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Roofing code questions (before I get embarrassed asking the building inspector)

I'm a little baffled by this to be honest. I went looking at nail heads on job sites expecting to find similar problems but I haven't found anything like you're describing. Granted I'm not using calipers, just a standard tap measure, but on every jobsite I've checked since the beginning of this thread they all measure 3/8" and look like the standard roof nails I'd expect to see. Possibly a regional thing? Anybody else find smaller than expected roofing nails?
 
Times change and with them manufacturing standards and experienced installers and inspectors.
Are you in a high wind area?
 
Times change and with them manufacturing standards and experienced installers and inspectors.
Are you in a high wind area?
I'm not sure if you're addressing me or the OP but our design criteria here is listed at 85mph, and I think the highest recorded windspeed (recorded in our neighbor city) was under 70: "In Eureka, the fastest recorded wind speed ever was 69 mph on two occasions in 1981, according to online NWS records last updated in March 2014." I don't have enough experience to know if that makes us a high wind area or not, but when I hear about what some other states face with tornadoes and hurricanes I would say no.
 
We have a local policy to not allow 3 tab shingles. The wind here can get up 100+mph. most 3 tabs are only rated for 60mph. If you read the ASTM for them you will find that they have to be 6 nailed and 2 dabs of tar on each tab to meet the rating. Don't know anybody that will install them that way. The BO official didn't either thus the policy.
 
I've checked a few here and didn't see any issues with smaller heads being used.

Have bigger issues with portal strap nailing or lack of!
 
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