Hot Dipped vs Zinc Coated Galvanised Nails - which for roofing?

[DIYNotIan]

I'm not sure if I'm overthinking this...

I was under the impression hot dipped galvanised is far superior, and best for any outdoor use...

I need to do some roof repairs and bought a pack of round wire nails made by Samac, for fixing sarking boards and battens to rafters. The Samac nails are sold in several roofing stores so I presumed they were exactly what I need. But it turns out they are zinc coated. And one reviewer on Amazon says he used them outdoors and they rusted quickly.

Hoping to get started on that part of the roof tomorrow. Do I need to go and buy some different nails (if I can find some locally)? Or go ahead with what I've got?

There doesn't seem to be a price difference between the two, so if hot dipped are better, I'm confused as to why so many roofing stores only sell zinc coated round wire nails? Is there a downside to hot dipped?

Many thanks

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Hot dipped should be superior but why not use stainless steel.

 

[DIYNotIan]

I guess I hadn't thought to. I'll see what I can find. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Mike13]

no downside to hot dipped, it is a better process, but unpleasant for the people working in the factory making them. "Zinc flu" is very unpleasant!! I got hit with it once, I don't want a repeat.

 

[DIYNotIan]

Sounds nasty!

So aside from the unpleasant working conditions and risks, I can't see any disadvantage to hot dipped. And therefore also can't see why people choose to use (and roofing stores choose to sell) the far inferior electro zinc coated for roofing jobs...

 

[Mike13]

People dont realize that hot dipped generates an intermetallic layer of a zinc/Iron alloy and also gives a thicker layer, so the protection is for much longer. they only look at the price and availability.