What Causes Nail Pops on a Roof?

By LaBrusciano Roofing & Exteriors,

  Filed under: Residential Roofing, Roof Repair, Roofing Inspection
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roof nail pops

The nails that attach shingles to the roof should stay securely in place, but sometimes nails pop and shingles come loose. That’s a common problem that can happen for several reasons. Nail pops are not an issue that you should ignore.

Why Do Nails Pop?

When the temperature changes, it can cause expansion and contraction that can make nails pop. Sometimes nails pop because of problems that occurred at the time of installation. For instance, it’s possible that the roofers who installed the shingles didn’t attach them securely or used nails that were the wrong size.

What Problems Can Nail Pops Cause?

Even though a few loose nails may not seem like a serious issue, it can be. If roofing shingles aren’t held securely in place, water can seep beneath the shingles. Moisture can cause damage to the roof decking, leak into the attic, and damage insulation and other building materials.

If that happens, those damaged materials will have to be replaced. Mold can be an even more serious issue, as it can endanger the health of your family. If the loose nails go undetected, you could live with it for months or longer before becoming aware of the problem.

What Should You Do If You Notice Nail Pops?

If you see some loose nails on your roof, contact a roofing contractor right away. It may be a minor issue, but it’s also possible that there is much more serious damage that you can’t see.

You may have no idea when the nails popped. If it happened a while ago and it has rained since then, a roofer may discover that moisture has infiltrated the area below the shingles and may determine that a large section of the roof needs to be replaced.

Nail pops are one reason why it’s important to routinely inspect your roof. If you can’t climb up there yourself, you can take a look from the ground and have a roofing professional come out to perform periodic inspections.

LaBrusciano Roofing & Exteriors has been serving residential and commercial customers across Pennsylvania since 2009. We have built a reputation for providing reliable service and meeting or exceeding our customers’ expectations. Contact us today at (610) 624-8850 to schedule a roof inspection and repairs.