When working in locations within 15 miles of salt water always use stainless steel type 316 nails.
Copper nails for cedar shingles.
Although the process may take longer than a simple steel nail the zinc in the galvanized coating will eventually rust and corrode exposing the steel underneath to the elements.
Galvanized coated steel nails should also not be used during a cedar shake or shingle installation.
We also caution against the use of electro galvanized eg fasteners on any cedar shingle roofing project.
That s why the nails for cedar shingles are better when they are hot dipped galvanized steel.
Use the grip rite 11 x 1 1 4 in.
Type 316 stainless steel should be used in corrosive environments or when a pressure treatment or a fire retardant treatment has been applied to the wood.
Working with cedar shingles isn t the same thing as working with regular wood.
Since this is a science forum i have a few more comments in reaction to the replies.
Nails should be long enough to penetrate sheathing at least 3 4.
Copper clout nails are a rust free fixing used most commonly in roofing applications for fixing man made and natural slates.
Keep nails about 3 4 to 1 1 is for the u b.
Plain steel nails and copper nails can react adversely with the natural oils in cedar and can rust and disintegrate.
Our cedar shingle nails are slender and still to resist wood splitting.
There is galvanic action between all metals in contact with each other.
Pressure treated wood often has preservatives on it which contain salt.
Copper flashing and cedar roofing.
In most applications only two nails are used per shingle in order to permit movement without splitting as the shingle expands and contracts during changes in its moisture level.
Corrosion of flashing cedar with al or cu i don t think it is an accident that copper is not mentioned as an acceptable fastener by the cedar shake and shingle bureau.
Do not use blued steel or copper fasteners with cedar shakes or cedar shingles.
It is best to set aside the widest shingles or shakes for use in the valley to keep nails at least 12 inches from the valley centerline figure 2 52 shown above.
Code away from the side edges of the shingles and 1 1 2 2 for ubc above the butt line of the following course.
See link below for approximate quantities per kg.
3 degree electro galvanized steel roofing nails 5 lb pack for applying roofing asphalt shingles insulation board and felt to wood substrates.
Like all of the other types of wood cedar has to be treated the right way for the best benefits.
Silicone bronze nails 45mm x 1 8mm cedar shingles 1kg.
Copper is a popular flashing material with wood roofs.