Nailheads and Shingles

Next time you go on your roof to clean your gutters, or for any other reason, take a look at your shingles.

Are those nailheads backing out? Why would that happen? True, it is the second layer of shingles, but they’re nailed… aren’t they?

Well, the fact is, they are nailed, but probably whoever installed the shingles used a shorter nail than what should have been used. It is very important to remember that the nail must penetrate through the shingle enough so that sufficient “bite”, (the point of the nail) is long enough to adequately attach the shingle to the plywood or other type of sheeting.

If a breezy, or windy condition occurs, the wind will tend to slightly raise or lift the roofing material, causing a shorter nail to also raise or lift slightly. Then, when the full sun warms the shingle, softening it, the weight of the shingle itself will cause it to “press” down, poking the slightly lifted nail head up through the bottom of the shingle, actually poking a hole in the roof.

How do you avoid this problem?

Hire a knowledgeable roofing contractor to perform your work. A reputable, licensed, bonded and insured contractor can help you to understand the process, and give you the confidence to have a worry free outcome to your reroofing project.