Several slate roofs use nails made of copper as they last longer over stainless steel nails. Slate roofs are compatible with copper nails and copper flashings that are coated with lead. Experts say a standard thick slate of ¼ inches would need an 11- gauge copper-nail, whereas a thicker slate needs a 10- gauge copper nail. These nails are mostly available in ring and smooth shanks. Most professionals prefer using copper nails with a smooth shank as they are convenient for repairs.
Choosing the right copper nails for roofing
Choosing the right copper nails for roofing is important for any project. The copper nail length is generally based on ¾ inches of the wooden deck, the underlayment of the roof, and twice the thickness of the roof slate. You will find the most common nails used in these projects have lengths that are 1½ inches and 1¾ inches with a 3/8 inch diameter nail head.
In most instances, the copper nails are sold in pounds. For instance, a 20-inch x 10-inch x ¼-inch slate would need about 2.32 LDB of 1½ inch nails for a single square material. Every slate piece has two holes that have been either punched in or drilled by its supplier. These holes are located on the thinner portion and the backside of the slate. If you punch the slate, it will produce a spalled countersink on its face so the head of the copper nail can sit flat. Note, roofing slates that are more than ¾ inch in thickness should have four nails per slate.
Why are copper nails better than galvanized nails for roofing?
Copper nails work well with roofing slates that are made of cement fiber. They are better than galvanized nails for the following reasons: –
1. There are building regulations in most areas that do not permit the use of galvanized nails for slate roofs.
2. The pollution in the region will damage these galvanized nails.
3. Copper nails are much simpler to pull out when broken slates need to be replaced.
4. Galvanized nails lose their protection sheen when they are hammered in.
5. Galvanized nails tend to corrode very fast, and this results in slates slipping from the roof.
Therefore, if you are working on a roofing project with slates, ensure you do not use galvanized nails for the task. You should invest in good quality copper nails for roofing as they ensure the slates are fastened together tightly. You can save time when it comes to purchasing copper nails for your roofing projects. There are credible websites from which you can order any length, grade, and size of copper nails as per your needs. These sites also give you attractive discounts on bulk orders sometimes, and in the process, you can save some money too. Order what you require from the comforts of any place as well as have the nails shipped and delivered to your destination safely.
