7 Best Roofing Nails for Cedar Shake Roofs

Cedar shake roofs offer timeless curb appeal and impressive natural insulation, but their longevity relies entirely on the tiny metal fasteners holding them in place. Choosing the wrong nail can lead to premature rust, unsightly streaks, or loose shingles that threaten the structural integrity of the entire roof. This guide breaks down the essential hardware options to ensure a cedar shake roof remains a durable, worry-free investment for years to come.

Maze Split-Less Nails: Best Overall Durability

When homeowners want a “one and done” solution for a standard wood-frame house, Maze Split-Less nails are the industry benchmark. Designed specifically for cedar, these nails feature a blunt point that pushes wood fibers aside rather than slicing through them. This simple engineering prevents the dangerous splitting that often ruins high-quality shingles during installation.

The added protection comes from the specific shank design, which holds tight even as wood naturally expands and contracts with the seasons. Because these nails are engineered to be thin yet remarkably strong, they minimize the visible impact on the shake while providing maximum gripping power.

For those managing a home in a climate with significant temperature swings, this is the most reliable choice. It balances the need for structural stability with the delicate nature of cedar wood.

Simpson Strong-Tie 316 Stainless: For Coastal Homes

Properties located within a few miles of the ocean face a relentless enemy: salt-air corrosion. Standard galvanized nails will succumb to rust in coastal environments, causing the shingle to lose its grip and potentially damaging the surrounding wood with ugly black streaks. 316-grade stainless steel represents the highest tier of corrosion resistance available for residential roofing.

These fasteners are an investment, but they provide critical peace of mind for homeowners in high-moisture or salt-heavy climates. They essentially eliminate the risk of premature fastener failure, which is the leading cause of roof leaks in seaside homes.

While the upfront cost is higher than standard options, the math is simple: preventing a premature roof tear-off saves thousands in labor. When living in a coastal zone, prioritizing 316 stainless is not an indulgence; it is a vital maintenance strategy.

Grip-Rite HDG Ring Shank: A Reliable Value Choice

Finding a balance between budget and performance is essential for larger roofing projects where fastener volume is high. Grip-Rite Hot-Dipped Galvanized (HDG) ring shank nails provide a solid, cost-effective alternative for inland homes that do not require the extreme protection of stainless steel. The ring shank design is the standout feature here, as the ridges act like barbs that lock into the wood fibers.

This extra friction makes the nails difficult to back out, ensuring the shingles remain flat against the roof deck even during high winds. They are widely available at major home improvement retailers, making them easy to pick up for mid-project needs or last-minute repairs.

While not suitable for saltwater environments, these are perfectly adequate for standard suburban houses where routine maintenance is performed. They offer the necessary holding power to ensure cedar shakes remain secure without the premium price tag of high-alloy metals.

Paslode Stainless Steel Staples: For Faster Installs

Efficiency matters during a large-scale roof replacement or when labor costs are a primary concern. Pneumatic stainless steel staples offer a significant speed advantage over hand-driving individual nails, allowing professional crews to complete the job with greater consistency. When using high-quality stainless staples, the risk of rust is kept to a minimum, matching the longevity of the cedar itself.

It is important to note that staple use requires precise calibration of the pneumatic tool. If the air pressure is too high, the staple can sink too deep and fracture the wood; too low, and the staple will not hold.

For those hiring a crew, asking whether they use stainless steel staples for cedar is a great way to vet their expertise. If the contractor insists on using non-stainless staples, it is a sign to reconsider the hardware, as rust will inevitably bleed through the wood.

Maze Double Hot-Dipped Nails: The Proven Standard

Many traditional cedar shake roofs have relied on hot-dipped galvanized nails for generations, and there is a reason for this enduring popularity. The “double” hot-dip process applies a thicker, more uniform coating of zinc to the steel, which acts as a sacrificial barrier against corrosion. This thick coating is far superior to standard “bright” or thin-coated nails found in older hardware bins.

These nails are the workhorses of the roofing industry, offering excellent value for homes in moderate climates. They are sturdy, easy to work with for both hand-driving and framing nailers, and possess enough durability to last the lifespan of the wood they secure.

Homeowners who prioritize proven, time-tested reliability will appreciate this option. They offer a comfortable middle ground where quality meets affordability for the typical family home.

Pro-Fit Stainless Steel Nails: Best to Avoid Stains

Cedar wood contains natural tannins that react chemically with steel, often resulting in those telltale black streaks that run down the face of the roof. If curb appeal is a top priority, Pro-Fit stainless steel nails are the premier solution. By using non-reactive metal, these fasteners prevent the chemical reaction that causes tannin bleeding and oxidation.

These nails are specifically crafted for the high-end cedar shingle market, where the aesthetic of the roof is just as important as the water-shedding performance. They are usually available in collated strips for framing guns, which keeps the job site clean and speeds up the installation process.

When you invest in premium cedar shakes, it is illogical to compromise the look with cheap fasteners. Opting for stainless steel is the only way to ensure the roof stays beautiful for the entirety of its lifespan.

Tree Island HDG Hand-Drive Nails: For DIY Repairs

For the homeowner who prefers to handle minor roof maintenance or individual shake replacements, Tree Island hand-drive nails are an excellent choice. These are manufactured for manual installation, meaning they often feature a larger, easier-to-grip head and a shank designed to slide into place with fewer hammer strikes. This reduces the risk of hitting the surrounding wood and causing accidental damage.

Hand-driving nails is often better for repairs because it allows for a “feel” that air nailers lack. One can ensure the nail is seated flush against the shake without crushing the wood or damaging the surrounding shingles.

Keep a small box of these on hand in the garage or shed. Having the right size and type of nail ready means a loose shingle can be fixed in ten minutes, rather than waiting weeks for a contractor to arrive.

Stainless Steel vs. Galvanized: Which is for You?

The decision between stainless steel and galvanized nails should be dictated by geography and climate rather than price alone. Stainless steel is the non-negotiable choice for any property within five miles of the coast or in regions with extremely high annual rainfall. Its resistance to salt and chemical corrosion ensures the wood is not destroyed from the inside out.

Galvanized nails are suitable for most inland areas where humidity is moderate and salt is not a factor. The thick, hot-dipped coating provides more than enough protection to last 20 to 30 years without significant degradation.

• Choose Stainless Steel if: The home is near the ocean, the roof is located in a high-humidity forest environment, or the aesthetic of the wood must remain perfectly clear of oxidation stains.
• Choose Galvanized if: The home is in an inland climate, the budget is a primary constraint, and the maintenance plan involves routine roof inspections every few years.

How to Choose the Right Nail Length for Your Roof

A common mistake is using a nail that is too short to reach the structural sheathing. For standard cedar shakes, the rule of thumb is that the nail must penetrate the roof sheathing by at least 3/4 of an inch. A 1-1/2 inch to 2-inch nail is typically required, though this can change depending on whether there is an underlayment or furring strips involved.

Before ordering, measure the thickness of the shake, the thickness of any existing starter strips, and the roof decking. The nail must hold the shake securely without protruding through the underside of the roof deck in a way that catches water or looks unsightly.

Always aim for the longest nail that is safe for the specific application. A slightly longer nail offers significantly more holding power during high-wind events, which provides better security for the roof overall.

Common Cedar Shake Fastening Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error is over-driving the nail, which crushes the wood fiber around the head and creates a pocket for water to collect. A nail should be driven flush to the surface of the shake; it should never be “countersunk” or driven deep into the wood. Once the fiber is crushed, the nail loses its seal, and rot will inevitably begin to form around the hole.

Another mistake is failing to account for wood movement. Cedar naturally expands when wet and shrinks when dry; therefore, nails should never be placed in a way that constrains the shingle’s natural movement. Improper placement of fasteners can lead to shingles warping or splitting across the face of the board.

Lastly, never mix different types of metals on the same roof. Installing stainless steel nails next to galvanized nails can trigger a process called galvanic corrosion, where the two metals react and destroy one another. Stick to one type of fastener across the entire project to ensure long-term integrity.

Selecting the right fastener is the most cost-effective way to protect a cedar roof and extend its life by years. By matching the nail material to the local climate and ensuring proper installation techniques, a roof will stay secure, clean, and durable for the long haul. Remember that even the finest cedar shakes are only as good as the metal holding them together, so choose the quality that matches the home.