The construction process can be very hectic and tiring. However, if you had any construction work done lately, then you probably have heard details about the roofing staples versus nails debate. Shingle staples have been around for a very long time. This is why it used to be common practice to use staples to attach asphalt shingles to a roof.

Stapling shingles to your roof is not the only method. In fact, it’s prohibited in states like Minnesota. But some roofers still prefer using shingle staples over nails.

Why Are Shingles Staples Used for Roofing?

When it comes to using staples to attach asphalt, it is one of the oldest techniques in the book. It’s still very common and many roofers prefer to use staples. This is probably because staple guns are smaller and better balanced. Coil nail guns are literally fed with a coil of nails and the holder for the nails makes the gun much bulkier.

Here are some of the reasons why roofers prefer to use staples:

  • Jamming Issues: Staples are far less prone to jamming up in a gun than a nail gun for shingles.
  • Monetary Differences: Staples cost less money.
  • Size and Functionality: Staples are much more compact; a roofer can hold a bunch of sticks of staples in their pocket and reload their gun very quickly.
  • Space and Time: Nail coils take up a lot more space and they take more time to reload. If a coil of nails gets dropped or stepped on, it deforms the coil and makes it much more prone to jamming in the gun.

The Differences Between Staples and Nails

Staples are used because they make the roofer’s job easier, but they aren’t necessarily better. The problem with stapled shingles is that they have a much greater chance of coming loose or blowing off the roof because staples are so easy to install improperly. Shingle staples are often improperly installed because it’s not as easy to hold a staple gun completely perpendicular to the shingle. The staples will have a tendency to be driven at an improper angle.

What Problems Are Caused by Shingle Staples?

When staples are installed properly, they work fine, but it’s very common to install them incorrectly. This issue doesn’t happen with nails because they have a round head. As long as a nail is driven into a shingle straight, it doesn’t matter which way the nail gun is turned.

It’s easy to tell whether shingles have been installed using staples. You can sometimes see the outline of the staples pushing through the shingle.

How to Maintain Stapled Shingles

If you have a roof with stapled shingles, you don’t need to replace the shingles, but there are some risks.

If shingles start blowing off regularly, you’ll probably want to have the roof covering replaced. This will be less costly and less of a hassle in the long run and will help avoid the need for constant roof repairs.

When I inspect a house with improperly installed shingles, I tell my buyers the same thing: The shingles don’t need to be replaced, but they might cause some headaches. If shingles have already started coming loose and obvious repairs have been made, I typically recommend replacing the roof covering.

Alternatives to Shingle Staples for Long-Lasting Roofs

In the modern world of construction, there are many alternatives to age-old shingle staples.

Some of the most common modernized alternatives to shingles staples are:

  • Roofing nails: Nails tend to have a sturdier hold on everything. They also offer better wind resistance, which means less damage.
  • Screws: Some people also tend to prefer screws over shingles. This is because of their excellent grip and rarely pull out.
  • Adhesive systems: When it comes to modern choices, adhesive roofing systems tend to take the lead due to their seamless and faster installation. They are also durable.
  • Mechanically attached systems: Mechanically attached roofing systems are strong and easy to inspect and repair, making them a good option.
  • Roofing clips or strips: They are better than staples because they allow expansion while improving roof integrity and quality.

FAQ

Are shingle staples waterproof or rust-resistant?

Most shingle staples are made entirely of stainless steel, so they are naturally rust-resistant.

Sources:

  • MJM: “M J Moser Inspection & Construction Consulting”
  • Iowa State University: “Effectiveness of clips, staples and cement as fasteners for asphalt-shingle tabs.”
  • Angi: “Should Roofers Use Nail Guns Or Hand Nail Shingles?”