Can you use roofing nails for cedar shakes? Avoid 3 Dangers

The Truth About Cedar Shake Fasteners

Can you use roofing nails for cedar shakes? Yes, but only specific types are suitable. Using the wrong fasteners can cause rust stains, wood damage, and premature roof failure.

Quick Answer – Approved Cedar Shake Fasteners:

• Stainless Steel Nails (Type 304 or 316) – Best choice, highest corrosion resistance
• Hot-Dipped Galvanized Nails (ASTM A153 Class D) – Good alternative, more affordable
• Copper or Aluminum Nails – Specialty options for specific applications

Avoid These:

• Electro-galvanized (EG) nails – explicitly prohibited by industry standards
• Plain steel nails – will rust and stain cedar
• Standard construction nails – lack proper corrosion resistance

Cedar shakes are a premium roofing material that can last for decades, but they contain natural tannins and oils that are corrosive to certain metals. This chemical reaction causes ugly black streaks and can weaken your roof’s structure.

The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) sets strict guidelines for fasteners to prevent these issues. Many people mistakenly think “a nail is a nail,” but for cedar, the fastener you choose is as important as the quality of the shakes themselves.

This guide will show you exactly which roofing nails work with cedar shakes, proper installation techniques, and how to avoid costly mistakes that could damage your investment.

Handy can you use roofing nails for cedar shakes terms:

• Are Cedar Shake Roofs Good?
• Are Cedar Shake Roofs a Fire Hazard?
• Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Cost

Why Nail Selection is Critical for Your Cedar Roof

The question of can you use roofing nails for cedar shakes goes beyond simply holding the wood in place; it’s a matter of chemistry. Cedar, particularly Western Red Cedar, is rich in natural tannins. These compounds give cedar its beautiful color and natural resistance to rot and insects, but they also react corrosively with the wrong metals. When moisture from the wood’s natural oils meets an incompatible fastener, a chemical reaction begins. These materials react poorly with the moisture from natural oils in cedar wood, leading to significant problems.

This is why corrosion resistance is paramount. Nails that can’t withstand cedar’s chemistry will corrode, lose their grip, and allow shakes to loosen or lift in a storm. The right nail also prevents ugly black streaks—the permanent stains caused by this chemical reaction. Furthermore, proper fasteners are essential for:

• Ensuring proper holding power: Cedar shakes expand and contract, requiring nails with superior grip to resist wind uplift and natural wood movement.
• Avoiding split shakes: Using the correct nail diameter and installation technique prevents cracking the shakes.

Selecting the right fastener is key to maximizing the lifespan of your Cedar Shake Roofing. A properly fastened roof can last 30 to 50 years, while one with incorrect nails can fail in just a few.

The Dangers of Using the Wrong Fasteners

Using the wrong fasteners leads to a cascade of expensive problems:

• Rust and Corrosion: Incompatible nails, like plain steel, will quickly rust, causing reddish-brown streaks to bleed down your shakes.
• Staining and Discoloration: A chemical reaction between the wrong metal and cedar tannins creates permanent black stains around nail heads.
• Shake Loosening and Lifting: As nails corrode, they lose their holding power, leaving shakes vulnerable to wind damage.
• Premature Wood Decay: Lifted shakes allow water to seep underneath, promoting rot and mold growth from within.
• Water Infiltration: What begins as a fastener issue can escalate to serious interior leaks, requiring major Roof Leak Repair and causing structural damage.
• Voiding Material Warranties: Most manufacturers and the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau have strict fastener requirements. Using unapproved nails will likely void your warranty.

Skimping on fasteners undermines your entire roofing investment and guarantees costly repairs down the line.

So, Can You Use Roofing Nails for Cedar Shakes? A Guide to Approved Fasteners

The answer to can you use roofing nails for cedar shakes is yes, but only specific types. The term “roofing nail” is broad, and generic nails suitable for asphalt shingles are disastrous for cedar. Cedar’s natural tannins require fasteners made from specific, corrosion-resistant materials. Generic nails will corrode, stain the wood, and fail prematurely.

Environmental factors also play a role; a roof in a coastal area requires greater corrosion resistance than one in a dry climate. The difference between a suitable and unsuitable nail is the difference between a roof that lasts decades and one that fails in a few years.

Approved Nail Materials for Cedar Shakes

Here are your approved options, with the real story on each:

Stainless Steel Nails are the gold standard for their superior corrosion resistance. For most applications, Type 304 stainless steel is sufficient. However, for coastal areas (within 15 miles of the ocean) or for fire-retardant treated shakes, the higher-grade Type 316 stainless steel is necessary. Type 316 is specifically designed for coastal areas with high salt and chemical exposure. While more expensive, stainless steel is the best long-term investment.

Hot-Dipped Galvanized (HDG) Nails offer a solid middle ground. The key is the “hot-dipped” process, which creates a thick, protective zinc coating. These nails must meet ASTM A153 Class D standards. Regular or electro-galvanized (EG) nails have a much thinner coating that fails quickly, which is why the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau explicitly bans them.

Copper and Aluminum Nails serve specialized purposes. Copper develops a green patina, which is ideal for certain architectural styles but can also react with tannins to create dark stains. Aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance without staining and is lightweight. Both are less common for general roofing but have specific applications.

Key Nail Specifications to Look For

Beyond the metal type, the nail’s design is crucial for performance.

• Nail length is critical. The nail must penetrate the shake, underlayment, and at least 3/4 inch into the roof deck.
• Nail diameter (gauge) is typically 12-1/2 to 14 gauge for cedar—strong enough to hold but thin enough to prevent splitting.
• Head type should be flat and wide to hold the shake securely without pulling through.
• Shank style affects grip. Ring shank nails have grooves that provide superior holding power against wind and weather, making them the preferred choice over easier-to-drive smooth shank nails.

What are the minimum nail lengths for cedar shakes?

Getting the nail length right isn’t guesswork. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides these minimums:

• 16-inch & 18-inch Shingles: 3d (1-1/4″) nails.
• 24-inch Shingles: 4d (1-1/2″) nails.
• 18-inch Shakes (Handsplit/Resawn): 6d (2″) nails.
• 24-inch Shakes (Handsplit/Resawn): 6d (2″) nails.

Important: Add 1/4″ to length if using a cedar breather. This mesh underlayment adds thickness that must be accounted for.

The golden rule is that the nail must penetrate the roof sheathing by at least 3/4″. This is non-negotiable for ensuring your roof stays attached in high winds. Always check manufacturer recommendations and local building codes for additional requirements.

How to Properly Install Cedar Shakes: Nailing Best Practices

Proper installation is as crucial as nail selection. Even the best stainless steel fasteners will fail if installed incorrectly. Following the industry standards set by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) is essential for a successful Roof Installation. These guidelines are based on decades of research and are designed to prevent costly mistakes and ensure the longevity of your cedar roof. Every detail, from nail placement to depth, matters.

What are the best practices when you use roofing nails for cedar shakes?

To answer can you use roofing nails for cedar shakes successfully, you must use the correct installation technique. Proper nailing secures the shakes in a way that maximizes their lifespan and performance.

• Two fasteners per shake is the rule. Each shake must be secured with two nails. Shakes wider than 10 inches require two additional fasteners near the center to prevent cupping.
• Nail placement is precise. Position nails approximately 3/4 inch from each side edge of the shake. This prevents splitting while ensuring a solid hold.
• Height above the exposure line is also critical. Drive nails about 1-1/2 inches above the exposure line of the next course. This ensures the fasteners are covered by the overlapping shake, protecting them from weather.
• Nail depth must be perfect. The nail head should sit flush with the shake’s surface. Overdriving crushes wood fibers and creates a spot for water to pool, while underdriving leaves the shake loose and creates leak paths.
• Nailing technique should be straight and perpendicular to the roof deck for maximum holding power. While nail guns can be used, they require careful pressure adjustment to avoid damaging the cedar. Hand-nailing offers superior control.

A consistent nailing pattern ensures even holding power and a professional appearance. For complete details, we always refer to the Official CSSB Roof Nail Guide, the gold standard for cedar installation.

Are there alternatives to roofing nails for cedar shakes?

While other fasteners exist, most are unsuitable for cedar shake roofing and are discouraged by industry experts.

• Staples are not recommended by the CSSB for roofing. They have significantly reduced holding power compared to nails, a higher risk of corrosion, and are difficult to remove for repairs without damaging surrounding shakes.
• Screws are generally not used. They are impractical for large roofing projects due to the time-consuming installation, and their rotating action can damage wood fibers.
• Adhesive systems are not a substitute for mechanical fasteners. They lack the necessary long-term holding power to resist wind uplift and thermal expansion and can interfere with the cedar’s ability to breathe.

For cedar shake roofing, nails remain the industry-approved fastener. Focus on selecting the right nail and using proper installation techniques rather than seeking alternatives that compromise your roof’s integrity.

Cost, Maintenance, and Long-Term Considerations

While fasteners are a small part of the overall cost of a cedar roof, they have a massive impact on your investment. Investing in the right Roofing Materials, including quality nails, is crucial for preventing future repairs and ensuring your roof lasts for decades. The choice of fastener determines whether your roof will perform flawlessly for 30 years or fail prematurely.

Cost Considerations for Cedar Shake Nails

The cost of nails is less than 1% of your total cedar roof investment, yet their impact on its lifespan is immeasurable.

Price Disclaimer: These are average costs based on internet data from national suppliers and are not actual costs for Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters. Prices vary significantly based on material, size, quantity, and market conditions.

• Stainless steel nails typically run $30 to $90 per pound, with specialty marine-grade options reaching $150 or more. They are the most expensive but will likely outlast the roof itself.
• Hot-dipped galvanized nails cost $10 to $30 per pound, offering a solid middle-ground choice. Ensure they meet the ASTM A153 Class D standard.
• Copper and aluminum nails can range from $50 to $150+ per pound and are used for specific aesthetic or performance needs.

In contrast, cheap electro-galvanized nails ($5 to $10 per pound) will ruin a cedar roof with rust and premature failure. Spending a few hundred dollars more on proper nails is essential to protect your investment.

Maintenance and Environmental Impact

Proper nail selection simplifies long-term maintenance. Instead of reacting to fastener failures, you can focus on preventive care.

• Regular inspections are straightforward when you aren’t hunting for rust streaks or loose shakes.
• Keeping your roof clean of leaves and debris is vital, as trapped moisture puts stress on any fastener system.
• The longevity of stainless steel nails is an environmental positive, reducing waste from premature replacements.
• Cedar is a renewable resource when sourced responsibly. Ensuring your roof reaches its full lifespan by using proper materials maximizes the environmental benefits of this natural product.

Your Cedar Shake Roof Deserves Expert Installation

We hope this guide has clarified that while you can use roofing nails for cedar shakes, selecting the correct type is a critical step in Everything You Need to Know About Roof Installations. However, knowledge is only half the battle. Executing a flawless cedar roof installation requires years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how cedar behaves in various conditions. This level of detail comes from professional expertise.

The devil is truly in the details when it comes to cedar shake roofing. We’ve seen too many beautiful cedar shakes ruined by installers who had the right materials but lacked the experience to use them properly.

At Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters, cedar shake installation isn’t just another job for us – it’s a craft we’ve perfected. Our owner-led, on-site service means that Chris himself oversees every project, bringing decades of experience to your roof. We understand the subtle differences between various cedar grades and how to select and install the perfect fasteners for your specific situation.

Every detail matters when you’re investing in a premium roofing material like cedar shakes. From the initial inspection to the final cleanup, we handle each step with the precision and care that cedar demands. Our exceptional workmanship warranties back up our commitment to quality, giving you the confidence that your investment is protected.

Your cedar shake roof is more than just protection for your home – it’s a statement of quality and craftsmanship that should last for decades. Don’t leave this significant investment to chance. When you’re ready for a Cedar Shake Roofing project that combines the right materials with expert installation, we’re here to make it happen.

Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can bring the beauty and durability of properly installed cedar shakes to your home. We proudly serve Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties in Massachusetts.