Exposed Nails On Roof Shingles

Wipe the glob of roofing cement over the nail head.

Exposed nails on roof shingles.

It is important to apply roofing nails in the right quantity and location to securely lock a shingle into its place. Unfortunately many people and even some less experienced roofers will simply caulk an exposed nail or nail pop. Make sure the roofing cement extends to each side of the nail head covering it completely. That part of the roof leaks 01 percent and less of the time.

I would recommend doing this on a sunny day and after exposed to sun for a few hours. Bitumen roof shingles may be one of the simplest roofing materials to install but nevertheless they also require specialized and exact rules on how to be fastened. I heard an opposing opinion recently. If you see shingle exposure more than 5 5 8 or if you see exposed shingle nails or self sealing tar strips then the shingles were over extended and most likely will have a reduced life.

Each shingle manufacturer has its own requirements for proper nailing including where roofing nails should be placed. That last cap alone will have nails exposed and covered with tar plastic cement winter or summer grade depending upon the season. Apply a glob of roofing cement to the spatula or putty knife. Position the nails appropriately according to the shingle installation instructions.

More if the shingles were not installed according to the manufacturer s specifications the shingle warranty will probably not be honored. The claim was that nails have to pass through a minimum of two layers of shingles. I ve always considered it necessary to caulk any exposed nail heads on a shingle roof there shouldn t be many. Make sure the shingle has the proper number of nails in it also.

However on pipe boots and the last cap shingle you will find exposed nails that are caulked. Over time the caulk will age and deteriorate which becomes a roof maintenance issue. Covering the exposed nail with any type of roof cement or caulk is not a permanent repair and will be excluded from coverage under gaf s limited warranties. Accurate nailing affects the performance of roofing shingles and it is also required by the international building.

Remove any shingle with exposed nails and replace it with a new shingle. I must admit i ve seen many builders that do not seal the nail heads. Align shingles properly to avoid nail exposure. This is not the correct way to fix the problem.

Just make sure that you don t damage the shingles lifting them up. Where to nail shingles. There should be no fasteners at all exposed on a shingle roof. Lift a tab above the repair to drive a nail into the shingle through the flasher to keep it in place.

Remove nail lift shingle and apply a small dab where nail penetrated shingle then push the overlapping shingle down and your done. The shingles are asphalt backed and this asphalt forms an adequate seal around the nail.