Trying to decide if a roofing nailer will make life easier will depend on the definition of easier. Something else to consider is this; are you a professional roofer in need of a professional nailer? Or, are you a home owner and are looking for a nailer to help you make your own repairs? If you decide to go ahead and purchase a roofing nailer you will need to be decided on the type based upon your needs (like everything else…). Keep in mind that nailers are available with pneumatic power, electric and rechargeable, and made by various manufacturers.
To put it simply, a roofing nailer will save your arms and hands from pounding with a hammer all day long. The other nice add is that since most nailers have adjustable power settings; you don’t have to worry about over driving a nail into the roof, damaging your new roofing material. This can be especially helpful if installing slate or tile roof since too much power can crack one of the expensive tiles. On asphalt shingles too much power can tear through the shingle and, if left unnoticed, this can cause a leak in the future.
The first feature to look at is a nailers durability. It will have to hold up to hours on a hot roof without being damaged by the sun. It should also be able to live through a two-story drop onto the ground or concrete without breaking into a thousand pieces. Typically, no matter careful you think you’re going to be; you will no doubt drop your nailer from the roof at least once.
Choosing Clutter Or Convenience
While most professionals swear by a pneumatic roofing nailer there are some who are not interested in being connected by a long air hose and having to have an air compressor running all day. Although they can usually be adjusted for air power of between 70 and 120 pounds per square inch, they can be tough to maneuver in tight spots such as under second story eaves or around chimneys.
An electric power roofing nailer obviously does not require the air compressor but the user will still be dragging a long extension cord behind them as they work. Something else to consider is that adjustable depth gauges and built-in features to help keep nail lines straight into the shingles, while they’re great on paper, can make the nailing gun slightly heavier than a pneumatic roofing nailer as the driving power is located in the nailer itself.
Most rechargeable roofing nailers have the same power, with a minimum voltage of around 20, and do everything the electric roofing nailer can do. Typically, most companies claim the battery charge lasts long enough to nail down about two square of roofing material. Extra batteries are available for use on large jobs, but the ability of them to survive a 15 of 20-foot fall is questionable.
So before you buy check out the manufacturers specs and see if they’ll meet your needs. Consider how much use you’ll be giving the nailer and what kind of roofing you’ll be doing. With these things in mind you’ll be on your way to selecting the ‘perfect’ nail gun for your needs.
Be sure to check out our store for a complete line up of roofing nailers.
