6 Best Copper Nails For Cedar Shake Installation

Cedar shakes offer a timeless aesthetic and impressive durability, but their longevity is entirely dependent on the fasteners holding them in place. Standard galvanized nails eventually succumb to the tannic acid inherent in cedar, leading to premature staining and fastener failure. Utilizing solid copper nails eliminates this chemical reaction, ensuring the roof’s structural integrity matches the lifespan of the wood. Selecting the correct nail involves balancing grip strength, head size, and ease of installation for specific environmental conditions.

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Maze Solid Copper Ring Shank: Best Overall Grip

Maze nails have long been the industry standard for specialty roofing applications. The ring shank design is specifically engineered to provide maximum withdrawal resistance, which is critical when dealing with the natural expansion and contraction of cedar.

The deep, circular rings lock into the wood fibers, effectively preventing the “backing out” phenomenon often seen with smooth shank alternatives. If the project involves a steep-pitch roof or a high-wind exposure zone, these provide the necessary mechanical bite to keep shakes tight against the deck.

While the cost per box is higher than standard fasteners, the labor saved by not having to re-nail or repair loose shingles justifies the investment. Always ensure the gun or hammer is set to prevent over-driving, as the ring shank can cause splitting if the head is driven too deeply into the soft cedar grain.

Grip-Rite Copper Roofing Nails: Widely Available

Grip-Rite offers a level of accessibility that makes them the go-to for smaller repairs or mid-sized residential projects. They provide a reliable, consistent solid copper nail that performs well under standard weathering conditions.

The heads are well-proportioned, allowing for proper seating without crushing the surrounding wood fibers. This consistency is a major advantage when working with apprentices or less experienced crews, as it minimizes the risk of damage during the fastening process.

While they may not feature the aggressive grip pattern of boutique brands, they are more than sufficient for most low-to-moderate slope applications. Their widespread availability ensures that project momentum isn’t lost waiting for specialty shipments.

Swan Secure Copper Nails: Top Ring Shank Choice

Swan Secure is a premium manufacturer that focuses heavily on fastener quality control. Their copper nails feature a refined ring shank profile that excels in cedar shake applications where longevity is the primary goal.

The precision in their thread pattern creates a clean, secure lock without tearing through the cedar during the strike. For contractors working on historic restoration projects where the wood is brittle or particularly expensive, this gentler entry is a significant technical advantage.

These nails are often preferred by master installers who prioritize the long-term finish of the roof. Because they resist oxidation so effectively, they are the ideal choice for coastal environments where salt air accelerates the corrosion of lesser metals.

Pro-Fit Solid Copper Nails: Pro Contractor Pick

Pro-Fit caters to the commercial and high-end residential market by maintaining high metallurgical standards. These nails are consistently sized and lack the manufacturing burrs that can lead to improper sealing or rust spots.

The shank diameter is optimized for cedar, providing enough mass to prevent bending during installation while remaining thin enough to avoid splitting the shake. This balance is vital when working with high-density western red cedar, which can be prone to cracking if the fastener is too thick.

They represent a sensible middle ground for crews that need high-volume reliability. Their performance in both hand-driven and pneumatic applications makes them a versatile addition to any professional roofer’s kit.

Fas-n-Ty Smooth Shank Copper: For Easy Driving

Fas-n-Ty nails are designed for scenarios where the installer prefers a faster, cleaner drive. While smooth shanks lack the mechanical locking power of ring shanks, they are significantly easier to drive by hand in tight areas or tricky flashing transitions.

These are an excellent choice for finish work or areas where the wood has been pre-drilled or is particularly dense. When using smooth shanks, ensure the nail length is sufficient to provide enough embedment in the sheathing to compensate for the lack of barbs.

If the roof design includes complex valley details or frequent flashing overlaps, these nails are much easier to manipulate. Keep them in the bucket for those specific, detail-oriented tasks where speed and accessibility take priority over extreme pull-out resistance.

CopperNails.com Bulk Nails: Best for Big Jobs

For large-scale cedar shake installations, sourcing through specialized bulk suppliers is the most efficient route. These retailers focus exclusively on the specific requirements of copper fastening, ensuring the product is free of impurities.

Buying in bulk typically results in significant cost savings, which is essential when the total nail count for a large roof reaches into the thousands. Consistency is the primary benefit here; bulk batches from dedicated suppliers are less likely to have mixed alloys or size variations.

Before placing a large order, verify the head diameter and length to ensure they align with the manufacturer’s installation manual for the specific cedar shake being used. A bulk purchase is only a value if every nail meets the project’s technical specifications.

Why Solid Copper is a Must for Cedar Shakes

Cedar is naturally acidic, containing high levels of tannins that react aggressively with iron and zinc. Using standard hot-dipped galvanized or steel nails will lead to “weeping”—the black, ugly streaks that run down the face of the shake as the nail corrodes.

Over time, this corrosion thins the nail shank until the fastener snaps, leaving the shake unsecured and prone to wind damage. Solid copper, conversely, oxidizes to a harmless patina that protects the nail from further degradation.

This chemical stability is the only way to ensure that the fasteners don’t fail before the cedar itself does. For any permanent, high-quality roofing system, copper is the non-negotiable standard.

Ring Shank vs. Smooth: Which Nail Holds Better?

The ring shank nail functions like a reverse barb, gripping the grain of the wood to resist the force of high winds and the thermal expansion of the shakes. It is almost always the preferred choice for structural fastening in roofing.

Smooth shank nails, while easier to drive and extract, rely entirely on the friction of the wood against the nail shaft. Over years of cycles involving humidity and heat, the cedar around a smooth nail can shrink, loosening the grip and eventually allowing the shake to cup or warp.

Opt for ring shanks for every fastening point on the shakes themselves to ensure maximum service life. Save the smooth shanks only for specific, light-duty applications or where ease of removal might be required for future maintenance.

Choosing the Right Nail Length for Your Shakes

A general rule of thumb is that the nail must penetrate the roof sheathing by at least 3/4 of an inch. If the nail is too short, it won’t have the holding power to keep the shake flat; if it’s too long, it will poke through the underside of the deck, creating a messy appearance in attics or exposed eaves.

When calculating the required length, account for the thickness of the cedar shake, the underlayment, and the sheathing. Cedar shakes vary in thickness, and double-coursing or adding starter rows will change the necessary fastener length.

Always consult the shake manufacturer’s specifications. Some require a specific depth to maintain their warranty, and failing to use the correct length can be used as a reason to void that protection.

Pro Nailing Tips for Cedar Shake Installation

• Avoid Over-driving: Set the pneumatic tool so the nail head is flush with the surface of the wood. Driving it too deep damages the cedar fibers and creates a pocket for water to collect and rot the wood.
• Two Nails per Shake: Regardless of the width, use exactly two nails per shake to prevent the board from splitting or curling. Place the nails approximately 1 to 1.5 inches from the edges and 2 inches above the exposure line.
• Stagger the Joints: Ensure the side joints of the shakes are separated by at least 1.5 inches in adjacent courses to prevent water from running directly through the roof system.
• Check the Sheathing: If the existing sheathing is compromised by rot, no amount of quality nailing will save the roof. Replace damaged plywood or OSB before starting the new installation.

Selecting the right copper nail is a small detail that determines the long-term success of the entire roofing investment. By prioritizing ring shank fasteners and ensuring they are installed to the correct depth, you protect the roof against both physical uplift and chemical degradation. While the upfront costs may be higher, the avoidance of future repairs and the preservation of the cedar’s natural beauty make these fasteners the only logical choice for the job.