STINGER Fastener Field Guide — Northeast Edition

Answer questions below — get exact nail spec, length, coating, and SKU for your roofing application.

1. Roofing material?

✓ Recommended Specification

Nail Length

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Coating

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Shank Type

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ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES — GAF / CERTAINTEED / OWENS CORNING

IRC R905.2.5: Min. 12-gauge shank, 3/8" head, 1" penetration into deck (or full thickness if <1"). 4 nails per shingle standard; 6 nails in high-wind zones (>110 mph design). Ring shank required for FORTIFIED designation.

Standard Installation — IRC R905.2.5

Application	Nail Length	Shank	Coating	Gauge	Notes
Standard — new construction, ≤1/2" OSB	1-1/4"	Smooth	EG or HDG	11 or 12 ga	Most common roofing nail. IRC R905.2.5: must penetrate through sheathing and ≥3/4" into deck. 1-1/4" satisfies this on 7/16"–1/2" OSB. Min 3/8" head.
Reroofing over 1 existing layer	1-3/4"	Smooth or Ring	EG or HDG	11 or 12 ga	Existing shingle adds ~0.14"–0.28". Must still achieve full penetration through old + new shingles + deck.
High-wind — 110+ mph zones (6 nails)	1-3/4"	Ring Shank	EG or HDG	11 ga	IRC 110+ mph: 6 nails per shingle, ring shank for pull-through resistance. 3/4" deck → use 2".
FORTIFIED designation (IBHS)	1-3/4"	Ring Shank	HDG or 304 SS	11 ga	6-nail pattern required. Ring shank required. Homeowner qualifies for 25–55% insurance discount in approved states.
3/4" deck or reroofing 2 layers	2"	Smooth or Ring	EG or HDG	12 ga	Thicker material stack requires longer nail to achieve required deck penetration.
Coastal — within 15 miles of salt water	1-1/4"–1-3/4"	Ring Shank	HDG minimum	11 ga	Salt air corrodes EG through shingle — staining and fastener failure. HDG minimum. 304 SS preferred. Length per application above.
Oceanfront / direct waterfront	1-1/4"–1-3/4"	Ring Shank	304 SS or 316 SS	11 ga	Stainless prevents staining and premature fastener failure. Length per application above.

Manufacturer Nailing Zones — Key Specs

Manufacturer	Nailing Zone	Standard Nails	High-Wind	Nail Gauge Req.
GAF	Per product install guide — 5-5/8" from bottom for most Timberline	4 nails, smooth shank OK	6 nails, ring shank recommended	Min 12 ga, 3/8" head
CertainTeed	Nailing line on shingle — varies by exposure	4 nails min	6 nails, ASTM F1667	Min 12 ga, 3/8" head
Owens Corning	Within nailing zone — 1" from each end	4 nails, smooth OK	6 nails; ring shank in Zone 2+	Min 12 ga, 3/8" head
Atlas	Per install guide — nailing zone printed	4 nails	6 nails ring shank	Min 12 ga, 3/8" head

Nail placement matters as much as length. Nails placed too high (above the nailing zone) leave the shingle under-fastened — wind load transfers directly to the adhesive strip. Nails too low split the shingle and void the warranty. Follow the printed nailing line on every shingle.

The FORTIFIED upsell: Switching from 4-nail smooth to 6-nail ring shank adds roughly $12–$18 in fastener cost per square. Homeowners in IBHS-approved states earn 25–55% insurance discounts — present it as the "Storm Defense Upgrade" and charge $250–$400 above standard install.

SYNTHETIC SLATE — BRAVA · DAVINCI ROOFSCAPES

Synthetic slate and shake products are significantly heavier than asphalt shingles and have specific fastener requirements to prevent cracking, pulling through, or voiding the manufacturer warranty. Always verify the current install guide for the specific product — specs vary by thickness and profile.

BRAVA ROOF TILE

Per Brava install guides: corrosion-resistant ring shank nails required — smooth shank is NOT acceptable. Acceptable coatings: stainless steel (304 or 316), hot-dipped zinc coated (HDG), copper, or aluminum. SS recommended within 10 miles of salt water.

Brava Product	Standard Length	High-Wind Length	Shank	Coating	Head / Penetration
Old World Slate	1-3/4"	2"	Ring Shank required	HDG, 304 SS, 316 SS, copper, or aluminum — all accepted. SS recommended ≤10 mi coast.	3/8" head · 1/2" into sheathing min.
Cedar Shake	1-3/4"	2" (288.5 PSF design pressure)	Ring Shank required	HDG, 304 SS, 316 SS, copper, or aluminum. SS recommended ≤10 mi coast.	3/8" head · 1/2" into sheathing min.
Spanish Barrel	Long enough to penetrate 1/2" into deck	Per local code	Ring Shank required	Same as above — all corrosion-resistant options accepted	3/8" head · 1/2" into sheathing

Brava explicitly prohibits: Smooth shank nails (insufficient grip, tile dislodgement risk). Fasteners must penetrate through the fastener pad on the back of the tile. Drive flush — not countersunk, not overdriven.

Note on previous field guide versions: Earlier versions of this guide incorrectly stated HDG and aluminum were prohibited by Brava. Per the actual Brava install guides, both are explicitly listed as acceptable. Stainless steel remains the preferred spec for coastal and high-humidity applications.

DAVINCI ROOFSCAPES (Bellaforté Slate / Shake / Select Shake)

Per DaVinci install guides: nails must penetrate through the roof deck and exceed it by 3/16". In most instances 1-1/2" is acceptable. Ring shank optional on plywood but required for OSB decks and high-wind areas. DaVinci explicitly accepts EG nails for inland warranty compliance.

DaVinci Product	Standard Length	High-Wind (110 mph)	Shank	Coating	Notes
Bellaforté Slate	1-1/2"	1-3/4" ring shank, 5 fasteners	Smooth OK on plywood · Ring required on OSB & high-wind	HDG, copper, or SS. EG accepted inland per warranty. SS recommended coastal.	Penetrate through deck + 3/16". Min 3/8" head. 2 nails per tile standard.
Bellaforté Shake	1-1/2"	1-3/4" ring shank, 5 fasteners	Smooth OK on plywood · Ring required on OSB & high-wind	HDG, copper, or SS. EG accepted inland per warranty.	Same penetration spec. DaVinci explicitly states EG in compliance with Limited Lifetime Material Warranty for inland.
Select Shake	1-3/4"	1-3/4" ring shank, 5 fasteners	Ring Shank on OSB & high-wind	HDG, copper, or SS recommended. EG accepted inland.	Per DaVinci Select Shake install guide: 1-3/4" ring shank specified by name.
Multi-Width Slate	1-1/2"	1-3/4" ring shank	Ring required OSB/high-wind	HDG, SS, copper. SS recommended coastal.	Variable widths — nail at manufacturer-specified location. Don't nail within 1" of edge.

DaVinci does NOT allow: Nails that fail to penetrate through deck + 3/16". Overdriven nails — use depth limiter on pneumatic guns, overdriving creates craters that collect moisture. Min 3/8" head required.

EG on DaVinci — what the guide actually says: "DaVinci Roofscapes supports the use of Electro-galvanized nails and a system using those nails will be in compliance with the DaVinci Limited Lifetime Material Warranty." Exception: if EG nails fail, wind performance warranty is void. For NE coastal, recommend HDG or SS regardless.

METAL ROOFING — EXPOSED FASTENER · STANDING SEAM

Metal roofing is the fastest-growing residential roofing category in the Northeast. Fastener choice is critical — the wrong fastener causes electrogalvanic corrosion, stripped threads, and failed seals. Match fastener coating to panel coating and substrate.

EXPOSED FASTENER (Corrugated, R-Panel, 5-V Crimp)

Exposed fastener metal roofing uses self-drilling screws with EPDM neoprene washers. The washer compresses to create a watertight seal — torque control is critical. Under-torque = leaks. Over-torque = blown-out seal.

Application	Fastener	Thread	Coating	Washer	Notes
Steel panel → wood deck	#10 × 1-1/2" or 1-3/4"	Self-drilling, #3 point	Zinc or Galv-Kote	EPDM neoprene, 1/2" OD	Primary fastener for steel panels over OSB or plywood. Match screw head color to panel.
Steel panel → steel purlin	#10 × 1" or 1-1/4"	Self-drilling, #4 or #5 point	Zinc or Galv-Kote	EPDM neoprene, 1/2" OD	Heavier point required to drill through steel. Length depends on purlin gauge.
Aluminum panel → wood deck	#10 × 1-1/2"	Self-drilling, #2 point	Stainless or coated — NO zinc	EPDM neoprene	Galvanic corrosion between zinc-coated fastener and aluminum panel. Use SS or aluminum screw.
Coastal — any metal panel	#10 × 1-1/2"–1-3/4"	Self-drilling	316 SS recommended	EPDM neoprene	Zinc fasteners corrode rapidly in salt air — rust streaks down panel, seal fails. 316 SS is the right call.
Ridge cap / closure strip	#10 × 1-3/4"–2"	Self-drilling	Match panel fastener	EPDM neoprene	Longer screw accounts for foam closure strip thickness. Critical wind point — never under-fasten ridge.

STANDING SEAM (Hidden Fastener)

Standing seam metal roofing uses concealed clips — the panel itself is never punctured. This eliminates the leak risk of exposed fasteners. Clip fasteners are typically manufacturer-specified; the critical nail is the underlayment cap nail beneath the panel.

Component	Fastener	Coating	Notes
Clip to deck	Manufacturer-specified clip screw (typically #10 × 1-1/4")	Zinc or SS per mfr.	Use only manufacturer-approved clips and fasteners — affects panel float and thermal movement. Third-party clips void warranty.
Underlayment to deck	NailPac 1" cap nail	EG inland · SS coastal	Standing seam over synthetic underlayment — NailPac is the right cap fastener. Critical wind layer under a premium roof system.
Eave trim / drip edge	#10 × 1" or 1-1/4"	Match panel coating	Typically pre-drilled. 12" o.c. spacing along eave. Sealed with compatible caulk at overlaps.

Critical: Do NOT mix metals. Steel fastener into aluminum panel = galvanic corrosion. Aluminum fastener into steel panel = same problem. Copper anything near galvanized or aluminum = accelerated failure. Rule: match fastener coating to panel material or use 304/316 SS as universal safe choice.

Additional Roofing Materials — Fastener Reference

Material	Common Fastener	Length	Coating	Notes
Concrete Tile	Tile nail or screw into battens	10d+ (3")	HDG or SS	Tiles nailed through pre-drilled hole into wood batten. Heavy load — verify structural capacity of deck and framing before tile install.
Clay Tile	Tile nail or clip system	Per mfr.	316 SS coastal	Most clay tile uses mechanical clip systems rather than direct nailing. Nail spec varies by manufacturer and batten system.
TPO / EPDM Flat	Insulation fastener (2-3" minimum) + plate	2-3"+ depending on insulation	Galvanized	Flat roofing uses insulation plates and screws to anchor membrane — not standard roofing nails. Mechanical attachment density per wind zone.
Slate (natural)	Slater's nail (copper preferred)	1-1/2"–2"	Copper or SS	Natural slate traditionally uses copper nails — non-reactive, last the life of the roof. Stainless acceptable. Never EG or HDG (corrode before slate wears out).

CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE ROOFING (CSSB STANDARD)

Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) and IRC R905.7/R905.8 govern cedar roofing fastener requirements. CSSB specifies exact nail sizes by product type — shingles and shakes are different. Penetration: 3/4" into sheathing, or all the way through if sheathing is less than 1/2".

CEDAR SHINGLES — CSSB Fastener Table

Product	Nail Size	Min. Length	Shank	Coating — Inland	Coating — ≤15 mi coast
16" Cedar Shingles	3d Box	1-1/4"	Ring Shank preferred	HDG ASTM A153 Class D or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)
18" Cedar Shingles	3d Box	1-1/4"	Ring Shank preferred	HDG or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)
24" Cedar Shingles	4d Box	1-1/2"	Ring Shank preferred	HDG or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)

CEDAR SHAKES — CSSB Fastener Table

Product	Nail Size	Min. Length	Shank	Coating — Inland	Coating — ≤15 mi coast
18" Straight-Split Shake	5d Box	1-3/4"	Ring Shank	HDG or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)
18" Handsplit & Resawn	6d Box	2"	Ring Shank	HDG or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)
24" Tapersplit Shake	5d Box	1-3/4"	Ring Shank	HDG or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)
18" & 24" Tapersawn Shake	6d Box	2"	Ring Shank	HDG or 304 SS	316 SS required (CSSB)

Nail Placement — CSSB Requirements

Rule	Requirement
Count	Always 2 fasteners per shingle or shake — no exceptions
Position	3/4" from side edge · 1-1/2" above exposure line (butt line of course above)
Head	Drive flush — overdriven splits cedar and creates water pathway
Wide shake (>9")	Split in field or add 3rd nail at center
Gap	1/4" minimum between shakes for seasonal expansion

CSSB PROHIBITS on cedar roofing: EG nails ("Do not use electro-galvanized fasteners" — exact CSSB language), aluminum nails, staples except 16ga SS in specific applications. 316 SS required within 15 miles of salt water.

HDG vs. 304 SS inland: CSSB allows HDG ASTM A153 Class D for inland. Cedar tannins can attack the HDG coating over time — 304 SS is the professional recommendation. The cost difference per square is minimal vs. a 30-year roof.

UNDERLAYMENT — STINGER NAILPAC CAP FASTENER SYSTEM

Every major roofing manufacturer requires cap fasteners — not staples — for synthetic underlayment installation. CertainTeed: DO NOT USE STAPLES. GAF: prohibited on synthetic. Atlas: prohibited. OC: same-day only without caps. IRC 2012+ mandates cap fasteners in high-wind regions — all 11 NE states.

Why Cap Nails vs. Staples

Factor	Staple	STINGER NailPac Cap Nail
Bearing surface	~0.08 sq in (wire width)	~0.79 sq in (10× staple) — 1" cap spreads load
Wind resistance	Fails at ~60 mph pull-through	Tested to 180 mph for 60 min (ASTM D3161)
Holes per square	800 open holes per square	Cap compresses and seals each penetration point
Mfr. compliance	Voids GAF, CT, Atlas, OC warranties	Required by 83% of major manufacturers
Code compliance	Non-compliant — IRC R905.4.3.2 high-wind	Code printed on every STINGER box
FORTIFIED eligible	Prohibited by IBHS	NailPac meets FORTIFIED standard requirements

NailPac Length & Application Guide

Application	Recommended Length	Coating	Coverage	Notes
Standard — 7/16" OSB, no foam	1" NailPac	EG inland · SS coastal	~25 sq/box (2,000ct)	1" cap nail through underlayment + 7/16" OSB achieves required deck penetration. Standard NE residential.
1/2"–3/4" deck	1" NailPac	EG inland · SS coastal	~25 sq/box	Same nail — thicker deck means even better penetration. No change required.
Over foam board (1/2")	1" NailPac (verify penetration)	EG inland · SS coastal	Per job	Foam adds length requirement — confirm nail reaches deck. May need 1-1/4" or pneumatic verification.
FORTIFIED / coastal	1" NailPac Stainless	304 SS or 316 SS	~25 sq/box	IBHS FORTIFIED requires cap fasteners. NailPac Stainless (0136264) is FORTIFIED-approved. Required for coastal.
High-wind eaves (double coverage)	1" NailPac	EG or SS	More nails/sq at eaves	IRC high-wind zones often require 4" o.c. spacing at eaves vs. 12" field spacing. Critical wind entry point.

STINGER NailPac Products

0136260

NailPac EG Cap Nails — 1" × .083" (14ga) ring-shank, 2,000ct

EG steel · 1" plastic collated caps · Use >3,000 ft from salt water · ~$37 cost / $55+ street / $18+ margin · ~25 sq coverage

PRIMARY

0136264

NailPac Stainless — 1" × .083" (14ga) ring-shank, 2,000ct

SS · FORTIFIED-approved · Coastal / high-value applications · ~25 sq coverage

COASTAL

0136252

CN100B Cap Nailer — pneumatic, collated

5 nails/sec · 200-cap magazine · ~$175–200 retail · Drives contractor adoption and consumable pull-through

TOOL

The CN100B Trojan Horse: Sell or demo the CN100B and you've created a contractor who can only run STINGER NailPac consumables. Every roof = $18+ margin pull-through. Your cost: $37/box. Street price: $55+. One box covers one full residential roof. 30 converted accounts = $58,125+ annual incremental margin.

Every major shingle manufacturer requires cap fasteners — not staples — to qualify for their enhanced warranty tiers. This is the most underused selling argument in roofing distribution. Use this tab to show contractors exactly what they're leaving on the table when they staple underlayment.

GAFLargest U.S. shingle manufacturer

Warranty Tier	Cap Fastener Required?	Rep Opportunity
Standard Limited	Not required	Upsell conversation starter
System Plus™	Cap nails required	0136260 or 0136264 + CN100B
Golden Pledge® (50-yr)	Cap nails required — GAF-certified contractor only	Highest-value upsell. Contractor must be GAF Master Elite.

GAF's enhanced warranties require a complete roofing system including properly fastened underlayment. Staples alone do not qualify for System Plus or Golden Pledge coverage.

CertainTeedJohn's preferred manufacturer (SQS / Master Craftsman)

Warranty Tier	Cap Fastener Required?	Rep Opportunity
SureStart™ Basic	Not required	Entry point — educate on upgrade path
SureStart Plus™	Cap nails or cap staples required	NailPac (0136260) recommended over staples
5-STAR™ (50-yr)	Full system install — cap fasteners required	Highest tier — ShingleMaster contractor only

CertainTeed's enhanced warranty tiers require certified installation. As a CertainTeed Master Craftsman and Shingle Quality Specialist, you're positioned to spec the full system including NailPac.

Owens CorningStrong consumer brand recognition

Warranty Tier	Cap Fastener Required?	Rep Opportunity
Standard Limited	Not required	Upsell to Preferred or Total Protection
Preferred Protection™	Cap fasteners required	NailPac (0136260) + CN100B nailer demo
Total Protection™ (50-yr)	Full system required — cap fasteners required	Preferred Contractor program — premium project

IKOStrong in NE market

Warranty Tier	Cap Fastener Required?	Rep Opportunity
Standard	Not required	Entry point
Dynasty / Nordic	Cap nails recommended, system install required	NailPac + full system sell

FORTIFIED Home™ (IBHS)Insurance discount program

What it is: IBHS FORTIFIED designation is an independent construction standard that qualifies homeowners for 25–55% insurance premium discounts in participating states.

Cap nail requirement: FORTIFIED Roof requires cap nails or cap staples. Staples alone (A-11) do NOT qualify. NailPac meets FORTIFIED standard.

Additional requirements: 6-nail pattern (not 4), ring shank nails, sealed roof deck, proper underlayment installation.

Incremental fastener cost: Switching from 4-nail smooth to 6-nail ring shank + NailPac adds roughly $15–$25 in fastener cost per square. Homeowner saves hundreds per year on insurance.

Northeast participating states: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT all have insurers offering FORTIFIED discounts — check ibhs.org for current participating carriers.

💬 REP SCRIPT: "Your customer can add $15 in nails and potentially save $300–$600 a year on their homeowner's insurance. That's a 20x return in year one. Do you want me to leave you the FORTIFIED sell sheet?"

The counter conversation in one sentence:

"Every major manufacturer voids their enhanced warranty if you staple the underlayment. A box of NailPac is $37. A voided warranty claim is $15,000. Which one do you want to explain to your customer?"

Enter the job specs below to get a complete fastener materials list — shingle nails, cap nails, and felt staples — with box counts and SKUs ready to pull from the counter.

ROOF SIZE (squares)

NAIL PATTERN

SHINGLE NAIL COATING

UNDERLAYMENT CAP NAILS

WASTE FACTOR

FELT STAPLES

How it works: Standard shingles run ~80 shingles/sq × 4 nails = 320 nails/sq. High-wind = 480 nails/sq. Coil roofing nail boxes are 7200ct. NailPac covers ~25 sq/box. Felt staples (5000ct box) cover ~10–12 sq at standard 12" field spacing. All counts include your selected waste factor.

STINGER ROOFING FASTENER — SKU REFERENCE

Full roofing product line. For shingle coil nails, ring shank uplift nails, and specialty roofing fasteners — confirm current National Nail catalog for exact SKUs. NailPac and CN100B SKUs are verified.

UNDERLAYMENT CAP FASTENERS (NailPac)

SKU	Product	Length	Shank	Coating	Count	Coverage
0136260	NailPac EG Cap Nail	1"	Ring	EG	2,000	~25 sq
0136264	NailPac Stainless Cap Nail	1"	Ring	304 SS	2,000	~25 sq
0136252	CN100B Cap Nailer	—	—	—	Tool	5 caps/sec

SHINGLE / ROOFING COIL NAILS (Confirm with NatNail catalog)

Application	Length	Gauge	Head	Shank	Coating	SKU (STINGER/PRO-FIT)
Standard asphalt shingles — bare deck (new or tear-off), ≤1/2" OSB	1-1/4"	11 or 12 ga	3/8"	Smooth	EG	0611070 — 1-1/4" Smooth EG Coil 7200ct
Standard asphalt shingles — overlay 1 layer	1-3/4"	11 or 12 ga	3/8"	Smooth or Ring	EG or HDG	0611110 — 1-3/4" Smooth EG Coil 7200ct 0611115 — 1-3/4" Ring HDG Coil 7200ct
High-wind asphalt shingles (110+ mph / 6-nail)	1-3/4"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring	EG or HDG	0611072 — 1-1/4" Ring EG Coil 7200ct 0611115 — 1-3/4" Ring HDG Coil 7200ct
FORTIFIED ring shank (IBHS designated)	1-3/4"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring	HDG or 304 SS	0611115 — 1-3/4" Ring HDG Coil 7200ct 0611114 — 1-3/4" Ring 304 SS Coil 3600ct
Cedar shingle roofing — inland (CSSB: 16"/18" shingles)	1-1/4"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring	HDG or 304 SS	0640071 — 1-1/4" Ring 304 SS Coil Siding 3600ct
Cedar shake roofing — inland (CSSB: 18"/24" shakes)	1-3/4"–2"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring	HDG or 304 SS	0640111 — 1-3/4" Ring 304 SS Coil Siding 3600ct 0640131 — 2" Ring 304 SS Coil Siding 3600ct
Cedar roofing — coastal (within 15 miles salt water)	1-1/4"–2"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring	316 SS required (CSSB)	0640071S — 1-1/4" Ring 316 SS 1800ct 0640111S — 1-3/4" Ring 316 SS 1800ct 0640131S — 2" Ring 316 SS 1800ct
Brava synthetic slate — inland	1-3/4"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring required	HDG, SS, copper, or aluminum	0611115 — 1-3/4" Ring HDG Coil 7200ct
Brava synthetic slate — coastal (≤10 mi)	1-3/4"–2"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring required	304 SS or 316 SS	0611114S — 1-3/4" Ring 316 SS Coil 3600ct
DaVinci Bellaforté — inland, plywood deck	1-1/2"	11 ga	3/8"	Smooth or Ring	EG, HDG, or SS (EG OK per warranty)	0611090 — 1-1/2" Smooth EG Coil 7200ct
DaVinci — OSB deck or high-wind (110 mph)	1-3/4"	11 ga	3/8"	Ring required	HDG or SS	0611115 — 1-3/4" Ring HDG Coil 7200ct
Metal roofing panels — steel/aluminum to wood deck	#10 × 1-1/2"	—	Hex w/ EPDM	Self-drilling	Zinc (inland) · 316 SS (coastal)	0278098 — 1-1/2" #9 Hex Self-Pierce Galv 3000ct
Synthetic underlayment cap nail — inland	1"	14 ga (.083")	1" plastic cap	Ring Shank	EG	0136260 — NailPac EG 2000ct (~25 sq)
Synthetic underlayment cap nail — coastal/FORTIFIED	1"	14 ga (.083")	1" plastic cap	Ring Shank	304 SS	0136264 — NailPac Stainless 2000ct (~25 sq)

Cedar length note (CSSB): 16"/18" shingles = 1-1/4" (3d Box) · 24" shingles = 1-1/2" (4d Box) · 18" straight-split/tapersplit shakes = 1-3/4" (5d Box) · 18"/24" handsplit/tapersawn shakes = 2" (6d Box). Do NOT use electro-galvanized on cedar — CSSB explicitly prohibits EG.

Answer 5 questions — get the exact nail spec, length, coating, and SKU.

📐 The governing rule: Siding thickness + sheathing + foam + minimum 1" into framing (stud) = nail length

1. What type of siding?

📐 Length rule: Siding + sheathing + foam + minimum 1" into framing (stud) = nail length

The Tannin Problem: Real cedar contains tannic acid which reacts with zinc to produce black streaking and corrosion. EG is explicitly prohibited by the CSSB ("fasteners cannot be electro-galvanized as they will cause staining"). Even HDG can cause minor staining on raw cedar. CSSB requires 316 SS within 15 miles of salt water.

📐 Length rule: Siding + sheathing + foam + minimum 1" into framing (stud) = nail length · Smooth shank only — never ring shank on vinyl

The #1 Vinyl Mistake: Nailing tight causes thermal buckling, waves, and warranty voids. Always leave 1/16" gap between nail head and vinyl face. Nail in the CENTER of the slot — never the ends. Use smooth shank only — ring shank prevents thermal floating.

Quick Reference Matrix — Siding × Location → Coating

Siding	Inland (>15 mi)	Coastal (<15 mi)	Direct Oceanfront
James Hardie	HDG	304 SS	316 SS
Cedar Shake	304 SS*	316 SS ⚠	316 SS ⚠
Vinyl Siding	EG / HDG	EG / HDG	EG / HDG

* Cedar inland: 304 SS recommended — prevents any tannin reaction risk. HDG technically acceptable but may cause minor staining on raw cedar. ⚠ CSSB requires 316 SS within 15 miles of salt water for cedar.

Calculate how many boxes a job requires and the connect target per square sold.

Job Inputs

Siding Product

Squares of Siding

Box Count

Results

Nails per square—

Total nails needed—

Boxes required—

Recommended (10% buffer)—

—

Coverage Reference — All Products (3,600-ct box)

Product	Nails/Sq	3,600-ct Covers	15 sq job	30 sq job	50 sq job	Basis

All products from the Wire Coil Siding spec sheet. Fits most 15° wire coil nailers.

SKU #	Length	Dia	Shank	Coating	Count	Best For

Compatible Nailers — 15° Wire Coil

Word-for-word responses for the six situations that come up every week at the counter.

Follow-up questions to ask

The wrong calls that cost contractors money, void warranties, and create callbacks. Keep this tab open at the counter.

❌ EG nails on James Hardie

EG is "acceptable but may exhibit premature corrosion" per Hardie's own guide. Orange rust bleeds through the finish — expensive callback. Use HDG ASTM A153 Class D minimum. Generic "galvanized" does NOT qualify — the spec must be on the box label.

❌ EG nails on cedar (siding or roofing)

CSSB is explicit: "Do not use electro-galvanized fasteners." Cedar tannins react with zinc — guaranteed black staining within months. 304 SS minimum inland. 316 SS within 15 miles of salt water.

❌ Ring shank on vinyl siding

Vinyl expands and contracts thermally — it must float on the nail. Ring shank locks it in place and causes buckling and waves. Smooth shank only for vinyl. Also: never nail tight — leave 1/16" gap between nail head and vinyl face.

❌ Staples for synthetic underlayment

GAF, CertainTeed, Atlas, and Owens Corning all prohibit or severely restrict staples on synthetic underlayment. Staples fail at ~60 mph pull-through. Cap nails (STINGER NailPac) are required — and mandatory in all 11 NE states per IRC high-wind zones.

❌ Wrong Hardie nail length

Hardie blind nail into studs = 2" siding nail per 2019 install guide. Direct-to-OSB only (no stud) = 1-1/2". Add foam thickness on top: 1/2" foam → 2-1/2", 1" foam → 3". Rule: 1" into framing past every layer in front of the stud.

❌ Smooth shank on Brava / DaVinci

Brava explicitly prohibits smooth shank nails — insufficient grip, tile dislodgement. DaVinci requires ring shank on all OSB decks and high-wind areas. Ring shank is non-negotiable on OSB regardless of brand.

❌ 1-3/4" shingle nail on new construction bare deck

Standard new construction over 7/16"–1/2" OSB only needs 1-1/4" per IRC R905.2.5 — nail penetrates through sheathing and 3/4" into deck. 1-3/4" is for high-wind or overlay reroofing. Selling the wrong length isn't an upsell — it's a wrong call.

❌ Cedar shingle roofing nail lengths mixed up with shake

CSSB has separate tables for shingles vs. shakes. 16"/18" cedar shingles (roof) = 1-1/4". 18" handsplit shakes = 1-3/4". 18"/24" handsplit/tapersawn = 2". Shingles and shakes are not interchangeable in the fastener schedule.

❌ HDG or 304 SS within 15 miles of salt water on cedar

CSSB wall manual is unambiguous: "Nails MUST be stainless steel Type 316 in locations within fifteen miles of salt water." This covers coastal CT, all of RI, South Shore MA, Cape Cod, NJ Shore. 316 SS is required — not a recommendation.

✓ The one rule that covers everything

Siding: Siding thickness + sheathing + foam + minimum 1" into framing = nail length. Every layer in front of the stud adds to the required length. Roofing (shingles): penetrate through sheathing + 3/4" into deck. Cedar (CSSB): 3/4" into sheathing or all the way through.