Why you should never let a contractor use staples instead of nails on your Bartlett roof
If you live in Bartlett Tennessee and are getting a new roof or repairs you need to know this: staples are not nails and they will destroy your roof when the next storm hits. Here is the bottom line up front: staples cut through asphalt shingles under wind pressure while properly driven roofing nails hold tight for decades. This is not opinion it is physics and building code. Get a Fast Quote for Roof Leak Repair in Cordova.
Why staples fail on Bartlett roofs
Bartlett sits in Shelby County where wind speeds during thunderstorms routinely exceed 60 mph. The soil here is mostly silty clay which expands when wet then contracts when dry. This movement pushes up on your roof deck and creates constant stress on fasteners. Staples have two thin legs that slice through the shingle mat under these forces. Nails have a solid shaft that grips the wood and spreads the load. Storm Damage Roof Inspection and Repair in Bartlett.
When a staple is driven into a shingle it punches two small holes. Over time sun heat and wind cause the shingle to lift around those holes. The staple legs then cut outward like a can opener. A roofing nail drives straight through and the head sits flush holding the shingle down. The difference is immediate and permanent. Roofing Lakeland.
Golden Nugget 1: Bartlett soil expands 15% when saturated
The silty clay in the 38135 and 38134 zip codes swells dramatically after heavy rain. This expansion pushes up on roof decking and creates upward pressure on fasteners. Staples cannot resist this force. The International Residential Code Section R905.2.1 requires fasteners to withstand wind uplift. Staples fail this test in Bartlett soil conditions. International Residential Code Section R905.2.1.
Golden Nugget 2: Wolfchase Galleria area sees 45 days of severe weather annually
The commercial corridor near 2760 N Germantown Pkwy experiences more thunderstorm warnings than surrounding areas. Wind-driven rain finds any weakness in roof fasteners. Staples tear out within 3 to 5 years while nails installed per manufacturer specs last 20 to 30 years. Commercial Flat Roof Specialists for Downtown Memphis Businesses.
Golden Nugget 3: Bartlett Building Department enforces ASTM D7158 Class H
This standard requires uplift resistance of 150 mph wind speed equivalent. Staples cannot meet this rating. The city inspector will fail a roof inspection if staples are found. This is not negotiable and can delay your certificate of occupancy.
The Screwdriver Test anyone can do
Take a flathead screwdriver and press it under the edge of a shingle. If the shingle lifts easily and you see two small punctures the fastener is likely a staple. If you feel solid resistance and see a single round hole with a flat head the fastener is a nail. This simple test takes 30 seconds and tells you everything you need to know about your roof’s integrity.
Comparison of staples versus nails
| Feature | Staples | Roofing Nails | Result in Bartlett |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind uplift resistance | Poor | Excellent | Staples fail at 60 mph |
| Soil movement tolerance | Low | High | Staples tear out |
| Code compliance | Non-compliant | Compliant | Inspection failure |
| Lifespan in Tennessee weather | 3-5 years | 20-30 years | Staples need replacement |
Sounds from a failing roof
Walk outside during a windy day and listen. If you hear a crackling or popping sound from the roof that is staples letting go. The noise comes from shingle edges lifting then snapping back down. A roof with proper nails is silent even in 30 mph wind. This audible difference is one of the first warning signs.. Read more about The Real Difference Between Roof Restoration and a Total Replacement for Older Bartlett Homes.
Why Bartlett specifically is vulnerable
Bartlett’s combination of clay soil frequent storms and strict building enforcement makes it a worst-case scenario for staple use. The city sits on a ridge that channels wind from the southwest. This wind accelerates over the Wolf River and hits roofs with extra force. The local building department checks every new roof and staples are an automatic fail. Many out-of-town contractors try to cut costs with staples but they do not understand Bartlett’s unique conditions.
Two landmarks that show the difference
The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center at 3600 Appling Rd has a commercial roof installed with ring-shank nails. It has survived every storm since 2006 without a single leak. The old Kroger shopping center at 6015 Stage had staples in its original roof and lost sections during a 2019 windstorm. The city replaced it with a nailed system. These real examples prove the point.
Zip codes with the most staple problems
Homeowners in 38135 near Elmore Park and 38134 near Bartlett Boulevard report the highest number of staple-related failures. These areas have older homes where previous owners hired low-cost roofers. The staples are now failing and causing interior water damage. If you live in these zip codes you should inspect your roof immediately. Residential Roofers Specializing in Historic Homes in Central Gardens.
What to say to your contractor
Tell your roofer you want hand-driven or properly set coil roofing nails meeting ASTM F1667. Ask to see the box and check for the ASTM stamp. If the contractor refuses or says staples are fine find another roofer. This is not a negotiable feature it is a code requirement in Bartlett. ASTM F1667 standard for driven fasteners.
Cost difference is minimal
Staples might save a contractor 50 cents per square foot in labor but they cost you thousands in premature replacement. A nail installation adds about 5% to the job cost but lasts 5 times longer. The math is simple. Pay once for nails or pay multiple times for staples.. Read more about Why a cheap roof estimate might actually be a sign of missing permits in Southaven.
Professional inspection available
If you are unsure about your current roof we offer free staple versus nail inspections in Bartlett. We check fastener type pull resistance and code compliance. Call (901) 669-7399 to schedule. We serve all of Shelby County and can identify staple damage before it becomes a leak.
Act now before the next storm
Spring storm season starts in March. If your roof has staples it is a matter of when not if it fails. The cost of emergency repair after a storm is triple the cost of preventive replacement. Call (901) 669-7399 today. We can replace your roof with proper nails before the next weather event hits.
FAQ
Can I just add nails over existing staples
No. The staples are already cutting through the shingles. Adding nails does not fix the damage. The entire roof section needs replacement.
Will my insurance cover staple damage
Most policies exclude damage from improper installation. If the roof was installed with staples from the start the claim may be denied. Proper installation with nails is your best protection.
How long does a nail roof take to install
A typical Bartlett home takes 1 to 2 days with a professional crew. The process is the same whether staples or nails are used but nails require proper spacing and alignment which takes slightly more time.
Final warning
Staples are a shortcut that becomes a trap. In Bartlett Tennessee they fail every time under real conditions. Do not let a contractor talk you into them. Demand nails. Demand code compliance. Protect your home and your investment. Call (901) 669-7399 for a free inspection and get the facts before you sign any contract. For more information, visit ASTM D7158 wind uplift resistance.
You may also find this helpful. Understanding nail pops and why they lead to slow leaks in your Orange Mound home.
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