Asphalt shingles are being installed on a roof with 5/8 inch sheathing, the nails shall:

Asphalt shingles are being installed on a roof with 5/8 inch sheathing, the nails shall:

• A. Be a maximum 10 gauge shank
• B. Penetrate completely through sheathing
• C. Be only galvanized
• D. Be 3/4 length

Answer: (B)

Nail length is governed by getting the fastener into solid wood behind the deck so the shingle is truly anchored, not just sitting in the thin deck material. When the roof has 5/8 inch sheathing, the nails must pass completely through that sheathing and into the wood framing below. That connection provides resistance to wind uplift and keeps shingles from lifting off in wind-driven rain. If the nails only go into the sheathing, they’re anchored in a relatively thin, non-structural layer and can pull out more easily. The emphasis here is on the fastener reaching the framing to achieve a secure hold, which is why penetrating completely through the sheathing is the correct guideline. Coating or exact length are important details, but the core requirement is securing into the structural wood behind the deck.

Nail length is governed by getting the fastener into solid wood behind the deck so the shingle is truly anchored, not just sitting in the thin deck material. When the roof has 5/8 inch sheathing, the nails must pass completely through that sheathing and into the wood framing below. That connection provides resistance to wind uplift and keeps shingles from lifting off in wind-driven rain. If the nails only go into the sheathing, they’re anchored in a relatively thin, non-structural layer and can pull out more easily. The emphasis here is on the fastener reaching the framing to achieve a secure hold, which is why penetrating completely through the sheathing is the correct guideline. Coating or exact length are important details, but the core requirement is securing into the structural wood behind the deck.