The size staples for roofing felt are 1 1/4 inches long with a 7/16 inch crown. These staples hold felt paper down before shingles go on. Roofers use them because they grip tight and stay put. Using the right size matters. Wrong size staples can let felt shift or tear. This can lead to leaks later. You want staples that are strong enough but not too long.
Why 1 1/4 Inch Staples Work Best
Roofing felt is thin paper that goes under shingles. It needs to stay flat and tight. A 1 1/4 inch staple goes deep enough into the wood to hold firm. It does not poke through the other side. Too short and the felt pulls loose. Too long and it can damage the plywood under the felt.
According to industry data, most roofers install about 5 million roofs per year in the U.S. That means billions of staples go into roofing felt every year. The standard size has stayed the same because it works.
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How Many Staples Do You Need?
Space staples 6 to 8 inches apart along each seam. Place them in rows around the edges of the felt sheet. For an average residential roof size of 1,700 square feet, you use a lot of staples.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average U.S. roof size is 2,647 square feet or 26.47 squares. That means more staples are needed for bigger roofs.
| Roof Size | Staple Spacing | Staples Per Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 1,000 sq. ft.) | 6-8 inches | 20-30 |
| Medium (1,000-2,000 sq. ft.) | 6-8 inches | 40-60 |
| Large (over 2,000 sq. ft.) | 6-8 inches | 80+ |
Tools for Stapling Roofing Felt
A pneumatic staple gun is the best tool. It shoots staples fast and even. Hand staple guns work too but take longer.
Make sure your gun is set for 7/16 crown staples. Always check the pressure setting. Too much pressure drives staples too deep. Too little leaves them sticking out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use staples that are too short. Do not use staples that are too long. Do not space them too far apart. Do not skip staples to save time.
According to industry data, approximately 33% of roofs are replaced due to leaking. Many leaks start because roofing felt is not fastened correctly. Using the right staple size prevents these problems. A 1 1/4 inch staple with a 7/16 inch crown is the standard for a reason. It holds felt tight and lasts for years.
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