Do Roof Tiles Need To Be Nailed Down?

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

Roof tiles are a stylish finish to any roof. They form a protective layer that keeps your home sheltered from the elements and keeps water out. However, people rarely think about how they work or stay in place on a roof without sliding off since they’re placed at an angle.

Roof tiles need to be nailed down to keep them in place. Without nails, some tiles may slip and fall off the roof, especially during harsh winds. However, not every single roof tile needs to be nailed down. What’s more, roof tiles may be held together by screws or clips instead of nails.

Keep reading to learn more about roofing tiles and the nails used to hold them in place. We’ll explore how many nails should be used in your roof and which require the nails. By the end of this piece, you’ll better understand how your roof works and what’s holding it all together.

Do You Need To Nail Every Roof Tile?

You know that nails are required to help keep your roof tiles in place. However, we have yet to explore how many nails are needed to time your roof. We have also yet to explore whether it needs a nail or is it just certain tiles that need nails to hold the roofing tiles in place.

You don’t need to nail every roof tile to ensure a solid and durable roof. Roof tiles along the eaves, ridge and verges need to be nailed. Apart from these tiles, every fifth horizontal tile and third vertical time needs a nail. The remaining tiles don’t require nails to hold them in place.

Not every roof tail needs a nail to remain in place. However, certain tiles require nails to hold the roof together. If you don’t nail down the correct tiles on a roof, the tiles could shift and move. When tiles move, it can create gaps in the run that could result in a leak in your home.

You could nail down every roofing tile on your roof, and it wouldn’t cause any issues. However, this is unnecessary and wasteful when it comes to materials. Your roof will be just as robust with fewer nails placed in a strategic position.

How Do Roof Tiles Stay in Place?

Roofing tiles are placed at an angle on your roof, and not every roofing time is held in place with a nail or screw. So how is it possible that roofing tiles hold in place without nails when they’re placed at a slope on your roof, without sliding out of place and falling off your roof?

Nails are usually placed in roofing tiles to make them stay in place. Roofing tiles also overlap, which holds them in place as the weight of the tile above pins down the tile below. The weight of the roofing tiles combined with the nails can hold roofing tiles in place for decades.

Not all roofs use nails to remain in place. Instead, some roofs are held together with solid clips or screws. The clips or screws are placed as nails to ensure that the roof remains durable. However, nails are much more common as they’re less likely to damage the roof time, and nails are more durable than alternatives.

Roof tiles are laid in various ways, with some roof tiles overlooking or interlocking to form an effective barrier. However, regardless of how the roof tiles are laid, they’ll require nails or screws to hold them in place.

What Kind of Nails Do You Use for Roofing?

By this stage in the piece, you’re well aware that some roof tiles require nails. However, we have yet to explore what nails are used for roofing. Are specific nails required to hold roof tiles in place, or will any nail be sufficient for the job?

Stainless steel roofing nails or galvanized steel roofing nails are the nails you can use for roofing. Roofing nails are long and slender with a sharp point that allows the nail to pass through the tiles without cracking or breaking. Roofing nails are also rust-resistant and durable.

Aluminum, brass, and steel are also commonly used for roofing nails. All roofing nails are of a similar shape and length; however, some variations are available to suit different roofing materials better.

Why Do Roof Tiles Fall Off?

Roof tiles fall off when the nails, wooden structure, or other tiles have degraded or been damaged. Over time roof nails may rust and break apart, causing the roof tiles to come loose. Strong winds and storms may also cause roof tiles to come loose and fall off.

Roof tiles are solid and durable when laid correctly. They can last for over 50 years with little maintenance or care. However, roof tiles can still fall off, and the reason it happens isn’t always apparent, especially if you don’t know what causes roof tiles to come loose.

Roof tiles can fall off when the wood underneath them has begun to rot. If your roof has a minor leak, it can cause wooden structures to rot. This may cause the structures to break or cause nails to come loose.

This will worsen the structural integrity of your roof, and it may cause roof tiles to fall off. Roof tiles that fall should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks.

Final Thoughts

Roof tiles need to be nailed down to ensure they remain in place. However, not every roof tile needs to be nailed in place. Instead, nails should be placed along with critical strategic positions like the eaves, ridge, and verges tiles. Nails also need to be placed in every fifth horizontal nail and every third vertical nail for best results.

Stainless steel roofing nails and galvanized steel roofing nails are the best choices for holding your roof in place. These nails are made using materials that won’t rust, which can help to prolong the lifespan of your roof.