Choosing the Right Clout Nails for Shed Roofs

Created on 2025.08.29

Choosing the Right Felt Clout Nails for Shed Roofs

Introduction to Felt Clout Nails and Their Importance for Shed Roofs

When it comes to constructing or repairing shed roofs, selecting the right fasteners is crucial for ensuring durability and weather resistance. Felt clout nails are specifically designed to secure roofing felt effectively, providing a reliable hold in various weather conditions. These nails feature large heads that prevent tearing and help distribute the pressure evenly across the felt surface, reducing damage and extending the life of the roof. Understanding the specific characteristics and best practices for using felt clout nails can significantly improve the quality of your roofing project.

Felt clout nails are commonly used in roofing applications because they are tailored to work with bituminous felt, a popular roofing material. The combination of proper nails and roofing felt ensures that sheds remain waterproof and structurally sound, protecting stored items and maintaining the integrity of the structure. This article will explore the recommended sizes, types, and installation techniques to help you choose the right nails for your shed roof.

Recommended Size and Features of 15 mm Felt Clout Nails

The 15 mm felt clout nails are widely recommended for shed roofing because of their optimal size and efficiency. These nails have large heads, typically around 14 mm in diameter, which provide a broad surface area to hold the roofing felt securely without tearing it. The 15 mm length is long enough to penetrate the felt and the timber beneath, ensuring a strong grip while avoiding excessive penetration that could damage the structure.

One of the key benefits of using 15 mm felt clout nails is their versatility. They work well with various thicknesses of roofing felt and are compatible with different types of shed roof timber. Their large heads also make them easy to hammer in, reducing installation time and effort. Additionally, the nail’s size is well-suited for creating a watertight seal around the nail head, which is essential to prevent leaks and water ingress.

Key Points: Using 15 mm Galvanised Nails and Proper Spacing Guidelines

For roofing projects, galvanised nails are highly recommended due to their resistance to corrosion and rust. The 15 mm galvanised felt clout nails provide long-lasting performance even in damp or wet conditions, which are common on shed roofs. Galvanisation extends the lifespan of the nails, preventing premature failure and ensuring that your roofing felt remains firmly attached over time.

Proper spacing of clout nails is another critical factor in roofing installation. Nails should ideally be placed every 6 to 8 inches along the edges of the roofing felt, with additional nails spaced evenly in the field of the felt to avoid any lifting or sagging. Correct spacing not only improves the hold but also enhances the waterproofing capability of the roof by minimizing gaps and loose areas.

Contractor Insights and Recommendations Based on Experience

Experienced roofing contractors often emphasize the importance of selecting nails that match the roofing felt thickness and the timber substrate. Many recommend using 15 mm galvanised clout nails for standard shed roofs, as they provide a balance of strength and ease of use. Contractors also advise against using nails that are too long, which can penetrate through the timber excessively and cause structural issues.

Another tip from professionals is to ensure that the nails are hammered flush with the felt surface but not overdriven, which can damage the felt and compromise the waterproof barrier. It is also essential to use a hammer with a smooth face to avoid denting the nail heads or tearing the felt. These practical insights help improve installation quality and roof longevity.

Nail Size Insights: Overview of Various Felt Clout Nail Sizes and Their Uses

Felt clout nails come in various sizes, typically ranging from 12 mm to 25 mm in length, with head diameters varying accordingly. Smaller nails, such as 12 mm, are suitable for lightweight felt applications or thinner timber substrates, while larger nails, like 20 mm or 25 mm, are used for thicker felt or more robust timber. Choosing the correct size depends on the roofing felt thickness, timber type, and the environmental conditions.

The 15 mm nails remain the most popular choice for shed roofs due to their versatility and performance balance. However, for heavy-duty roofing felt or areas exposed to strong winds, opting for longer nails with larger heads can provide extra security. Understanding these size variations helps tailor your choice to specific project needs, ensuring a secure and durable roof.

Usage Tips: Spacing, Nail Length, and Installation Considerations

Proper usage of felt clout nails involves more than just choosing the right size; spacing and installation technique are just as important. Nails should be spaced evenly to prevent the felt from lifting or wrinkling. Overcrowding nails can damage the felt, while too few nails will compromise the hold. The recommended spacing is typically between 6 to 8 inches along overlaps and edges.

Nail length should be sufficient to penetrate the felt and at least 20 mm into the timber beneath for a secure grip. Using nails that are too short can result in poor holding power, while excessively long nails may cause splitting of the timber. When installing, ensure nails are driven straight and flush without crushing the felt, maintaining the integrity of the waterproof layer.

Importance of Galvanised Felt Clout Nails

Galvanised nails are coated with zinc, which protects them from rust and corrosion caused by exposure to moisture and atmospheric conditions. This feature is especially important for shed roofs, which are frequently exposed to rain, dew, and humidity. Using galvanised felt clout nails helps maintain the structural integrity of the roof over time, preventing nail failure and potential leaks.

Non-galvanised nails may corrode quickly, leading to rust stains, weakening of the nail, and eventual loosening of the roofing felt. Investing in high-quality galvanised nails is a cost-effective measure that enhances the durability and lifespan of your shed roof. It also reduces maintenance needs and prolongs the time before a reroofing project is necessary.

Best Nails for Roofing Felt: Types and Features

The best nails for securing roofing felt are those specifically designed as felt clout nails. These nails have large, flat heads that prevent the felt from tearing, and are usually made of steel with galvanised coating for corrosion resistance. Alternatives like staples or smaller roofing nails do not provide the same holding power or protection.

Another popular option is copper clout nails, which offer excellent corrosion resistance but at a higher cost. For most shed roofing applications, galvanised steel clout nails provide the best balance of performance and affordability. When buying, look for nails with a smooth shank and bright galvanised finish to ensure ease of installation and long-term reliability.

Installation Techniques: Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Roofing Felt with Clout Nails

Installing roofing felt with clout nails requires careful preparation and technique. First, ensure the roof surface is clean and dry. Roll out the roofing felt and align it properly to cover the entire roof area, allowing for overlaps as specified by the felt manufacturer. Start nailing at one corner, placing nails every 6 to 8 inches along the edges and overlaps.

Drive each nail straight and flush, avoiding overdriving which can damage the felt. Continue unrolling and fastening the felt across the roof, maintaining consistent nail spacing. Pay special attention to edges and corners to prevent wind uplift. After nailing, inspect the roof for any loose or wrinkled areas and adjust as necessary. Proper installation will ensure a watertight seal and enhance the longevity of your shed roof.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clout Nails and Shed Roofing

Q: Why are large heads important on clout nails?

Large heads prevent the roofing felt from tearing and distribute pressure evenly, protecting the felt from damage caused by wind and weather.

Q: Can I use regular nails instead of felt clout nails?

Regular nails often have smaller heads and lack corrosion resistance, making them unsuitable as they may damage the felt and rust quickly.

Q: How far apart should clout nails be spaced?

Generally, nails should be spaced 6 to 8 inches apart along edges and overlaps for secure fastening.

Q: Are galvanised nails necessary?

Yes, galvanised nails are highly recommended to prevent rust and ensure long-term durability in outdoor roofing applications.

Q: What length of clout nails should I use for my shed roof?

15 mm nails are suitable for most shed roofs, but the length should ensure penetration of at least 20 mm into the timber.

Conclusion: The Significance of Choosing the Right Felt Clout Nails for Roofing

Choosing the right felt clout nails for shed roofs is essential to achieving a durable, weather-resistant roofing system. The 15 mm galvanised felt clout nails with large heads are the most recommended for their optimal size, corrosion resistance, and ease of use. Proper spacing and installation techniques further enhance the performance of roofing felt, preventing leaks and extending the life of the shed roof.

For those interested in exploring high-quality hardware fasteners and nails, companies like Linyi Xingshuo offer a range of products suited for roofing and construction needs. Additionally, businesses can find reliable supply options and detailed product specifications by visiting the Products page of Linyi Xingshuo, which specializes in hardware fasteners including felt clout nails.