Hand Nailing vs. Nail Guns

Homeowners living in homes with shingle roofs will have to deal with replacing that roof if they live in the house long enough. At the first tell tale signs that the roof is failing, most homeowners begin by getting estimates from roofing contractors on replacing or repairing the roof. Since material costs will be similar from one contractor to the next, the price differences between the estimates will probably be labor costs and the way the companies do business.

One of the variables in labor costs may be hand nailing the shingles versus using a pneumatic nail gun to attach them. The contractor using a nail gun is often able to finish the job in a much shorter time, and move on to the next job site. All other things being equal, why wouldn't you choose the lower price and faster completion for your new roof?

A very important reason to consider is the warranty on your roof. The 30 year warranty that you often get when you have a new roof installed is for the materials and does not cover the installation. Most new roof failures are caused by the installation and not a defect in the shingles. Many of these installation failures are the result of improper nailing, often caused by careless use of a nail gun.

There are several problems with using a nail gun to install shingles on a roof, many caused by inconsistency in nail depth.

- Nails may be under driven. The nail that sticks up just a little can tear into the shingles above, causing leaks.

- Nails may go in at an angle, causing the nail head to stick up, also increasing the possibility of tears and wind damage. These crooked nails do not hold as well as nails that are straight and properly driven.

- Nails may be over driven, weakening the shingle or possibly tearing all the way through it, making it vulnerable to high winds and other severe weather conditions.

- Nails may be improperly placed on the shingles, causing weak spots that may lead to leaks or to the shingles blowing off the roof entirely.

While it is true that some of these problems can also occur with hand nailing, it is rare. If you hire a reputable roofing installer, they will catch these issues as they install the roof and correct them immediately. The correct installation will be even more valuable on the slight chance that your roof fails from a failure in the shingles.

There may be other issues to consider, but you want to make sure that your choice to save some money today does not lead to more major expenses in a few short years from an improperly installed roof without an installation warranty. It will cost a little more, and it will take a little longer, but your roof, with its warranty intact that covers materials and workmanship, should last for decades.

About The Author About Russell Roofing Since 1992, Russell Roofing has built its business on solid principals and honest professionalism. With their focus on quality, Russell Roofing serves a commercial roofing and residential roofing clientele while maintaining a reputation as an innovator in the industry. Their focus on safety, quality, and customer service has made them one of the top 100 roofers in the United States. Visit http://www.russellroofing.com