Can You Use A Nail Gun On Cedar Shingles? This is the question that many people have asked over the years. It can be confusing with many of the different nail guns available.
Yes, you can use a nail gun on cedar shingles. However, you have to make sure that the nails you use on them are the right length. If they are too long, they might go through the shingle and pierce the sheathing of your home, which isn’t a good thing. If they are too short, they’ll probably slide out and make it a bit harder to fix your roof.
You should also be careful not to use a nail gun that is too strong, otherwise, the nails could break and cause damage. If you keep these things in mind, it should be safe to nail your cedar shingles.
In this article, we will take a look at what kind of nails to use for cedar shingles, whether cedar shingles shrink or not, how long cedar shingles last, and the nail gun to use for cedar shingles and more.
What Kind of Nails Do You Use On Cedar Shingles?
Many different types of nails can be used to secure cedar shingles to a roof. The most common type of nail is the galvanized roofing nail, which is used in most cases. However, other types of nails can be used, such as copper nails or stainless steel.
Galvanized roofing nails are made from zinc and iron and are coated with zinc to protect them from corrosion. These properties make them the best choice for use on a roof with cedar shingles because they will not corrode and will last longer than other types of nails.
What Nail Gun To Use For Cedar Shingles?
Nail guns are a common tool used in construction and carpentry. They are most commonly used for installing roofing shingles, but they can also be used for other purposes such as installing flooring.
There are many different types of nail guns that provide different levels of power, but all have the same basic purpose.
The best nail gun for cedar shingles is one that grips the surface you are working on better and doesn’t leave as much of an indentation in the wood after driving your nail in.
The 3 best nail guns to use for shingles that are on the market now are:
1. BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nail gun
The Bostitch Coil Siding Nail gun is an excellent tool that can be used for many different purposes. It’s great for home improvement projects and can be used to put up siding, but it also has many other uses such as nailing down insulation, trimming wood, or nailing down carpeting.
Bostitch Coil Siding Nail gun is a lightweight but durable coil siding nailer. It drives wire weld and plastic inserted coil nails for both applications.
The nail gun offers an adjustable depth guide for precise control and versatility. The tool-free adjustable exhaust is ideal for setting up the tool for both left and right-handed users. The soft rubber foot of the siding nailer protects the surface from being damaged by the tool.
This nail gun is powerful and easy to use as well which makes it a great choice for anyone who needs a quality tool at an affordable price.
The Pros:
- It is used to install, fix and repair coil siding.
- It is a multipurpose nail gun that can be used for distinct tasks.
- The nail gun can be easily manoeuvred due to its lightweight design and adjustable handle.
- The nail gun also has a depth setting which allows the user to control how deep they want the nails to go into the surface that they are working on.
- It is affordable.
The Cons:
- It is not a cordless nailer, so you will need to have an extension cord nearby if you are working in an area that doesn’t have power outlets nearby.
- This nailer doesn’t come with any safety features to protect your hands and fingers from getting injured while using it.
- It does not come with a battery charger, so it will not work without one.
2. Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer
Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer is a tool that can be used for fastening and nailing all sorts of wooden surfaces. It is an air-powered pneumatic nail gun that is powerful and has adjustable depth control. It can shoot coils as well as nails.
The Freeman PCN65 was designed with a high-quality pneumatic steel body with durability and performance in mind.
This coil siding nailer is especially perfect for wrapping around a variety of structures such as poles, mailboxes, roofs, etc., and It has a patented air filter that ensures you get clean air and less noise during operation.
The Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer has a coil magazine capacity of 400-nails so you don’t have to worry about reloading after each use.
The Pros:
- It’s a heavy-duty tool with a powerful motor.
- The product is made from high-quality materials that can withstand tough use.
- The design is well thought out to make the product comfortable to use.
- The price point is affordable for most homeowners.
- This nail gun has a coil magazine capacity of 400-nails.
The Con:
- It can be difficult to use for people with small hands.
3. Senco SNS41 16Ga Construction Stapler
Senco is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance fastening systems. From pneumatic framing nailers to staplers, Senco offers the industry’s broadest line of professional tools, engineered with quality and durability.
The Senco SNS41 16Ga Construction Stapler is a heavy-duty stapler that is great for use in construction, industrial and commercial applications.
This stapler has an ergonomically designed handle that provides easy access to the staple remover and extra-capacity magazine. The metal construction ensures the durability and longevity of this stapler.
The SNS41 16 Ga is fast and efficient, it delivers up to 1,000 staples per hour. A compact size that easily fits in your hand with a comfortable non-slip grip handle that helps reduce fatigue.
The Pros:
- It has a manual trigger and a magazine capacity of 100 staples.
- It has an adjustable nosepiece, which allows the user to select the best position for their comfort.
- The product is made from high-quality materials that can withstand tough use.
- It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to use in tight spaces or on ladders.
- It has a comfortable non-slip grip handle that fits your hand and helps reduce fatigue.
The Con:
- The high price may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
Do Cedar Shingles Shrink?
Cedar shingles may shrink if they are not installed properly. If the shingles are not installed correctly, then the nails or staples may not be close enough to the edge of the roof. This can lead to gaps in between the shingles which causes them to shrink and squeeze as they dry out.
The best way to avoid this problem is by installing cedar shingles correctly. The nails or staples should be close enough to the edge of the roof so that there is no gap between them. This will prevent shrinking and buckling as they dry out.
How Long Do Cedar Shingles Last?
Cedar shingles are known for their natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects. The durability of cedar shingles is largely due to their natural oils. They also have a tendency to resist weather damage, which makes them an excellent choice for areas with high humidity levels.
Cedar shingle roofs can last for up to 50 years in ideal conditions and 20 years in less than ideal conditions.
Should You Stain Cedar Shingles?
Cedar shingles are often the preferred choice for roofing material. They are durable and provide a natural look to any home. However, there is a debate on whether or not you should stain cedar shingles.
Some people feel that it is not necessary to stain cedar shingles because they are already naturally dark in color and will only make them darker.
The other argument is that the cedar will fade over time and you will have to paint them again, so why not just stain them now?
The answer is yes, you should stain your cedar shingles. Cedar shingles are more susceptible to weather damage so they need to be stained every year.
Is It Better To Paint Or Stain Cedar Shingles?
This is a question that many homeowners ask themselves. The answer to this question depends on many factors such as the style of the home, the color of the shingles, and whether you want a natural or painted look.
If you want a natural look, then you should paint your shingles. If you want a painted look, then it is better to stain your shingles.
Final Note on Can You Use A Nail Gun On Cedar Shingles?
We hope you enjoyed our article about using a nail gun on cedar shingles.
With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your DIY project with ease when using tools like nail guns.