Why Fortifying Your Roof Decking with Back Nailing and Ring Shank Nails is Essential
One of the best ways to strengthen your roof decking is by back nailing with ring shank nails. A standard practice on every Brown Roofing project. This combination creates a highly resilient and secure attachment that dramatically improves your roof’s ability to withstand storms, high winds, and other severe weather. Let’s dive into what this method is, and why it matters for Connecticut homes.
What is Back Nailing?
Back nailing refers to the process of applying an additional round of nails through the top of the roof decking into the rafters or trusses, reinforcing the initial nailing pattern used to install the plywood. Essentially, it means adding a second line of defense to lock your decking firmly in place.
What are Ring Shank Nails?
Ring shank nails have ridged or ringed shanks instead of a smooth surface. These ridges grip the wood fibers much more securely than traditional smooth nails. As a result, ring shank nails:
Provide superior holding power
Resist withdrawal under wind uplift forces
Minimize the chance of nails loosening over time
They are commonly used in hurricane-prone regions, and they are one of the best fasteners for strengthening roof decking.
Why Combine Back Nailing with Ring Shank Nails?
Putting these two methods together provides the ultimate reinforcement:
1. Maximum Wind Resistance
High winds — whether from a Nor’easter or hurricane — create enormous uplift pressure on a roof. Decking panels can literally be ripped off if they aren’t strongly secured. Back nailing with ring shank nails dramatically increases the pull-through resistance of each panel, anchoring it far better than standard smooth-shank nails alone.
2. Improved Structural Integrity
Your roof system is only as strong as its weakest link. If the decking shifts or lifts, it undermines the shingles, underlayment, and even your attic structure. Back nailing with ring shank nails ensures the decking stays tight and aligned with the framing, protecting every other layer of your roof system.
3. Better Long-Term Performance
Smooth nails can work loose over time due to thermal expansion, wood movement, or weather-related stresses. Ring shank nails, on the other hand, resist this loosening effect. Combined with back nailing, they provide a permanent, durable fastening solution that helps extend the life of your roof.
4. Peace of Mind in Severe Weather
Connecticut sees powerful storms, heavy snow, and high winds year after year. Reinforcing your roof decking with back nailing and ring shank nails means you can face these storms with greater confidence, knowing your roof has been fortified far beyond minimum code requirements.
Should You Upgrade Your Roof Decking Fastening?
If you are replacing your roof or building a new home, it is the perfect time to ask your roofer about fortifying your roof decking with back nailing and ring shank nails. The added investment is small compared to the cost of repairing a failed roof after a major storm.
At Brown Roofing, we believe in building roofs that last — and we proudly use back nailing with ring shank nails as part of our commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and customer protection.
A strong, resilient roof starts with secure decking. Back nailing with ring shank nails is one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to protect your home against the harsh realities of New England weather. If live in Fairfield, New Haven or Litchfield County and you’d like to learn more about how Brown Roofing can help you fortify your roof for years of dependable protection, contact us today for a free consultation.
