a method and apparatus for applying nail tabs to roofing and building cover materials involving the steps of depositing tab material onto the surface of the roofing or building cover material , during or after its manufacture , resulting in a plurality of nail tabs from a lamination roll , and bonding the tabs to the surface of the material by pressure between the lamination roll and said surface . the method also encompasses depositing the tab material or pre - formed tads by a pressure roll in contact with said surface . the tabs preferably ate made substantially of a polymer material and may be hardened or cured by ultra - violet or visible light . the tabs may also be pre - formed and have adhesive backing .