Roofing felt, also known as roofing underlayment, is a crucial component in roofing systems. It serves as a moisture barrier, providing an extra layer of protection between your roof deck and the shingles or other roofing materials. When it comes to installing roofing felt, the choice between using nails or staples is a common dilemma. In this article, we’ll explore the technical aspects of both methods to help you make an informed decision.

The Purpose of Roofing Felt

Before delving into the fastening methods, it’s essential to understand the role of roofing felt in your roofing system. Roofing felt has several key functions:

1. Waterproofing: It acts as a waterproof barrier, preventing water from seeping into the roof deck.

2. Protection: Roofing felt safeguards the roof deck from potential damage caused by moisture, wind-driven rain, or ice dams.

3. Sealing: It seals around roofing nails or staples, preventing water intrusion at these penetration points.

4. Reduces Slippage: It provides a secure surface for roofing materials, preventing them from sliding during installation.

Nailing Roofing Felt

Materials and Tools:

• Roofing Nails: Use galvanized or stainless steel roofing nails.
• Nail Gun: A pneumatic nail gun designed for roofing is the most efficient tool for nailing felt.

Key Points:

• Penetration Depth: Nails should penetrate the roof deck, securing the felt without causing damage to the deck itself.
• Spacing: Nails are typically spaced 6 to 8 inches apart along the horizontal seams of the felt and 12 inches apart along the vertical seams.
• Pattern: Nailing patterns may vary based on local building codes and manufacturer recommendations.

Advantages:

• Nails offer a secure and durable attachment method.
• They are less prone to pull-through or pop-up, which can occur with staples.

Considerations:

• Roofing nails may take more time and effort to install compared to staples.

Stapling Roofing Felt

Materials and Tools:

• Roofing Staples: Use corrosion-resistant staples designed for roofing applications.
• Stapler: A pneumatic stapler designed for roofing felt is the most efficient tool for stapling felt.

Key Points:

• Penetration Depth: Staples should penetrate the roof deck without over-penetrating and causing damage.
• Spacing: Staples are typically spaced at the same intervals as nails, following local codes and manufacturer guidelines.

Advantages:

• Stapling is generally quicker and requires less effort compared to nailing.
• Pneumatic staplers can increase work efficiency.

Considerations:

• Staples may be more prone to pull-through or pop-up over time, which can compromise the integrity of the felt.

Choosing the Right Method

The choice between nailing or stapling roofing felt ultimately depends on various factors, including your local building codes, the specific requirements of your roofing project, and personal preferences. Here are some guidelines:

• Local Codes: Check your local building codes to ensure compliance with their requirements.
• Project Scale: For larger projects where efficiency is key, stapling may be the preferred method.
• Durability: If long-term durability is a top concern, nailing may provide a more reliable attachment.

In conclusion, both nailing and stapling are viable methods for fastening roofing felt. By understanding the technical details and considering the specific requirements of your project, you can confidently choose the right method to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your roofing underlayment.