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Axiom Roofing insights
Why Hand-Nailing Shingles Matters for PNW Homes
When you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know the weather has a personality of its own. Between steady rainfall, damp air, and those surprise windstorms that sweep across King, Whatcom, Skagit, Island Counties, and even out to Friday Harbor, your roof isn’t just a shelter—it’s your home’s first line of defense. That’s why the way your shingles are installed matters just as much as the materials themselves.
At Axiom Roofing, we’ve built our reputation on a time-honored method: hand-nailing shingles. While many roofing contractors in Washington rely on pneumatic nail guns, we believe nothing beats the precision, durability, and craftsmanship of hand-nailing. Here’s why this technique makes a world of difference for Pacific Northwest homes.
Precision in Every Nail
When a roof is nailed by hand, every fastener is placed with exact pressure and angle. Pneumatic nail guns, while fast, can misfire—leaving nails overdriven, underdriven, or skewed. In a climate as wet as ours, these small mistakes can quickly become big problems, allowing water intrusion or reducing wind resistance.
By hand-nailing, our residential roofers ensure each shingle is secured perfectly, protecting your home against the region’s persistent rain and strong gusts.
Better Performance in Rain and Humidity
Moisture is constant in the PNW, which means shingles need to be anchored properly to prevent shifting or lifting over time. Hand-nailing shingles gives your roof a tighter, more reliable seal—reducing the risk of leaks and water damage. Take it from an experienced roofing contractor, It’s the kind of detail that makes a long-term difference, especially in damp coastal environments like Anacortes or Friday Harbor.
Superior Wind Resistance
Anyone who has weathered a winter storm off the Salish Sea knows how punishing wind can be. Improperly fastened shingles are often the first to fail in high winds. With hand-nailing, each nail is driven to the exact depth and placement required, creating a roof that holds strong even in gusty conditions. That’s peace of mind during the next storm season.
Craftsmanship That Lasts
Hand-nailing takes more time, skill, and care—but it results in a roof that simply lasts longer. It’s part of our full-service, detail-oriented approach that sets Axiom Roofing apart from other residential roofing contractors in Washington. Whether it’s new construction or a re-roofing project, our goal is always to deliver exceptional quality that protects your investment for decades.
Why It Matters to Homeowners
Your roof isn’t something you want to second-guess. By choosing a residential roofing company that hand-nails shingles, you’re choosing precision, durability, and craftsmanship perfectly suited for the Pacific Northwest’s unique climate.
At Axiom Roofing, we’ve been perfecting this technique for over 20 years, giving homeowners across King, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties roofs they can count on. When the weather tests your home, we make sure your roof passes.
Considering a new roof or a re-roofing project? Contact us to talk about how Axiom Roofing’s hand-nailing expertise can give your home the strength and longevity it deserves.
