Nailing roofing felt is a fundamental step in roofing projects that helps protect your home from moisture and leaks. This guide provides clear and concise instructions on how to correctly nail roofing felt using a nail gun, catering to both technical experts and newcomers to roofing.

Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:

1. Roofing Nail Gun: A roofing nail gun, like the Bostitch RN46, is designed for roofing applications, ensuring precise and efficient nailing.

2. Roofing Nails: Choose roofing nails specifically designed for securing felt, typically with a shank diameter of 0.120 inches.

3. Roofing Felt: Ensure you have enough roofing felt to cover your entire roof. It’s typically sold in rolls and is available in various thicknesses.

4. Safety Gear: Prioritize your safety with safety glasses and appropriate work attire.

Step 1: Preparation

• Ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, and in good condition for felt installation.
• Roll out the roofing felt on the roof surface, leaving an overhang along the eaves, typically 2-3 inches.

Step 2: Positioning

• Start at the bottom edge of the roof, unrolling the felt horizontally along the eaves.
• Ensure the felt is straight and level, allowing for a slight overlap between successive rows.

Step 3: Nailing the Felt

• Position the roofing nail gun over the overlapping section of the felt, which is usually at the top but can vary depending on the specific roofing project.
• Ensure the nail gun’s depth adjustment is set to avoid overdriving the nails.

Step 4: Nailing Pattern

• Follow the recommended nailing pattern provided by the felt manufacturer. Common patterns include spacing nails 6-8 inches horizontally and 12 inches vertically along the overlap.

Step 5: Nailing Technique

• Hold the nail gun perpendicular to the felt and press it firmly onto the material.
• Use the trigger to release nails. Roofing nail guns typically offer both single-shot and bump firing options. Choose the mode that best suits your comfort and project requirements.

Step 6: Overlapping Felt

• Continue installing felt rows, ensuring they overlap correctly based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Maintain uniformity in alignment and nail placement as you progress up the roof.

Step 7: Finishing the Ridge

• When you reach the ridge, you may need to trim and overlap the felt to complete the installation.
• Secure the overlapping sections and ridge using the same nailing pattern as before.

Conclusion

Properly nailing roofing felt is a critical step in ensuring a watertight and durable roofing system. By following these straightforward and precise steps, you can confidently use a roofing nail gun to complete your roofing felt installation. Always consult the felt manufacturer’s guidelines and local building codes to ensure compliance with regional regulations.