Enhance envelope efficiency with wood nailer alternatives

By Hickman Edge Systems. 

Explore how metal alternatives reduce thermal loss and promote higher R-values. 

In high-performance building design, attention to detail matters — especially at the edges. When insulation stops short of the roof or wall perimeter, so does your building’s ability to retain energy effectively. These seemingly minor breaks in continuity can have major consequences, creating visible and measurable weaknesses in the building envelope. 

Experts from Hickman Edge Systems want to share the advantages of utilizing wood nailer alternatives in evading issues of predictable hot spots, reduced energy efficiency and compromised comfort. 

Problem: The hidden gap of wood nailers 

Typically positioned six to eight inches inside the roof edge, traditional wood nailers occupy the space where insulation would otherwise continue — creating a consistent thermal gap that breaks continuity and lowers R-values, even in well-insulated systems. It’s a small detail with a significant potential impact on energy performance. 

Confirmation: Thermal modeling 

Seen below on the left, thermal simulation reveals how a standard wood nailer interrupts perimeter insulation. The result? A wider temperature gradient at the edge — clear proof of energy loss and compromised R-values where insulation continuity falls short. 

Solution: Continuous insulation via wood nailer alternative 

In contrast, Eliminailer-T — a metal alternative to wood nailers — enables continuous insulation at the perimeter. This design preserves thermal continuity, limits energy loss and supports higher R-values. Seen above on the right, modeling shows a tighter, more controlled gradient confirming that uninterrupted insulation maintains efficient performance. 

Unlike traditional wood nailers, metal alternatives Eliminailer-T and EdgeBox RI are engineered to carry insulation fully to the perimeter — reducing thermal loss, supporting R-value targets and enhancing envelope efficiency. 
 
Built to last, these wood nailer alternatives are spec-ready with thorough industry testing and a lifetime, 215 mph wind warranty. 

Learn how to apply it 

Understanding the problem is step one. Knowing how to specify the solution is step two. 

Request your in-person or virtual session of “Wood Nailer Alternatives: Sustainable Solution to Enhance Roof Perimeter Security and Strength,” our continuing education seminar covering everything you need to know about nailers — both wood and metal. 

Original article and photos source: Hickman Edge Systems