
Plastic cap nails are essential for roof installation. They are used for a variety of applications, including installing roofing underlayment, house wrap, and insulation in residential and commercial buildings. The plastic cap on these nails provides additional holding power and strength, helping to secure the materials in place. The number of plastic cap nails required per square depends on the specific project and installation method. For example, the High Wind Application method requires 360 nails per square. The cost of plastic cap nails can vary, with some sources mentioning prices ranging from $10.95 per box to $45.09 for a pack of 3000. It's important to consider factors such as material, type, and length when estimating the cost and quantity of nails needed for a project.
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What You'll Learn

Plastic cap nails are used for roofing underlayment
Plastic cap nails are a critical component in the roofing process, specifically for securing the roofing underlayment. The underlayment, or felt, provides a secondary layer of protection and support underneath the main roofing material. It is essential to keep it in place, especially in windy areas, to prevent tears or rips.
Regular roofing nails have smaller heads, which can easily tear through the underlayment. On the other hand, plastic cap nails have a larger surface area under the nail head due to the plastic disk around the head, providing extra protection and reducing the risk of tearing. The plastic cap also helps divert water away from the holes made by the nail, providing water resistance.
Plastic cap nails are ideal for outdoor roofing projects and are suitable for various roofing applications. They can be used to secure sheathing, roofing felt, tar paper, foam board insulation, and more. The ring shank design of these nails offers superior gripping power, ensuring a secure installation. Additionally, the electro-galvanized finish resists corrosion, ensuring the nails' durability.
When using plastic cap nails, it is important to note that they are packaged as integral nail-cap units, and they can be hand-driven with a hammer. They are available in different sizes, such as 1-inch nails with a 1-inch-wide plastic cap, providing reliable fastening for roofing materials.
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They are also used for house wraps
Plastic cap nails are used for house wraps to keep moisture and rain out and insulate the building. The plastic disk around the head of the nail provides protection and increases the surface area under the nail head, reducing the risk of tearing. This is especially important for house wraps, as tears can expose the building to water damage.
The number of plastic cap nails needed per square for a house wrap can vary depending on the specific application. However, it is recommended to use enough nails to ensure a tight, weatherproof fit. This will create a reliable barrier of protection from rain, snow, and wind.
When installing a house wrap, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and building codes. In some cases, cap nails are required for fastening roof underlayment in high-wind areas. It is also worth noting that installing cap nails by hand is the most accurate approach, but it is slow, and nails preloaded with caps are bulky.
Some manufacturers require caps to be fastened with nails and prohibit staples, while others specify the minimum length of the fastener, regardless of type. It is important to consider these factors when choosing the appropriate cap tool for a house wrap application.
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They are sold by the pound
When it comes to roofing, nails are an essential component, and choosing the right type and amount per square is crucial for the stability and longevity of your roof. While the specific number of nails required may vary depending on factors such as wind conditions and the type of shingles used, it's important to note that nails, including plastic cap nails, are typically sold by weight, in pounds.
Plastic cap nails, with their lightweight and cost-effective nature, are widely used in roofing. They feature a plastic washer that effectively helps hold down the underlayment. One of the key advantages of plastic cap nails is their resistance to rust, making them ideal for areas with high humidity or frequent rain. This rust resistance also contributes to the overall durability of the roof.
When purchasing plastic cap nails, you'll find them sold by the pound. The weight of nails per pound can vary depending on factors such as the length and type of nail. For example, a 1.5-inch roofing nail with a large 11-gauge shank and an oversized flathead typically has about 140 to 185 nails per pound. This variation in weight per nail can impact the amount of roofing you can cover with one pound of nails.
To determine how many pounds of nails you need for your roofing project, you should first calculate the total square footage of your roof's surface by measuring the length and width of each plane, including dormers, and then multiplying those numbers together. This will help you estimate the required number of nails, ensuring you purchase the correct amount by weight. Remember, proper nail usage is crucial for effective underlayment installation and the overall performance of your roof.
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The number of nails needed depends on the application
The number of nails needed for a project depends on the application. For example, plastic cap nails are typically used for roofing underlayment, and the number of nails required will depend on the size and type of roof. The roofing underlayment is a secondary layer of protection and support that lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing. It is crucial for a strong and durable roof, as it acts as a barrier against rain, snow, and wind.
Another factor that affects the number of nails needed is the type of nail being used. For example, ring shank nails have rings along the shank that give them extra grip and holding power. They are often chosen for their superior performance and wind resistance. On the other hand, smooth shank nails have a lower withdrawal strength and may not provide the same level of security against harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, the method of installation can also impact the number of nails required. For instance, hand-driven nails may require more nails to ensure a secure hold, whereas coil roofing nails are designed for more efficient installation and may reduce the overall number of nails needed. It's important to note that nails are typically sold by the pound, and the cost can vary depending on the material, type, and length of the nail.
The application of the nails also includes the specific material they are being driven into. Plastic cap nails are commonly used for securing house wrap, felt, rigid insulation, sheathing, roofing felt, tar paper, foam board insulation, tarps, and roll roofing. The plastic cap provides additional holding power and helps to block out moisture. The size and thickness of the plastic cap can also vary, with some caps designed to be non-visible once shingles are installed, ensuring a flush finish.
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They are also known as roof cap nails
Plastic cap nails are also known as roof cap nails. They are used for roofing underlayment, providing additional holding power and strength with their round plastic caps. These caps increase the surface area under the nail head, helping to secure the underlayment and block out moisture from penetrating the roof decking. They are also used for house wraps, which help insulate the building and keep rain and moisture out.
Roof cap nails are typically made of durable steel and feature a ring shank and a vinyl coat. They are available in various pack sizes, such as 2,000-count boxes from The Roof Store and 3,000-count packs from Grip-Rite and Home Depot. The cost of roofing nails can vary depending on factors such as material, type, and length, but small boxes typically start at around $10.
The use of roof cap nails is particularly beneficial in windy areas, as they reduce the amount of tearing if the underlayment is exposed to wind before it is fully shingled. They spread the load over a larger area, minimising the risk of tearing that can occur with regular roofing nails, which have smaller heads. This feature is especially important when using peel-and-stick on top of underlayment, as cap nails ensure that the underlayment remains securely attached to the roof.
In addition to their use in roofing, roof cap nails can also be used for insulation board. They are suitable for both residential and commercial applications. It is important to note that roofing nails with plastic caps should not be confused with gasket roofing nails, which are intended for metal roofs and have rubber gaskets instead of plastic washers.
Frequently asked questions
Plastic cap nails are used for securing house wrap, sheathing, roofing felt, foam board insulation, and more. They are ideal for outdoor roofing projects.
Plastic cap nails have a larger surface area under the nail head, which helps spread the load and reduces the risk of tearing. They also provide water resistance.
The standard size of a plastic cap nail is 1 inch, with a 1/16-inch thick plastic cap.
A standard box of plastic cap nails typically contains 2,000 nails, with packaging options of 100 nails per bag.
Plastic cap nails can be purchased from various hardware stores, such as The Roof Store and Home Depot.









































