Stainless Steel Roofing Nails

A galvanized roofing nail will outlive most asphalt shingles inland. Put it on a beach house, under cedar, or on a copper flashed standing seam roof, and it will rust through in a few seasons.

Stainless is the answer, and the only place it makes sense to spend the extra money. We stock 304 stainless coil nails for general coastal and cedar work, and 316 stainless for direct salt spray exposure and marine grade specifications.

304 stainless is the default. Excellent corrosion resistance in fresh water, light salt exposure, and against organic acids in cedar. Good choice for inland coastal work, lake homes, and any roof where you want maximum life without paying for the marine premium.

316 stainless adds 2 to 3 percent molybdenum, which dramatically improves pitting resistance in chloride environments. This is the grade for direct oceanfront, marine roofs, and anywhere salt spray is a daily fact of life. If a coastal client ever asks will these last forever, 316 is the honest answer.

Spend the money when you are within a mile of saltwater (oceanfront, bayfront, brackish marsh), when you are nailing cedar shake, cedar shingle, or pressure treated wood, when the roof is copper, terne coated stainless, or zinc, when the project specs a 30 plus year shingle warranty that requires non corroding fasteners, or when the architect or engineer specifies stainless.

Stainless coils come in the same sizes as galvanized: 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, and 2 inch. For three tab and architectural shingles over 1/2 or 5/8 inch decking, 1-1/4 inch is the workhorse size. For cedar shingles or shake over solid sheathing, 1-3/4 inch gives you the penetration the manufacturer requires. Read our guide on sizing roofing nails if you are unsure.