roof nails

[leewilliams]

Dear all.
Could someone advise me on roof nails for use with reclaimed welsh slate, size of slates (24" x 12") . The reclaimed slate is for use on a new build roof. My roofer wants to use galvanised nails, and I have asked him about cooper roof nails he says that galvinised ones are better. Which should I have him to use?

 

[Nemesis]

We used stainless. I think copper is OK.

Site for anoraks:

http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/typesofnail.htm

 

[Gervase]

Copper nails are better - with galvanised nails the zinc coating can be scraped off when they're hammered in, leaving the nail prone to rust. And if you ever need to remove the slates again, copper nails are easier to cut with a slate ripper.

 

[Nemesis]

Thinking about it, we had copper for a full re-roof in a previous house, the ss were for an outhouse here but I know you are correct re the ripping stuff.

I think galvanised are not as long lasting.

 

[Lime]

The problem with copper nails is that they are very soft and often bend as they are hammered.
They don't always enter the wood well and often fracture.
Regardless of the fact that the roof ripper will cut through copper better I think stainless would be my choice.
Galvanised or sheradised nails were the type the victorians used but the modern version doesn't seem to resist rust so well, perhaps to do with pollution and/or the steel used for the nail.

 

[GK]

You want anorakia? Galvanised nails are nbg for a last-a-lifetime slating job. Regardless of the scratching/rusting issue, the heads don't shape themselves to the hole like copper ones do. You hammer them in so that the copper head just starts to deform into the slate hole, so the slate is just held with the teeniest bit of tension on it. Then they won't rattle in a gale. Galvy nails can't hold a slate like a copper nail, if you nail them to the point of tension the slate often breaks or the back of the hole breaks out. So they have to be left a bit loose, the slate moves and the hole gets bigger and bigger.

 

[Nemesis]

I worry about you.

I gather our outbuilding needs re-doing. Ss seemed to be the thing at the time.

I agree re galvanised though.