Hot Dipped vs Zinc Coated Galvanised Nails - which for roofing?

udaman · Post by **udaman** » Fri Oct 06, 2023 12:45 pm

I'm not sure if I'm overthinking this...

I was under the impression hot dipped galvanised is far superior, and best for any outdoor use...

I need to do some roof repairs and bought a pack of round wire nails made by Samac, for fixing sarking boards and battens to rafters. The Samac nails are sold in several roofing stores so I presumed they were exactly what I need. But it turns out they are zinc coated. And one reviewer on Amazon says he used them outdoors and they rusted quickly.

Hoping to get started on that part of the roof tomorrow. Do I need to go and buy some different nails (if I can find some locally)? Or go ahead with what I've got?

There doesn't seem to be a price difference between the two, so if hot dipped are better, I'm confused as to why so many roofing stores only sell zinc coated round wire nails? Is there a downside to hot dipped?

Many thanks

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Fri Oct 06, 2023 1:44 pm

Hot Dipped Galvanized vs Galvanized Steel
In summary, hot-dipped galvanized steel is a type of galvanized steel. The hot-dip galvanizing process is relatively cheap, and the resulting product is very durable and versatile. Hot-dipped galvanized steel is most often used in applications that will be exposed to the elements as it is highly corrosion-resistant.

Google is your friend. Click me

udaman · Post by **udaman** » Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:33 pm

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I used my friend google and read similar info to the link you gave. Which still has me questioning why hot dipped galvanised nails don't seem to be the norm in roofing (at least when it comes to battens). Nor does it leave me any the wiser as to whether the nails i have are adequate or whether I should get something with better protection.

Many thanks

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Fri Oct 06, 2023 3:54 pm

I read it that hot dipped are better.

udaman · Post by **udaman** » Sat Oct 07, 2023 8:34 am

I read it the same as you @Someone-Else

So if hot dipped are better, why do people choose to use (and roofing stores choose to sell) the far inferior electro zinc coated?

Ta

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Sat Oct 07, 2023 2:01 pm

Your use is for under a slate roof, not exactly the same as a felt flat roof exposure. Hot dipped has quite a chunky outer coating and might not suite gun operations or deep into hardwood as the point is not so sharp.

udaman · Post by **udaman** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:40 am

Thanks for the response.

All things considered though, I think I'll be using hot dipped.

Cheers