6 Best Roofing Nails for Cedar Shake Repairs

Cedar shakes represent one of the most aesthetic yet demanding roofing systems to maintain. A successful repair hinges on more than just the quality of the wood; it depends entirely on the fastener chosen to keep those shingles secured against harsh environmental cycles. Using the wrong nail leads to premature staining, loose shingles, and inevitable moisture intrusion. Choosing the right fastener is the single most effective way to ensure a repair lasts as long as the rest of the roof.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Maze Hot-Dipped Galvanized Shake Nails: Top Pick

When the objective is finding a balance between cost and longevity, hot-dipped galvanized nails remain the industry standard for standard cedar applications. Maze maintains a thick zinc coating that provides a critical sacrificial layer against corrosion. This protection is essential because the natural tannins in cedar shake can react aggressively with inferior metals.

These nails feature a checkered head that helps conceal the fastener within the grain of the wood. This detail prevents the “shiny nail” look often seen on new repairs, allowing the head to weather naturally alongside the surrounding shakes. When the budget is tight but quality cannot be compromised, this is the default selection for most roofing contractors.

The bottom line is that these nails offer the best performance-to-price ratio for inland, temperate climates. While they aren’t meant for extreme marine environments, they provide the reliable holding power necessary for standard maintenance and localized shake replacement.

Simpson Strong-Tie 304 Stainless Steel Shake Nail

In regions where humidity is consistently high, 304 stainless steel is the minimum threshold for long-term protection. Unlike galvanized options, which rely on a coating that can be damaged during installation, stainless steel is naturally resistant to the acids present in cedar. This eliminates the risk of ugly black streaks bleeding down the face of the roof over time.

These nails offer exceptional structural integrity and are highly resistant to the expansion and contraction cycles of wood. Cedar is a “live” material that moves with moisture content; a nail that lacks the tensile strength of stainless steel will eventually experience fatigue. These fasteners hold their shape and their grip, even as the roof deck moves throughout the seasons.

If the goal is to repair a roof that will last for another two decades, 304 stainless is the professional’s choice. It removes the variables associated with coating quality and ensures that the fastener will outlive the cedar itself.

Grip-Rite HDG Box Nails: A Solid Value Option

Grip-Rite box nails are frequently found on job sites because they are readily available and perform predictably. Their primary advantage is the slightly thinner shank, which minimizes the risk of splitting the cedar shake during installation. When working with brittle or aged shakes, this thinner profile can save significant time on repairs.

While the galvanization is reliable, it is generally thinner than what is found on premium hot-dipped brands. These are best suited for smaller, quick-turnaround repairs or projects where the roof will be replaced entirely in the near future. They serve as a practical utility fastener that gets the job done without excessive overhead.

Expect consistent performance for residential projects where exposure to severe salt air is not a concern. Always verify that the nails are indeed hot-dipped, as standard electro-galvanized box nails will rust prematurely and destroy the surrounding wood.

Pro-Fit Stainless Ring Shank Nails: Best Hold

Ring shank nails provide superior withdrawal resistance, which is vital in high-wind zones or on steep slopes where gravity exerts constant downward pressure on shingles. The annular rings act as barbs, biting into the wood fibers and preventing the nail from “popping” as the cedar expands and contracts. This grip is significantly stronger than smooth-shank alternatives.

Using these on a cedar roof creates a nearly permanent connection between the shake and the underlying decking. Because they are constructed from stainless steel, they provide the dual benefit of structural durability and chemical immunity to cedar tannins. They are slightly harder to drive by hand, but the mechanical advantage they provide justifies the extra effort.

In scenarios where wind-uplift is a genuine concern, ring shanks are the only logical choice. If the roof profile is steep—anything above an 8/12 pitch—these fasteners ensure that a localized repair doesn’t become a structural liability during the next major storm.

Tree Island HDG Shake Nails: Contractor Favorite

Contractors often lean toward Tree Island because of the consistency in the head diameter and the quality of the shank driving experience. These nails are designed to feed smoothly through pneumatic coil nailers, which is critical for large-scale repairs where efficiency is the primary driver. The diamond point allows for a clean entry, reducing the likelihood of shattering old, dry shakes during the driving process.

The hot-dipped finish is applied with enough thickness to survive the friction of the nailer track without flaking off. This is a common failure point for cheaper fasteners, where the galvanization scrapes off inside the gun, leading to rapid corrosion once installed. With proper storage and handling, these nails hold up remarkably well in typical environmental conditions.

For a contractor balancing speed and durability, these offer the best workflow. They minimize the frustration of jammed tools while providing a level of corrosion resistance that meets or exceeds most residential building codes for cedar roofing.

Maze 316 Stainless Steel Nails: For Coastal Roofs

When the project is located within five miles of the ocean, 316 stainless steel is not optional; it is a requirement. Salt spray is incredibly destructive to standard metals, and 316 stainless contains molybdenum, which specifically fights against pitting corrosion caused by chloride. Using anything less in a coastal environment will result in the fasteners failing in just a few years.

While the price point is higher, the cost of a premature roof failure—or the labor to replace rusted nails—is exponentially greater. These nails are the “set it and forget it” solution for high-stakes environments. They provide peace of mind that the integrity of the cedar will not be compromised by the air itself.

If the property is exposed to salt air, skip the galvanized options entirely. The investment in 316 stainless steel is a small fraction of the total cost of the roof but represents the most important factor in its longevity.

Stainless Steel vs. Galvanized: Which Is Right?

• Hot-Dipped Galvanized: Ideal for standard, inland residential applications. It is cost-effective and provides sufficient protection in non-corrosive environments.
• 304 Stainless Steel: The standard for longevity. It is immune to tannin staining and provides superior protection in damp or high-humidity regions.
• 316 Stainless Steel: The requirement for coastal or marine environments. It prevents the pitting corrosion that salt air causes to other metal types.

Understanding the environment is the first step in selecting a fastener. A galvanized nail in a coastal climate is a recipe for a warranty claim, while 316 stainless in a dry, inland climate is often unnecessary overkill. Match the metal to the atmospheric conditions to optimize the life of the repair.

Choosing the Right Nail Length for Your Shakes

The rule of thumb for cedar shakes is that the nail must penetrate the roof deck by at least 3/4 of an inch. Because shakes vary in thickness, particularly at the butt end, the nail length must be sufficient to account for both the shake and the underlayment. Typically, a 1-1/2 inch or 1-3/4 inch nail is the standard for most repair work.

If the nail is too short, the shake will eventually loosen, leading to rattling or blowing off in the wind. If the nail is too long, it may pierce through the underside of the deck, which is unsightly in exposed-rafter roofing systems. Always measure the total thickness of the shake and the decking before finalizing the nail size.

Adjust the depth setting on the pneumatic nailer to ensure the head sits flush with the surface of the wood. A nail driven too deep will crack the shake, while a nail left “proud” (protruding) will snag wind and debris, eventually backing out over time.

Proper Nailing Technique for Cedar Shake Repair

When installing a replacement shake, the fasteners should be placed about 1 to 1-1/2 inches above the exposure line. This ensures the next course of shakes will cover the heads, providing a secondary layer of protection against water intrusion. The nails should be driven straight—never at an angle—to maintain maximum holding power.

Two nails per shake are standard, placed approximately one inch in from the edges. Placing nails too close to the edge of the cedar can cause the wood to split as it expands and contracts, effectively rendering the fastener useless. When working with wide shakes, it is professional practice to use a third nail in the center to prevent cupping.

Always ensure that the replacement shake is properly spaced from its neighbors to allow for expansion. If the shakes are hammered too tightly together, they will buckle when they absorb moisture. Leave a small gap—about 1/4 to 3/8 inch—to accommodate this natural movement.

Common Nailing Mistakes That Ruin Cedar Shakes

The most frequent error is overdriving the nail, which crushes the wood fibers around the head. This destroys the surface integrity of the cedar and creates a pocket where water can settle and accelerate rot. Use a depth-control gauge on the nailer to dial in the settings before starting the repair.

Another common mistake is using incorrect fastener material for the job, such as standard steel or electro-galvanized nails. These will bleed black streaks, staining the cedar and signaling that the fastener is already failing. Additionally, failing to account for the thickness of the cedar results in nails that don’t penetrate deep enough to hold, especially as the roof ages and the shakes cup.

Finally, do not rely on a single nail for wide, heavy shakes. These pieces are prone to warping; using only one fastener allows the shake to pivot and eventually split or detach. Proper placement and the correct number of fasteners are the foundation of a repair that blends seamlessly into an aging roof.

Repairing cedar shakes is an exercise in precision and material selection, as the roof is only as strong as its smallest component. Whether selecting cost-effective galvanized nails for a standard inland project or high-end 316 stainless for a coastal home, prioritizing corrosion resistance and proper installation mechanics is essential. By adhering to these professional standards, the integrity of the cedar roof is preserved for years to come.