Have you ever looked closely at a beautiful cedar shake roof and wondered what keeps those weathered shingles perfectly in place, year after year, against wind and rain? The secret often lies in something small but incredibly important: the nails. Choosing the right fasteners for your cedar shakes is not just a small detail; it is the difference between a roof that lasts for decades and one that starts failing prematurely.
Many homeowners and builders face real frustration when picking nails. Should you use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized? What about the length and the head shape? Getting this wrong can lead to ugly rust stains bleeding down your beautiful wood or, worse, loose shakes that invite water damage. It feels like a technical maze!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about nail material, size, and type, ensuring your cedar shake installation is secure and long-lasting. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect nail for your roofing project. Let’s dive into the details that secure your investment from the top down.
Top Nails For Cedar Shakes Recommendations
- 5D Galvanized Ring Shank Cedar Shake Nail
- Size - 1.75 in.
- Dimension - 1.78 x 3.15 x 4.53 in.
- Item Weight - 1 lbs.
- Package Quantity: 1
- The product is lb 1.5 inch cedar shake nail
- Easy and simple use kit
- The product is manufactured in china
- Approximately (95) nails/lb
- Won’t rust and leave those nails stains on siding
- Ring Shank design for better grip and reduces pull out nail pop & splitting
- 2.5” - #10 Gauge - 304 Grade Stainless Steel
- Ideal for wood siding like Cedar & Redwood and Slate roofs
- Manufactured in china
- Easy to use
- Highly durable
- Double hot zinc coated
- Length: 1-3/4 inches
- Approximately (95) nails/lb
- Won’t rust and leave those nails stains on siding
- Ring Shank design for better grip and reduces pull out nail pop & splitting
- 2.5” - #10 Gauge - 304 Grade Stainless Steel
- Ideal for wood siding like Cedar & Redwood and Slate roofs
- Lilianos FASTENERS 461631 Cedar Shake Nails, Ring Shank, Galvanized, 5D, 1
- 75-In
- , 1-Lb
- LB, 1-3/4", 5D Galvanized Ring Shank Cedar Shake Nail
- ECCN EAR99
- Approximately (95) nails/lb
- Won’t rust and leave those nails stains on siding
- Ring Shank design for better grip and reduces pull out nail pop & splitting
- 2.5” - #10 Gauge - 304 Grade Stainless Steel
- Ideal for wood siding like Cedar & Redwood and Slate roofs
Nailing Down the Best: Your Buying Guide for Cedar Shake Fasteners
Cedar shakes offer a beautiful, rustic look for your roof. But what holds them in place? The right nails are crucial! Using the wrong fasteners can lead to rust, leaks, and shingles blowing off. This guide helps you pick the perfect nails for your cedar shake project.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for cedar shake nails, several features make a big difference in how long your roof lasts. Focus on these key points:
1. Corrosion Resistance
Cedar wood naturally holds moisture. If your nails rust, they weaken and can stain the wood. You need nails that fight off rust.
2. Proper Length and Gauge
The nail must go deep enough into the roof decking to hold the shake securely. Too short, and wind pulls the shake off. Too long, and the point pokes through, causing leaks.
- Length: Generally, nails should penetrate the underlying wood deck by at least 3/4 inch.
- Gauge (Thickness): Thicker nails offer more holding power but can split the cedar. Thin nails might bend easily.
3. Head Style
The nail head must grip the shake without piercing it entirely or leaving a large, ugly mark.
Common Head Types:
- Smooth Shank: The most common type.
- Ring Shank (or Annular Ring): These have small rings around the shaft. These rings lock into the wood fibers, making it much harder for the nail to pull out in high winds. They offer superior holding power.
Important Materials Matter Most
The material of the nail determines its lifespan. Do not skimp here; a cheap nail means future roof repair costs.
Stainless Steel (The Gold Standard)
Stainless steel nails are the best choice. They resist rust almost completely, even with the natural tannins in cedar. They cost more upfront, but they save money long-term.
Hot-Dip Galvanized (A Good Alternative)
These nails have a thick zinc coating applied after the nail is formed. This coating protects the steel underneath. Ensure the galvanization is thick; thin coatings wear off faster.
Copper (Use with Caution)
Copper nails last a very long time and look good, but they are expensive and soft. They are often used for decorative purposes or where extreme corrosion resistance is needed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the material; it’s about how the nail interacts with the wood.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Ring Shanks: As mentioned, these dramatically increase wind resistance.
- Proper Pre-Drilling (for very thick shakes): Sometimes, installers drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the nail to prevent the cedar from splitting during installation.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Electro-Galvanized Nails: These have a very thin zinc coating. They rust quickly when exposed to rain and cedar acids. Avoid these for roofing.
- Using the Wrong Tool: Using an air nailer set too high can drive the nail head too deep, crushing the wood fibers around the head and creating a weak spot for water entry.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most users find that stainless steel, ring-shank nails provide the best experience. They install smoothly and offer peace of mind during storms. Cedar shakes are used on roofs and sometimes on exterior walls (siding).
If you live in a coastal area or a region with frequent, powerful storms, invest in stainless steel ring-shank nails. For standard, dry climates, high-quality hot-dip galvanized ring-shank nails often work well.
10 FAQs About Cedar Shake Nails
Q: Can I use regular framing nails on my cedar shakes?
A: No. Regular steel nails rust very fast. Rust stains the cedar and weakens the fastener, leading to roof failure.
Q: What is the most important feature to look for?
A: Corrosion resistance is the most important. Stainless steel is the best material choice.
Q: Why are ring-shank nails better than smooth nails?
A: The rings grip the wood fibers tightly, preventing the nail from pulling out due to wind uplift or wood shrinkage.
Q: Do I need to use special nails for cedar shingles versus cedar shakes?
A: Shakes are thicker than shingles. You might need slightly longer nails for shakes to ensure proper deck penetration, but the material requirements (stainless steel) remain the same.
Q: What happens if the nail head sits too high above the shake surface?
A: If the head sticks up, water pools around it, increasing the chance of leaks, and it looks unsightly.
Q: Is it okay if the nail punctures the shake slightly?
A: Yes, the nail head must sit flush or slightly below the surface of the shake. However, if the point pokes through the underside, it creates a leak path.
Q: Are copper nails a good choice for cedar?
A: They are excellent for resisting rust, but they are very soft. They are usually more expensive than stainless steel.
Q: How do I know if my galvanized nails are good quality?
A: Look for “Hot-Dip Galvanized.” If the packaging just says “galvanized,” it might be the lower-quality electro-galvanized type.
Q: Can I use shorter nails if I am nailing into plywood decking instead of solid wood boards?
A: You must always check local building codes, but generally, you need at least 3/4 inch penetration into the deck material, regardless of what the deck is made of.
Q: Should I seal the nails after installation?
A: No. Cedar needs to breathe. Sealing the nail heads traps moisture, which speeds up wood rot around the fastener.