If you have ever had a roofing repair done, you have probably come home to find scattered bits of shingles, nails, and other debris. These roofing materials are not only messy, but are also magnetic. Active Exteriors offers some tips to avoid cleaning up this debris after a roofing repair. If you’ve never wondered whether roofing nails are magnetic, keep reading to learn more. And remember, roofing nails aren’t the only materials that can be magnetic. Aluminum and Square cap nails are also magnetic.
Galvanized nails
Unlike the non-magnetic steel, galvanized roofing nails are actually quite magnetic. The zinc coating on steel does not interfere with its magnetic properties and can withstand strong magnets. There are two types of steel: Austenite and galvanized. Stainless steel is made of two different types of metals, one of which contains chromium and the other is non-magnetic. The difference between the two is the degree of chromium and iron content.
Whether or not a nail is magnetic depends on its composition. Nails made from aluminum and copper are not magnetic, but those made from other metals can be. They may also contain different materials. However, most nails are magnetic. In general, one-inch nails are suitable for asphalt and fiberglass roofing. However, wooden shingles and other kinds of metal roofing may require nails with a greater thickness. A nail with a length of more than one inch can provide a stronger connection and greater security.
Aluminum nails
While most roofing nails are magnetic, there are a few exceptions. Nails made from stainless steel, copper, and aluminum are not magnetic. However, they will work with a magnetic sweeper. Regardless of your home’s metal type, copper or steel nails are a safe bet. If you’re not sure, test them yourself using a magnet to see if they are magnetic. Likewise, if you’re worried about your home’s proximity to the sea, stainless steel nails will work fine.
If you’ve ever had a roof repair, you know that it can leave behind a mess of nails, shingle fragments, and more. Active Exteriors has some tips on how to avoid this and save yourself some time cleaning up the mess. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Are aluminum roofing nails magnetic?,” you’ll understand why that question is so important. But what about steel and stainless steel nails?
Square cap nails
These nails are made of steel and have a low-profile head. They are pre-assembled with a 1″ Square Galvanized Steel Cap and are suitable for use in hot built-up roofing, single-ply roofing, and tar paper applications. They are also suitable for use in fastening heavy-duty cardboard to wood pallets. Their strong magnetic properties make them easy to secure in place. You can find these nails at a number of retailers and online marketplaces.
Magnetic square cap roofing nails have a ferromagnetic disk 138 that fits frictionally into the cylindrical bore 136 of the cap. It occupies a substantial portion of the bore 136. Since the nail head is magnetic, it automatically centers itself on the striking face. They are used to install new roofing materials on existing homes. Square cap roofing nails are magnetic, which is helpful in ensuring the roof’s structural integrity.
Screw shank nails
Roofing screws have two types: ring shank and screw shank. Ring shank nails are twisted and have sharp diamond tips, making them ideal for attaching shingles to wood roofs. Screw shank nails are magnetic and can be galvanized. They are great for wood roofs, siding, pallet roofs, decking, and flooring. In addition, magnetic roofing screws are great for shingle removal and cleaning.
Another type of screw shank nail is the smooth shank type. These are the easiest to manufacture and cost the least. However, they still must meet material manufacturer guidelines and building codes. Another type of nail is the screw shank nail, also known as a spiral nail. These nails have a rotating head while driving into wood, increasing the frictional force within the wood. This gives them more pulling strength even under less than ideal conditions.
