But how do you know which roofing nails you need? Here at Roofing Superstore, we’ve put together a guide outlining the different types of roofing nails, and which materials they work best with, so read on.

When working on a roofing project, there are several different types of roofing nail to choose from. Each type of roofing nail has a slightly different benefit. So each individual type works best when used with a specific type of roofing material. This means it is important to ensure you have the correct roofing nails for your latest roofing project. A ring shank nail should be used on softwood that isn’t known to split, and should not be used on hardwood as it will damage the material if and when the ring shank nail is removed. Smooth shank nails If you are looking for a cost-effective alternative to copper nails yet still comply with British Standard, alloy clout nails are an excellent choice. These nails have been specifically manufactured for use on natural slate roofs and will protect your roof from nail fatigue. Stainless Steel Slate Hooks Some metal fixings are flimsy. Others take too much time, are awkward to prepare, and if wrongly prepared the head of the slate could slip off the upper batten.TIL-R Classic Copper Slate Straps are suitable for use on pitched slate roofs, at all exposures throughout the UK. Galvanised steel nails are steel nails that are coated with a zinc-based product, which means that a galvanised steel nail has all the characteristics of a steel nail, but with added benefits. The zinc coating adds extra protection and durability, as well as preventing rust from forming for many years. Additionally, the coating means that the nails are not as affected by thermal expansion and contraction as the season and temperatures change. A screw shank nail is most commonly used with hardwood and other dense materials – if used with a softer material or softwood, it can cause the material or wood to weaken and split. Ring shank nails

Hall Hook slate repair fixings are the market leading remedial repair hook, designed over a 20 year period by an experienced slating contractor who always wanted to have the perfect solution to an everyday roofing problem. The TIL-R Classic Hip Support Tray is included in the ONE Warranty, covering your pitched roofing products performance for 15 years. Copper nails are known for their durability and long lifespans, as well as their resistance to chemicals and rust-resistant properties. The copper nail is also much stronger than other nails such as aluminium nails. Therefore they can be used to secure roofing materials to harder wood with no issues. Smooth shank nails are one of the most popular forms of roofing nail available. With no thread, the smooth shank nail relies on the friction between the wood fibres and the smooth shank for resistance and holding power. Smooth shank nails can be used in a wide range of general construction applications, and provide enough strength and holding power for most uses. Clout nailsIf you only need to repair a small area of your slate roof, we offer the Hall hook slate repair fixings kit. The Hall hook will leave you with a professional, neat repair that is fail-safe and invisible once complete. Unlike many slate repair methods and plastic alternatives, these hooks are durable, time-efficient, and the perfect answer to everyday roofing problems. Copper Slate Straps

Aluminium nails are popular due to their natural rust-resistant properties, which are often even better than manmade rust-resistant coatings that are applied to other roofing nails. Additionally, aluminium nails are commonly chosen due to their lightweight characteristics, which not only minimises the additional weight on the roof but also makes installation easier. Fixing with a slate hook involves trimming the head of the slate, thereby losing some head lap (a building inspector may not accept this) Aluminium nails are most commonly used to fix shingles and metal roof sheets securely in place. However, if working in a coastal or industrial area, aluminium nails would not be as suitable due to their reaction when exposed to salt or chemicals. Copper nails The TIL-R Classic Hip Support Tray can be used with TIL-R’s Universal Dry Fix Ridge System, as well as most other similar hip kits on the market. It’s a high performance, exceptional value, solution. Galvanised nails can be used in a wide range of applications, but are most commonly used in the installation of asphalt shingles and felt on outbuildings, sheds and more – wherever adverse weather conditions are common, galvanised nails are a good choice.

Dimensions

A ring shank nail has a series of circular threads which are used to create a secure grip. The rings sit within wood fibres, providing resistance which means that the ring shank nail is less easily pulled out of the material. This makes ring shank nails twice as resistant to being pulled out compared with smooth shank nails. The TIL-R Classic Eaves Protection System provides an effective level of eaves protection and is an essential part of any pitched roof system, protecting timber fascias from water damage. Available in 1.5 metre lengths, TIL-R Eaves Protection System is perfect for refurbishment projects to replace rotted gutter felt and is ideal for new build applications because it reduces long term eaves maintenance problems by directing water away from the underlay and into the gutter.