Roof nail pops are tent-shaped humps in the roof shingles that form as a result of fluctuations in humidity that cause wood roof sheathing to expand and contract with the seasons.
Unattended nail pops can lead to water leakage that causes significant damage to both ceiling and drywall surfaces – leading to costly repairs in addition to being an eyesore.
Remove the Shingle Sheets
Nail pops are unsightly roof issues, signaling problems with your shingle covering and allowing water to enter through holes in its covering, potentially leading to structural and drywall damage in your home. They should always be taken seriously and addressed as soon as they appear.
Roof nail pops may be caused by fluctuating humidity levels within your home causing wood roof sheathing to expand and contract, pushing nails upward through shingles. They could also result from improperly fastened shingles to OSB sheathing.
Nail pops can be easily repaired if you possess the proper roofing tools and knowledge. Simply climb to the affected area, use a crowbar to pry back shingles until you reach the nail that has popped, apply asphalt cement directly under its hole, then press 4-by-2-inch square of felt onto it for a permanent solution.
Apply Asphalt Cement
Nail pops on your roof can be both cosmetic and structural issues, forming unsightly humps on its surface that allow water to leak in through roof gaps if left unrepaired quickly. With proper techniques and roofing expertise in place, these nail pops can be avoided altogether.
Roof nail pops often result from poor installation. Most roofing contractors lack the certification or training to perform roofing work properly, which often leads to them making errors when installing the shingles – using wrong nails or not driving them deep enough. This often leads to the roof nail popping off.
Asphalt cement can help avoid many of these mistakes by withstanding extreme weather conditions and helping prevent nail pops. Before applying, ensure the area is free of dust or debris which could compromise durability or adhesion; to spread evenly use a trowel or putty knife.
Place a Felt Square
As the first step of managing roof nail pops, the first step should be laying out a square of felt that covers all of the area being treated, with at least 50-75mm overhang on all sides and using large headed galvanised clout nails spaced 150mm apart to nail into place.
Roof nail pops may not seem like a major concern, but they could indicate serious roof issues that need addressing. Instead of just pounding them back down again, it’s best to address their cause directly instead.
Wall nail pops are those small circles found dotted along your drywall walls and ceilings that appear around the edges, usually near corners. These marks are caused by nails that have come loose from wood studs, making attempts at pounding them back down often futile; therefore it is better to secure drywall using screws rather than nails.
Replace the Shingles
An upturned shingle may be damaged and should be addressed quickly to restore roof function. Replacing it yourself is possible if you possess the appropriate roofing tools; first choose an ideal day without too much wind or rain; once on the roof safely use a pry bar to loosen adhesive and nails holding other shingles above it in place; slide it under directly above damaged shingle to lift and expose first row of nails for replacement.
Nail pops are unsightly and make your roof appear bumpy or have humps in it, but more importantly they allow water to seep into the wood sheathing underneath and damage insulation and building materials, leading to mold growth in your home and becoming costly to fix. Nail pops also serve as an indicator that your roof is failing under environmental pressures, suggesting replacement may be necessary.