While it may be tempting to use a staple gun due to its ease of use and efficiency, it is generally not recommended to secure roofing felt with staples alone. Stapling the roofing felt may not provide the same level of stability and durability as secured with nails.
Furthermore, roofing felt is exposed to various weather conditions and can experience significant stress, particularly during high winds. Staples may not withstand these forces as effectively as nails, potentially leading to the failure of the underlayment and compromising the entire roofing system.
Using a staple gun in combination with nails
That being said, some roofing professionals have experimented with using staple guns in addition to nails. In this case, the staple gun can be used to temporarily hold the roofing felt in place while nails provide the long-term structural support.
By employing both nails and staples, the staple gun can help speed up the installation process, as it requires less effort and time compared to using nails exclusively. However, it is crucial to ensure that the nails are providing the majority of the attachment strength, while the staples are simply holding the felt in place temporarily.
Advantages of using a staple gun
While it may not be advisable to rely solely on a staple gun for securing roofing felt, there are still advantages to using a staple gun in conjunction with nails:
- Ease of use: Staple guns are typically lightweight and easy to handle, allowing for faster installation.
- Efficiency: Staple guns can drive staples quickly and precisely, saving valuable time during the roofing process.
- Temporary attachment: Stapling roofing felt can aid in temporary attachment, providing an extra measure of convenience and efficiency.
Disadvantages of using a staple gun
Despite the advantages, there are some disadvantages to using a staple gun for securing roofing felt:
- Reduced stability: Staples may not offer the same level of stability and holding power as nails, potentially compromising the integrity of the roofing system.
- Weather resistance: Staples may not hold up as well against extreme weather conditions, increasing the risk of the underlayment becoming damaged or detached.
- Long-term durability: Over time, staples may corrode or come loose, leaving the underlayment vulnerable to water infiltration or wind damage.
While a staple gun may seem like a convenient alternative for securing roofing felt, it is generally not recommended to rely solely on staples. The use of nails remains the preferred and more reliable method for attaching underlayment. However, if you decide to use a staple gun, it should be in combination with nails, with staples serving only as a temporary attachment method. Ultimately, the reliability and durability of your roofing system should be of utmost importance, and using nails provides a stronger and more secure solution.