How long of a nail is use on a new roof if plywood is 7/16" thick

 

Welcome to the forums.

Minimum would be 7/8", but if you use 1", you'll have an easier time finding them and installing them.

 

Are you using a roofing nailer? If so, it won't matter, 7/8 or 1". Like Mike said, if you are using a set of roofing fingers, 1" You can thank us later.

 

Thank you both of you for your respond, I am using an air nailer.

 

The code states...Nails shall penetrate 3/4 inch into wood sheathing or through the sheathing. So in your case the nails need to penetrate through the sheathing. If you are installing shingles with a gun the most common size nail is 1 1/4 inch.

 

Not familiar with that code, so I would appreciate a reference on it. Thanks. In addition, using logic, what job would the 3/4" nail extension perform? It has no additional holding abilility, so it seems a waste.

 

The IRC International Residential Code. this is the accepted code throughout the United States. I'm not here to argue just telling you what the code states. Best thing to do is call your local building official he will tell you the same thing. I personally don't care if you glue them on with Elmer's glue.

 

Nordberg, you're right. The IRC says the nail has to extend 3/4" into the sheathing, OR it has to pass through the sheathing.

If dgpolara uses 7/16" or even 1/2" sheathing, either a 7/8" nail or a 1" nail will pass through it.

 

Nordberg, you brought up the code, so it is up to you to back it up, not for me to go look it up. That's the way it is.
IRC is for most of the country, but some still are in codes, like we are, the Southern Building Code, and other local authorities.
So, with all that said, don't get offended if someone asks you to quote book and verse of something that may or may not be germane to the posts.
Mike's comments bears out the fact I suspected.....passing through. Take care.

 

When the shingle gets old and the wood dries.You will be glad to have that extra sticking thru the roof.To short of a pin and you will be replacing shingles....1 1/4..no brainer..Nails do pop back out.Best to have a cushion.

 

"Cushion" of what? Bare shank nails don't hold much. If the top part of the shank starts to pull out, another 3/4" won't be too tough to follow. I'm just thinking physics, here, not code. Remember codes are to protect ourselves from ourselves with overkill in some instances. This, IMO, is one.

 

WHAT?? Use an 1-1/4" nail in 7/16" underlayment??

jbbuilt, if you're looking for a "cushion", then use a 60d galvy and get a down feather pad!!

No, the point of the nail has to penetrate the sheathing, OR it has to be embedded 23/4" into the sheathing. When using 7/16" sheathing, a 1" does just fine. Anything longer than that is just wasted steel!!

 

Sorry not for my house I wouldn't...The first quarter is tappered......the pointy end.thats the point.
Nor would i use 7/16.Garbage.Works but is not enough in my books.We get alot of ice and snow around here.Most roof I can see the outline of the sheet and tell you where all the joints are......Not in the north.Do you live by the ocean? Ask someone from there.

Your 1" penetrates the Sheathing?..Just reread that part...Not up here..need 1 1/4 to do that.Maybe we have thicker shingles..

 

"How long of a nail is use on a new roof if plywood is 7/16" thick " ----- Code requires an 8d (2-1/2" x 0.131") 6" and 12" on center for that plywood (since no mention of roofing material, tile slate, wood shingle, asphalt shingle, etc....Chapter 6 - Wall Construction

R602.3(1) and chart #2 for alternate fasteners as per acceptance by local B.D.

Gary

 

GBR...I think you stated what is needed for the decking itself. I believe this discussion was for attachment of the shingles to the decking.

 

Boy, you sure can learn a lot when you guys start disagreeing. Thank you for that. The only thing I would like to add is that having spent a lot of time working underneath roof sheathing: I can't tell you how many times I have impaled my head on nails that extended an inch or two beyond the sheathing because some joker was to lazy to get the right nails.

 

Gunguy 45, where does it say asphalt roofing shingles, shake strapping, shakes, wood shingles, concrete tile, etc. , other than plywood on a new roof...... Are we sure he is asking about asphalt shingle nail length?

A dozen posts and no one asked for more info...... no one sited a minimum Code to back up their answer or state that local Inspectors can change nail requirements or amendments and often do...... Or shingle manufacturers state nail length, underlayment, etc. on every wrapper for the warranty to be honored....

Just thought I'd cover ply nails as that's all I can read out of his two posts without reading between the lines.... LOL

Dgpolara, Plywood nails or shingle material nails?

Gary

 

Ahhh true...I saw the roofing nailer question asked...and he said he WAS using an air nailer...but perhaps he was INDEED talking about decking. He didn't say roofing or coil nailer (common terms for laying shingles), maybe he meant a framer?

We'll probably never know anyway...

 

Yep, no mention of the application. I have a roofing coil nailer, coil 3-1/2" framing nailer, 2-1/2"siding coil nailer, roofing 1" crown stapler (now illegal here), 7/16" crown stapler for sheathing, 3" length x 7/16" crown stapler for floors, framing guns, etc..... so "air nailer" can mean a lot......

Gary

 

I assumed roofing because he is in the roofing section and not the framing....
Isn't there a minimum rule of 2/3 of what you are fastening..?..

 

I think we all assumed "roof", since his OP said "roof", not "deck". Of course we know the terminology, he may not. I did ask if he was using a roofing nailer, and he did acknowledge he was using an "air" nailer, which I assumed to be a roofing nailer actuated by air.
All in all, he's gone. Probably scared away by our rantings. Maybe he'll be back to set us straight.

 

Maybe he'll be back when his roof deck blows off to curse everyone out.

 

At least it would be easy to reinstall as it would blow off in one piece