Our yearly weather cycle causes our roof to expand and contract, so regular inspections help you stay ahead of potential problems. One of those problems can be nails popping out of the roof.
What Are Roof Nail Pops?
Roof nail pops occur when nails back out, lift, or push upward from the shingle, causing the shingle to rise, tent, or puncture.
Why Nail Pops Happen
Nail pops usually result from forces on your roof deck and framing caused by thermal expansion and contraction, improper installation, moisture changes, or high winds.
Thermal expansion: As temperatures swing from hot days to cold nights, the wood roof decking and framing expand and contract. These constant movements can slowly push the nail head upward.
Poor installation: If a nail is driven in at an angle, the head isn’t flush, or it doesn’t grip the decking, the nail lacks proper anchoring and is likely to pop out later.
Moisture changes: If the roof decking absorbs moisture, swells, then dries and contracts, it can warp and push the nails upward.
High winds: Strong winds create extreme pressure on the underside of shingles, pulling them upward and, in turn, pulling on the nails, gradually loosening them over time.
The Dangers of Exposed Nails
When a small issue becomes a larger one:
- Leaks: Popped nails are punctures that become a direct source for rainwater to seep past the shingles into the wooden deck of your roof. This causes rotting and eventual leaking into your attic and home’s ceilings.
- Compromised shingles: As a nail head pushes out, it stretches the shingle above it, eventually causing the nail head to push straight through the shingle and create a hole in your roof.
- Wind: A nail pop means your shingle isn’t securely fastened to the roof decking, so high winds can easily catch the shingle, bending it or tearing it off the roof.
When Nail Pops Signal a Bigger Issue
When you see multiple nail pops across your roofline, it is a good indication of a larger problem. Possible severe issues include:
- Attic ventilation or insulation failure can trap heat and moisture, warping and swelling the roof decking and pushing the nails upward.
- Failing roof decking that is old, water-damaged, or losing its structural integrity, so fasteners back out in large numbers.
- Widespread defects caused by improper roof installation.
What to do When Nail Pops Happen
For your safety, it’s best to leave inspection and roof repair to a professional. During an inspection, they will assess the extent of the damage and proceed with the appropriate repairs.
Nail pop repairs require multiple steps, so hammering the nails back down without properly resealing the shingle can cause additional issues that compromise your roof’s integrity.
Southern National Roofing offers free inspections and knowledgeable professionals who can properly address nail pops and other roof repairs to keep your roof in top condition.
Schedule a free inspection today!
