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When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, the roof is your first line of defense. In Whatcom County, where rain, wind, and the occasional snowstorm are all part of the weather mix, a roof needs to be more than just functional—it needs to be durable. At Axiom Roofing, we believe that one of the best ways to ensure long-lasting protection for your residential roofing is by choosing handnailing for your shingle installation.

Here’s why handnailing shingles is the best choice for homeowners in Whatcom County and how Axiom Roofing’s precision approach sets us apart.

What Is Handnailing?

Handnailing is the traditional method of installing shingles, where each shingle is secured by a roofer manually driving nails into it using a hammer. While many roofing companies today use pneumatic nail guns to speed up the process, Axiom Roofing continues to rely on this time-honored technique for its superior results.

The Advantages of Handnailing Over Pneumatic Tools

1. Precision and Control One of the main benefits of handnailing is the level of control it offers. A professional roofer can feel when the nail is set just right—not too deep and not too shallow. This is crucial because overdriven nails can damage shingles, and underdriven nails leave them loose and susceptible to wind damage. Pneumatic nail guns, on the other hand, can easily misfire or overdrive nails, especially when the air pressure fluctuates.
   With handnailing, each nail is driven to the perfect depth, ensuring that the shingle stays securely fastened without compromising its integrity.
2. Better Performance in Whatcom County’s Weather The Pacific Northwest is known for its unpredictable weather, and roofs in Bellinghan, Lynden and other Whatcom County towns must endure a lot. Strong winds, heavy rain, and damp conditions can cause improperly installed shingles to loosen, crack, or blow off. Handnailing ensures that every shingle is carefully secured to withstand these elements. A roof installed with precision is far less likely to suffer damage in high winds, reducing the need for costly repairs down the road.
3. Longer-Lasting Roof When you invest in a new roof, you want it to know it will last for years to come. One of the major advantages of handnailing shingles is the durability it provides. By manually securing each shingle with the proper number of nails, and ensuring those nails are perfectly placed, handnailing helps create a roof that stands the test of time.

Axiom Roofing's commitment to this meticulous process ensures a longer-lasting roof, which means fewer repairs, less maintenance, and a lower likelihood of premature roof replacement. When you combine this level of care with high-quality materials, you get a roof that performs well for decades—even in Whatcom County's challenging climate.

Why Pneumatic Nail Guns Don’t Measure Up

While pneumatic nail guns are commonly used for their speed, they come with several downsides that can impact the integrity of your roof:

1. Inconsistent Nail Depth Pneumatic nail guns are fast, but they lack the precision required for high-quality roofing. They often drive nails inconsistently due to variations in air pressure. Nails may go too deep, penetrating through the shingles and exposing your roof to leaks, or they may not go deep enough, leaving the shingles prone to coming loose.
2. Potential for Shingle Damage Pneumatic tools can easily crack or puncture shingles if not handled carefully. This is especially concerning when using more delicate or high-end roofing materials. Handnailing, on the other hand, gives roofers the ability to adjust their technique on the fly, ensuring that each shingle remains intact and properly secured.
3. Speed Over Quality While nail guns can speed up installation, faster doesn’t always mean better. The focus on speed can lead to mistakes, rushed work, and uneven nailing patterns. At Axiom Roofing, we prioritize quality over speed to ensure your roof is installed with the care and attention to detail it deserves.

Axiom Roofing: Your Local Expert in Handnailing

At Axiom Roofing, we’ve perfected the craft of handnailing shingles. With over 20 years of experience in residential roofing in Whatcom County, we understand the unique challenges that homeowners face in this region. Our team is trained in the precision art of handnailing, allowing us to create roofs that not only look beautiful but also provide unparalleled protection from the elements.

By choosing Axiom Roofing for your next roofing project—whether it’s new construction or a reroofing job—you’re opting for a company that values craftsmanship over shortcuts. We’re proud to bring this old-world technique to every job, combining it with modern roofing materials to give homeowners the best of both worlds: timeless quality and advanced durability.

Ready to invest in a roof that will last? Contact us today for a consultation and discover how handnailing can provide superior protection for your home.