Hand Nail Vs Gun Nail Roofing

Taking into consideration the same size nail is used.

Hand nail vs gun nail roofing.

Hand nailed roofs most nails come out during tear off. However most manufactures claim that either method is a viable option. Click here to view my recommended gear page to see which roofing hammer and tools i believe are the best. I have roofing crews that can hand nail just as fast as a gun.

Hand nail installers are quick to feel a nail miss the wood sheathing while nail gun operators have to rely on sounds and intuition. A hand nailed roof is hands down a better roof than using a nail gun. Nails not places correctly will cause roof failures and this is very common with nail guns. Hand nailing can be fast but the same man at the same skill level doing the same job will perform faster using a gun and compressor.

Hand nailing shingles is better than using a nail gun or a pneumatic nailer because it allows the roofers to feel the nail placement and ensure optimal installation. When you use a gun usually a third or under driven a third or over driven and a third or correct. Most times the roofs that have been put on with a nailer all nails stay in the wood when tearing off. Some roofers think that using a nail gun delivers the same level of precision as hand nailing.

There just are not many shinglers that have the skill level to keep up with a man with a gun. If this is the case hand nailing should be preferred over the use of a nail gun. A hand nailed roof trump s a gun nailed roof any day. But it s important for these roofers to always test their tools before using them.

A good contractor will inspect the roof sheathing after it is removed to determine if nail misses are likely to occur.