminum siding was too short so they re-bent it so I couldn't see the decking edges. His framer pounded on the asphalt shingles with a hammer to try to make the decking go down. His roofers applied globs of clear caulk where flashing should have been properly installed. It was ridiculous. I decided I needed to take charge and try to get this fixed at my own expense. The leak could not be found from inside the attic because I have Icynene foam insulation on the back side of the roof decking and on all the rafters. Numerous roofers told me it was one of the top 3, top 10, etc WORST roof installations they had ever seen. Nails on top of shingles (from the toe boards), improper and missing flashing, numerous scuff marks into the meat of the shingles, tears, cracks, improper valleys, etc you name it. The shingles are high grade architectual so they didn't fail, just a horrible install. After talking to 7-8 roofers that I called, the one roof contractor I hired that finally tore off the area and found the 2 worst leaks right away was the one who told me the original builder skimped on the nails. No wonder the decking is popping up. The county inspection office wouldn't talk to me about anything because they worship the ground this builder walks on. The roof decing is not something they inspect anyway. I've been quoted 4 estimates ranging from $14,000 to $18,000 to replace the roof and I cannot afford it. When I bought this house I planned to live here for about 5 years and sell. Now all this with the roof has come up. I'm devastated. I plan to gather up all my documentation, photos, etc and send the builder a letter. He's the president of the local homebuilders association and doesn't even build (roof) to code. Anyone who has bought from him in the past (10-12 houses on my street) have unresolved issues too. After I send the letter I plan to report him to every agency I can, BBB, state associations, etc. But it won't do any good.

 

Before you send a letter to the builder contact a lawyer. If nothing else they will be able to determine if you have a legal case if the builder did not build to code.

 

I would do more investigating of the roof, first. If you live in a high wind area, your local code may require closer (4”) fastenings at the edges with ring-shank recommended, ask your B.D.: Powered by Google Docs

Helpful info to check the nail spacing and panel thickness from the attic: Hurricane Retrofit Guide - Assessing Roof Sheathing

Read the stamp facing the attic for the maximum span and if edges need support or clips: Powered by Google Docs

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...CiCk4w&cad=rja

Gary

 

I know we're talking decking, but some manufacturers of shingles require 5 nails rather than the old industry standard of 4. My roofer balked at it until I showed him the warranty was void without them. I paid for the extra nails, since his bid was too low to cover them. Not a big deal on the nails, but having them in the shingles was a big deal. My wife even listened to the bump hits on the nail guns on occasion to make sure they were doing it.

 

Your roofer must have been operating on a real tight profit margin. Either that or you have a gigantic roof.

 

No, I did it out of courtesy. I had not mentioned the additional nailing before he started work. Wifey brought it up as they started. I only thought it appropriate to buy the nails.