Hand Nailing Roof Shingles Vs Nail Gun

Hand nailing shingles is better than using a nail gun or a pneumatic nailer because it allows the roofers to feel the nail placement and ensure optimal installation.

Hand nailing roof shingles vs nail gun. While air gun nailing might seem faster a well trained hand nailer can do it almost as fast. What does the shingle manufacturer say. The key difference between the two is accuracy. Roofing manufacturers have determined that hand nailing shingles and using a nail gun are both valid methods of installing shingles so it is not a reflection on your roofer s work quality level if they choose one over the other.

If this is the case hand nailing should be preferred over the use of a nail gun. There just are not many shinglers that have the skill level to keep up with a man with a gun. What is more important than tools. Yeah call me old fashion but i was taught to roof with my trusty ajc hammer nails hell i m only 40 but think that it is superior to hand nail vs a gun.

Hand nailing can be fast but the same man at the same skill level doing the same job will perform faster using a gun and compressor. A hand nailed roof is hands down a better roof than using a nail gun. Ideal nail placement on roof shingles is limited to a very small area. Hand driving nails into shingles allows for the roofer to place the nail on the proper nail line and then drive the nail in.

As far as it taking longer. Shingles should be mechanically fastened with a pneumatic nail gun if the contractor determines that the roof sheathing is consistent and free from gaps. Click here to view my recommended gear page to see which roofing hammer and tools i believe are the best. Nails not places correctly will cause roof failures and this is very common with nail guns.

An amateur roofer is more likely to place their nails incorrectly whether they re using a. When you use a gun usually a third or under driven a third or over driven and a third or correct. Contractors who hand nail can feel whether or not the nail catches the wood but don t get that same feeling with a nail gun. Most roof systems with plywood or osb sheathing will fall into this category.

A hand nailed roof trump s a gun nailed roof any day. Hand nail vs gun nail if the air pressure is set to low on the compressor or the guns are dirty the roofing nails will not be fastened flush to the deck and will eventually pop through the roofing shingles when self sealed or stepped upon. Ensuring that the nails are properly placed each and every time because the head of the hammer stops flush on top of the shingles. What matters most during roofing installations is the experience of the roofer.