Nail pops are an unsightly indication of structural issues within your home. Left unaddressed, they can allow water to seep under singles and damage insulation and other building materials.
Nail pops are caused by many factors, including poorly framed walls, excessively long screws or nails used in drywall installation, daily temperature fluctuations and humidity fluctuations in lumber products, daily temperature variations or humidity changes, daily temperature variations or seasonal moisture fluctuations in wood materials and lumber moisture changes. Addressing these issues quickly can prevent costly interior damage while saving both time and money.
Removing the Damaged Shingles
As soon as you see nails protruding from roof shingles, it is imperative that you contact a professional roofing company immediately. Raised shingles pose serious danger for anyone walking across them as well as potentially revealing major structural problems with other parts of the structure.
Nail pops can occur for various reasons, with changes in temperature causing the shingles to expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate, as well as being caused by poorly attached nails during installation.
To correct a nail pop, it will be necessary to replace and reattach any lifted shingles with new ones. Begin by sliding a putty knife or pry bar under the damaged front edge of a damaged shingle and loosening its sealant holding it in place; once loosed it can be taken down and installed anew.
Removing the Nail
Though nail pops may seem minor, they can be an indicator of serious roofing problems that have not been attended to properly and could result in water leakage and interior damage in your home if left unaddressed.
Nail pops happen when nails that hold down shingles are forcefully forced up from underneath their sheathing by moisture changes in wood; in particular, during humid weather when humidity levels fluctuate rapidly and then contract when temperatures cool off; this cycle continues over time and eventually weakens the sheathing’s ability to secure nails securely in place.
Weather aside, roof nail pops can also be caused by improper installation or the wrong nails being used for the task at hand. If you suspect you have roof nail pops, contact a professional roofing expert immediately as this can prevent further damage to your roof and ensure the safety of those inside your home.
Removing the Screws
Even though nail pops may seem minor, it’s essential that they be addressed as soon as they appear as left unattended they could lead to leaks and interior damage that threaten leaky pipes and other plumbing features.
Nail pops are typically caused by nails not being hammered in tightly enough when your roof was installed, or not being long enough. Skilled roofing contractors use long ring shank nails in order to fully penetrate roof sheathing and secure shingles more securely.
Roof sheathing (plywood, OSB or wood plank) responds to changes in temperature and humidity by swelling and contracting, pushing nails out over time. Over time this movement may push out nails from beneath their respective sheathing material.
Over time, nails pushed upward by their own circular movement can cause sheathing rot that allows rainwater to seep underneath the shingle and into your home, leading to water spots on ceilings or pooling in attics. Regular roof inspections and maintenance checks can detect early signs of this potential threat and help prevent more extensive interior damage in your home.
Removing the Drywall
Unattended nail pops can lead to serious roofing problems, including leaks. To ensure proper fastening that meets building code regulations and ensure any potential underlying issues are identified. It is advisable that any repair jobs be handled by professional roofers.
Nail pops can occur for any number of reasons; sometimes roofing installers fail to secure shingles securely, or nails are driven in unevenly; but more commonly due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity causing wood sheathing boards to swell and expand with temperature changes, pushing up nails.
Before commencing with the drywall removal process, first disconnect power at your service panel and take steps to open any electrical wall boxes that contain cover plates. Also be sure to wear protective gear such as safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask in order to avoid plaster or fiberglass debris getting into your eyes, skin or lungs during removal. Punch hammer holes high along stud bays so as to provide handholds during removal process.