6 Best Roofing Staples For Felt Paper Installation

Securing felt paper properly is the silent insurance policy of any roofing project. If the underlayment shifts or tears before the shingles are laid, the moisture barrier is compromised from the start. Choosing the right staple ensures that the paper stays put against high winds and foot traffic without shredding the felt. A proper fastening strategy distinguishes a professional, long-lasting install from a weekend patch job.

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Arrow T50 Staples: Best for Manual T-50 Tackers

The Arrow T50 is the gold standard for manual staple guns, a staple (pun intended) in every tool belt for decades. These are ideal for smaller jobs, repairs, or when working in tight corners where pneumatic hoses become a liability. They offer a precise, controlled strike that prevents overdriving when speed isn’t the primary requirement.

When using these on asphalt felt, ensure the trigger is held flush against the surface. If the tacker bounces, the staple legs will splay, creating a poor hold that allows the felt to “work” under wind pressure. These are best suited for smaller residential shed roofs or for securing the perimeter of felt before the main crew arrives.

Stick to the galvanized versions to prevent premature rust bleed. On larger projects, manual tacking leads to hand fatigue, which leads to sloppy work. Save these for detail work or minor tasks where a heavy-duty air compressor is overkill.

Duo-Fast 5000 Series: Pro’s Choice Hammer Tacker Staple

Hammer tackers are the workhorse of the roofing trade for a reason. The Duo-Fast 5000 series is engineered for the high-impact, repetitive motion of slapping down hundreds of feet of felt in minutes. They provide the necessary consistency for installers who need to keep moving without slowing down for misfires.

The secret to success with hammer tackers lies in the angle of the strike. The tool must hit the roof deck squarely to drive both legs of the staple home simultaneously. If the staple hits at an angle, one leg will inevitably curl, leaving a weak point that can catch wind and tear the paper.

These are excellent for steep-slope roofs where balance is tricky and the installer needs a “swing and move” rhythm. Avoid using them on thin OSB decks where the force of the hammer might dimple the wood, potentially damaging the integrity of the substrate.

Bostitch PowerCrown Staples: Best for Pneumatic Staplers

Pneumatic staplers demand a staple that can handle rapid-fire delivery without jamming the magazine. Bostitch PowerCrown staples feature a wider design that distributes the pressure across a larger area of the felt. This reduces the risk of the staple cutting through the paper, a common issue with thinner, standard-gauge fasteners.

The “PowerCrown” design is intentionally flatter than traditional staples, which provides a tighter hold against the deck. This is critical when dealing with heavy-duty #30 felt or thicker synthetic underlayments. The increased surface area ensures the underlayment doesn’t flutter if the roof remains exposed to the elements for a few days.

Always dial in the air pressure on a scrap piece of plywood before hitting the main deck. Too much PSI will bury the staple crown into the felt, effectively creating a funnel that traps water rather than shedding it. Aim for a flush, snug fit that doesn’t pierce the top layer of the paper.

DEWALT Heavy Duty Staples: The Reliable All-Rounder

DEWALT heavy-duty staples offer a consistent manufacturing standard that fits a wide range of common hand-tackers. They are the “utility player” of the roofing world, perfectly capable of handling felt paper, house wrap, or even light insulation. For the DIYer who wants a dependable product without needing a dedicated pneumatic setup, these are the go-to.

The heavy-duty steel used in these staples resists bending when hitting harder substrates like dense pine or older, seasoned plywood. They provide enough holding power for standard #15 felt in moderate wind zones. However, always verify that the length of the staple is matched to the thickness of the felt and the underlying deck.

One common mistake is using these staples for “final” fastening. While they hold the felt in place during installation, they should never be considered a structural fastener for the shingles themselves. Once the shingle nails go in, the staple is essentially just holding the paper in place until the roof is sealed.

Paslode GSW16 Galvanized Staples: For Air-Powered Speed

When production speed is the main metric, Paslode GSW16 staples are engineered to feed through pneumatic guns without the frustration of constant jams. These are professional-grade fasteners designed for high-volume work environments. They are specifically treated for exterior exposure, providing high corrosion resistance.

The 16-gauge thickness is beefy enough to bite into structural sheathing without deforming. This makes them ideal for securing felt over larger surface areas where keeping the paper perfectly flat is the priority. The galvanized coating is essential; never use uncoated steel staples, as they will rust rapidly, leaving holes in your moisture barrier.

Contractors often prefer these for large-scale commercial jobs or complex residential roofing where efficiency translates directly to profit. Just remember that speed can lead to over-fastening, which wastes materials and creates unnecessary penetrations. Maintain a consistent spacing pattern to ensure structural integrity without over-saturating the deck.

Stinger StaplePac: Best System for High-Wind Areas

In regions prone to severe weather, a standard staple often isn’t enough to prevent uplift. The Stinger system combines the holding power of a staple with the protective surface of a plastic cap. This creates a much larger bearing surface, preventing the “pull-through” effect that happens when wind forces the felt paper over the head of a small, thin staple.

Using a cap-staple system is the best way to ensure the underlayment survives the construction process. If the job site experiences a delay—common in volatile weather climates—a standard staple might allow the paper to tear, but a cap-staple will keep the paper pinned securely. It is a small investment for a significant increase in security.

While they take slightly longer to install, the trade-off is superior protection for the roof deck. For projects in high-wind zones or on coastal properties, this is not just a recommendation; it is a necessity. Always check that the cap-stapler is correctly adjusted to ensure the cap sits perfectly flat against the felt.

Staples vs. Plastic Cap Fasteners: Which to Use

Choosing between a standard staple and a plastic cap fastener depends entirely on the exposure duration and the local environment. Standard staples work fine for quick jobs where shingles are installed within 24 to 48 hours. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and fast.

Plastic cap fasteners are the superior choice if the roof will remain exposed for more than a few days. The cap provides a seal around the fastener hole, preventing water infiltration. They are also essential when using synthetic underlayments, which are more susceptible to tearing around a small, sharp staple leg.

• Standard Staples: Use for fast-moving crews in mild weather with standard #15 felt.
• Plastic Cap Fasteners: Use for synthetic underlayments, high-wind zones, or when the felt will be exposed for several days.

Staple Gauge and Crown Size: What You Need to Know

Staple gauge refers to the thickness of the wire, while the crown is the top bar. A higher gauge number means a thinner wire. For roofing felt, a 16-gauge or 18-gauge staple is typically sufficient for securing the paper to the deck.

The crown size is critical for “pull-through” resistance. A wider crown grips more surface area of the felt, preventing it from tearing away during a gust of wind. If the crown is too narrow, the staple acts like a blade, slicing right through the felt as soon as any tension is applied.

Always match the staple size to the manufacturer’s requirements for your specific staple gun. Using a non-compatible crown size will lead to frequent jams and misfires that damage the underlayment. When in doubt, lean toward a wider crown to maximize holding surface area.

Are Staples for Felt Paper Allowed By Building Code?

Building codes generally permit the use of staples for securing felt paper, provided the fasteners are corrosion-resistant and appropriate for the substrate. However, staples are strictly prohibited for fastening the shingles themselves. The felt paper is a temporary moisture barrier, not a structural component.

Always check local amendments to the International Residential Code (IRC). Some jurisdictions may require specific fastener lengths or materials, particularly in high-wind or coastal zones where uplift ratings are strictly enforced. Never assume the “standard” practice holds true in every municipality.

Failure to follow code-mandated fastening patterns can result in failed inspections and voided warranties. If the inspector sees a staple holding a shingle, the roof will fail. Use staples exclusively for the underlayment, and ensure the shingles are applied with the manufacturer-specified nails.

How to Properly Staple Down Your Roofing Felt Paper

Start by laying the felt from the bottom of the roof upwards, ensuring a minimum overlap as dictated by the slope. Use only enough staples to keep the paper flat and secure against the wind. Too many staples create a “swiss cheese” effect on the deck, which invites unnecessary moisture entry.

When driving the staple, the goal is a flush finish. The staple should pull the paper taut without crushing it or tearing through the top layer. If the staple is driven too deep, it creates a depression that can pool water, accelerating the decay of the underlying wood deck.

Pay extra attention to the eaves and valleys. These are the most common areas for moisture infiltration and require secure, reinforced fastening. Always prioritize the integrity of the overlap, as this is where the water-shedding performance of the roof is truly tested.

Proper fastener selection and installation technique are the bedrock of a long-lasting roof. While staples are simple tools, their performance directly impacts how well the underlayment protects the deck against the elements. By choosing the right tool for the job—whether a manual tacker for minor repairs or a cap-stapler for high-wind durability—the roof remains secure and dry for the long haul.