What nail size and type are typically used for asphalt shingles?

• A. Aluminum nails, 18-gauge, for light weight.
• B. Plastic fasteners.
• C. Corrosion-resistant nails, typically 11- or 12-gauge, long enough to penetrate through shingle into decking.
• D. Copper nails, 20-gauge.

Answer: (C)

When fastening asphalt shingles, the nails need to be strong enough to resist wind and corrosion enough to last in weather exposure. The standard choice is corrosion-resistant roofing nails in a heavy gauge, typically 11- or 12-gauge. They should be long enough to penetrate through the shingle and into the decking beneath, so the fastener actually anchors the shingle to the roof structure. Lighter or non-metal fasteners can fail under wind uplift or degrade quickly, which is why options like thinner aluminum or plastic fasteners aren’t suitable, and copper nails at a very small gauge don’t provide the needed strength. So, corrosion-resistant nails in 11- or 12-gauge, long enough to reach the decking, are the best choice for asphalt shingles.