Nail pops may seem like minor problems at first glance, but they could actually signal larger issues with your roof. Instead of simply hammering back in place the nails that pop, it is important to address their source and correct its source immediately.
Nail pops can lead to leaky roofs and other serious damages if left unaddressed, so it is imperative that any time raised shingles appear, they should be addressed quickly by calling in a roofing expert.
Remove the Damaged Shingles
Nail pops are tent-shaped shingle rises caused by nails pushed up from below, often on roof systems with asphalt shingles, that may result in significant roof damage if left unrepaired immediately.
Nail pops are typically easy to spot and repair, while they could also indicate larger problems with your roof system.
Assuming your roof is secure with ladder and boots with good traction, use a pry bar to loosen the sealant around a nail that has become loose, then separate it carefully from its adjacent shingle (being careful not to damage any above or below it). Repeat this procedure until all nails have been unloosened and removed from your roof.
Remove the Loose Nails
First step should be removing loose nails from your roof. Any nail pops should be addressed as soon as they occur because if left unattended they could allow moisture under raised shingles and cause structural damage or mold growth.
Loose nails may also indicate that your roofing sheathing has become damaged or rotted, leading to leaky attics and insulation in addition to being an illegal violation if it measures less than 3/4-inches thick.
One common source of nail pops is improper installation. Unfortunately, many individuals who install roofs lack adequate training or knowledge in roofing techniques and make mistakes when nailing down sheathing – including not driving nails flush with wood surfaces, using incorrect nail types for tasks, or driving them at an angle – all which may lead to nail pops or other roofing problems later on.
Re-Install the Shingles
Nail pops are unsightly and may allow water to seep into your roof decking (OSB or plywood), leading to mold growth and water damage in your home. If you detect nail pops on your roof, it is crucial that you call in an expert roofing technician immediately for inspection and repairs before it worsens further.
Changed temperatures are one of the main sources of nail pops. Each day and night, your roof and sheathing go through an oscillating heating/cooling cycle that may dislodge nails from wood surfaces and cause them to pop off.
Once you have removed a shingle that has popped up, replace it with a new shingle and secure it to the roof decking using waterproof roofing nails driven flush to it. Make sure it remains weather-tight by adding an additional coat of sealant over its surface in order to guard against moisture and mold growth.
Re-Seal the Shingles
Nail pops may seem like a minor issue, but they can actually be much worse than you realize. Pushing upwards on nails, these popping nails can damage shingles and sheathing as they push upward, as well as expose leakage problems within your home.
Every day and night, your roof sheathing goes through a daily cycle of heating and cooling that causes its sheathing to expand and contract – this causes nails in shingles or other roofing components to shift slightly, forcing up any nail that may have become trapped underneath it.
Nail pops are typically caused by improper installation or the use of subpar nails. Long nails with ring shanks are essential to creating a secure roof; short or smooth-shank nails won’t penetrate wood and create a seal against water infiltration. Poor attic ventilation may also result in sheathing expansion and contraction which leads to loose roofing components or gaps which allow rain water into your home through gaps in your roof covering.