Choosing a roofing felt nails supplier means finding the right fastener for the roof you are working on—and getting it delivered when you need it. Incorrect dimensions, an unsuitable coating or mixed sizes can interrupt installation and create avoidable rework.
Roofing felt nails, often called clout nails, have a broad head used to hold compatible sheet materials against a timber substrate. However, products sold under the same name can differ in head diameter, shank thickness, length and finish.
Before ordering, match the nail to the roofing system, confirm the specification with your supplier and agree on packing and delivery details.
Start with the Roof Specification
Give your supplier more information than “galvanized roofing nails.” Explain what you are fixing and what lies beneath it.
Useful details include:
- The roofing felt or membrane product.
- Whether it is an exposed covering or an underlay.
- The roof deck material and thickness.
- The required nail dimensions and head type.
- The exposure conditions.
- Whether installation is manual or uses a nail gun.
The roofing manufacturer’s instructions should determine the permitted fastener and fixing pattern. Some systems require cap nails, washers or another fixing type. A conventional clout nail should not replace a specified fastener without approval.
A supplier should be able to confirm whether its product matches your requirements or identify the information needed before quoting.
Check More Than Nail Length
Length is important, but it does not define the complete nail.
A longer nail may provide more penetration where suitable timber is available. On a thin deck, it may project through the underside. A shorter nail may avoid projection but fail to provide the engagement required by the roofing system.
Head diameter also matters. Two nails of the same length can have different head sizes and offer different contact areas against the felt. Confirm the required head dimensions rather than relying only on descriptions such as “large head.”
| Specification | What to confirm with the supplier |
|---|---|
| Length | Required length and tolerance |
| Shank diameter | Diameter in millimetres, or the exact gauge system |
| Head | Diameter, shape and surface pattern |
| Shank type | Smooth or another specified profile |
| Finish | Exact coating process and any required performance criteria |
| Supply format | Loose nails or compatible collated nails |
For repeat work, keep an approved sample or drawing with your order records. This makes it easier to check replacement deliveries against the original specification.
Ask Which Galvanized Finish Is Supplied
The word galvanized does not identify a single coating process.
Electro galvanized and hot-dip galvanized nails are produced differently and typically have different coating thicknesses. The American Galvanizers Association distinguishes these methods in its guide to zinc-coated nails.
Ask your roofing felt nails supplier to state the finish clearly on the quotation. Where the project specifies a coating requirement, request confirmation that the offered product meets it.
Do not select a nail solely because it looks shiny or because the packaging says “outdoor.” The roofing system, moisture exposure and compatibility with surrounding materials should guide the choice.
For a detailed purchasing comparison, see our guide to electro galvanized vs hot dip galvanized clout nails.
Order Quantities from the Fixing Layout
There is no single nail quantity that suits every roll of felt or every shed roof. Requirements depend on the specified fixing pattern, roof geometry, overlaps and edge details.
Calculate your order from the installation instructions for the actual roofing product. Include a practical allowance for handling losses and replacement work.
If nails are sold by weight, ask for the approximate piece count for the exact specification. Length, shank diameter and head dimensions all affect the number of nails in a kilogram.
For larger projects, agree how quantities will be divided between packs. Clearly labelled packs make it easier to issue materials to different work areas and avoid mixing fasteners.
Compare Delivery Terms Before Comparing Prices
For contractors, a low purchase price is less useful if the nails arrive after installation is scheduled to begin.
Before confirming an order, establish:
- Whether the required specification is in stock or made to order.
- The dispatch date and estimated arrival date.
- The minimum order quantity.
- Delivery charges and the agreed delivery location.
- Availability for follow-up orders.
- The process for reporting shortages or incorrect goods.
Make sure any proposed substitution is approved before dispatch. A supplier should not change the nail length, head or finish simply because the original item is unavailable.
For urgent repairs or small quantities, a local stockist may be the practical choice. For planned projects or ongoing purchasing, a bulk supplier may suit your requirements, provided the order size and delivery schedule work for you.
Inspect the Delivery Before Installation
Check the labels and a representative sample before moving the nails into general site stock.
Compare the delivered product with the order or approved sample. Look for mixed sizes, bent shanks, poorly formed heads and obvious coating damage. Check pack weights or counts as agreed, and inspect the packaging for moisture damage.
If anything differs from the specification, set the affected goods aside and contact the supplier before use. Photographs of the labels, packaging and affected nails can help resolve the issue.
Where the project requires documented inspection or testing, a visual check does not replace those requirements.
Request Roofing Felt Nails from KIN METAL
Contractors sourcing clout nails for planned projects can send a specification to KIN METAL for product and supply confirmation.
Include the required nail size, head type, finish, quantity, delivery destination and target arrival date. A drawing, approved sample or the roofing manufacturer’s fastening requirements can help clarify the enquiry.
Review the KIN METAL clout nails product page and confirm the exact specification, minimum order quantity and delivery terms before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are roofing felt nails and clout nails the same?
The terms often describe the same broad-head nail family. However, naming varies between suppliers and markets, so confirm the dimensions, head and finish rather than relying on the product name alone.
Can I use any galvanized nail for roofing felt?
No. The nail must meet the roofing system’s requirements, including its head, length, shank and coating. Some systems specify a different fastener altogether.
Can loose felt nails be used in a nail gun?
Loose nails are not interchangeable with collated nails. Check the nail gun manufacturer’s requirements and order the correct collation format and dimensions.
What should I send when requesting a quotation?
Send the product specification, quantity, packaging preference, delivery destination and required arrival date. Include the roofing application and any relevant drawing or installation requirement.
What makes a roofing felt nails supplier suitable for contractors?
Clear specifications, accurate packing, realistic delivery commitments and a workable process for repeat orders and resolving discrepancies are useful factors to assess.
Written by the KIN METAL Editorial Team.
