Do you see a few nails coming out of your roof? This may or may not be a huge problem. The severity of the damage depends on the reason behind what made the nail pops on the roof. While this may seem like a minor issue at first glance, it can sometimes be quite dangerous or indicate a more serious problem with your roof.
It is essential to fix the root cause of roof nail pops instead of hammering them down again.
At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we have answered some common questions homeowners have about nail pops on roofs. This detailed guide explains the following points:
- What causes nail pops on a roof?
- How to fix it
- Tips to prevent roof nail pops
What Causes Nail Pops On Roofs?
There are many reasons why roofing nails pop out. The most common causes include improper installation, using the wrong nails, and extreme weather conditions. If you’ve ever noticed a nail pop on your roofing system, chances are any of these situations could have caused it.
Let’s take a closer look at the causes of nail pops on roofs so that you can avoid them in the future.
Improper Installation
Improper installation is the most common reason for nail pops. People who are not experienced or certified to do roofing work can make common mistakes that lead to nail pops on roofs.
Here are some examples:
- Using nails that are too short, or weak
- Reusing old nails
- Nailing in fewer nails per shingle than recommended
For all these reasons, always double-check your roofing contractor’s qualifications and reviews. It is best to hire a local roofing company that knows what kind of nails are best to use for the weather in your area.
Weather Damage
Storms and high winds can easily dislodge and lift standard shingles. If that wasn’t bad enough, changing temperatures can also cause nail pops on a roof. Shingles regularly expand and contract under high heat and cold, which also dislodges the nails. This can happen in any season, but it’s more likely to occur during springtime, when the ice melts from the roof, or fall when it begins to rain. If you have standard roofing shingles, it would be best to upgrade your material choice whenever you get new ones.
Rust Or Corrosion
Steel is prone to rust, and most roofing nails are made of steel. The steel roofing nails are coated with rustproofing paint or metal, but this coating can come off over time and cause the steel nails to rust. Rust build-up is another reason for nail pops on roofs.
Rust is an environmental phenomenon that occurs when the metal starts to deteriorate after coming in contact with water. Rusting is common for nails present in roof valleys, flashing, and similar areas where water tends to collect on rainy days. The rust eats away at the nails, which then become damaged and eventually pop out, making the area prone to leaks.
Damaged Roofing Materials Can Cause Nail Pops
There are instances where homeowners or handymen secure roofing nails on damaged shingles, underlayment, or sheathing. Here are some types of damage that make a roofing material unfit to hold nails:
- Old and withered shingles that are already perforated: Such a surface doesn’t keep the nails attached to the shingles
- Underlayment with holes and cuts: This allows water to reach the lower part of the roof, nails, and the wooden roof structure
- Sheathing that’s rotted, or has mold, algae, and cracks: Nails will not secure the shingles in place and will loosen up quickly
To avoid all of this, it is essential to get a proper roof inspection before getting any repairs, or replacement shingles, nails, and other roof components. Nail pops can indicate a larger problem with your roof. If shingles are not installed correctly, other parts of your roof may also be prone to damage. Nail pops on roofs also imply that your roof has been compromised, and may not be able to handle any more environmental stress.
Moreover, if a popped nail falls off the roof on a windy day, it’s dangerous for anyone who walks on the ground. If you have kids, it is crucial to keep this in check so they can continue playing and running around in the yard.
How To Fix Nail Pops On Roof
If you’ve noticed nail pops on your roof, you must call a reliable roofing company with years of experience working in your area. In addition to repairing nail pops on the roof, they will inspect the cause behind the nail pop and check the integrity of your entire roofing system. This will allow them to determine what repairs need to be made so that there aren’t any further problems down the line.
How To Prevent Roof Nail Pops In The Future
While it’s true that shingles are designed to tackle extreme weather conditions, some roofs will be more prone to nail pops than others. If you live in an area with high wind gusts, or heavy rains and snowfall, make sure your shingles are made for those conditions. Choose laminated or luxury shingles with a maximum wind rating and excellent warranties. This also applies to any other roofing material you purchase in the future.
When you hire an experienced local roofer, they will make sure to use appropriate, and good quality, materials to install the roofing nails correctly. When you call a professional as soon as you notice nail pops occurring, the cost to fix roof damage isn’t as much, compared to if you wait. If you live in Ohio, we can repair popped nails on your roof.
Do You Need A Free Roof Inspection To Check For Popped Nails On Your Roof?
If you see nail pops on your roof, don’t panic! At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we have provided the most trusted and honest residential roof repairs in the greater Dayton area. Our highly skilled and experienced team can inspect your roof for free. We offer this as a complimentary service to help homeowners make their homes safer and roofs more durable. Our free roof inspection will help you learn what caused nail pops on your roof, and whether you need our shingle repair service for any other damaged areas on your home’s roof.
If you feel we can fix your problem, we will also provide a free estimate for the residential roof repair project you’ll need to get the damage fixed. Give us a call at (937) 902-2839, and explain issues with your roofing nails to one of our experts. We will be happy to guide you with a free consultation.
