Roofing Nails coming Through Ceiling – What to do?

As a homeowner, you may have noticed your roofing nails coming through the ceiling.

While every asphalt roof is made securely with shingles and designed in a way as to prevent any damage, a common problem that can occur over time is roof nails coming through the ceiling.

The individual shingles that make up a roof are secured with the help of nails.

Contractors use roofing pneumatic nails and hammers to secure these individual shingles to the roof decks, and about 4-6 nails are required to secure a single roof shingle.

However, a problem that can occur in the roofing of a house is roofing nails coming through the ceiling. So, what causes roofing nails to come loose, and how do you fix it? Let us find out.

Causes of Roofing Nails Coming Through Ceiling

While it is true that every roof is made up of thousands of nails hammered through, not all of these nails are guaranteed to be 100% securely nailed.

This is why improper roof installation is the main cause of roof nails. But there are some other reasons as well:

A. Nails are not properly installed

The shingles that make up a roof need nails securely bound to the roofing decks. Nails should go straight into the shingle so it is flat against it.

If this nail is not properly installed and is a bit crooked, it will not be properly sealed and may cause water to seep under the shingle.

B. Nails have not been hammered with the right pressure

Another reason roofing nails stick out of the shingle is because they have not been hammered with the right pressure.

It is important to apply the right amount of pressure as a nail installed with too much pressure can break the nail, while a nail hammered with little pressure will likely come loose.

C. Wrong nails have been used.

Other than properly installing nails into the roof, choosing the right specific nails for roof shingles is also important.

Although the material of the nails could vary, it is advisable to use nails with ring shanks. A very short nail will fail to penetrate the shingle’s sheathing and will not secure the shingle.

Also, if the surface of the nail shank is smooth and not ribbed, it will not fasten into the shingle securely.

D. The attic is not properly ventilated.

Inadequate ventilation of the attic can cause roofing nails to come loose.

The reason is that a humid and not properly ventilated attic can cause the shingle sheathing boards to swell and expand, causing nails to come loose and stick out of the roof deck.

As a result, it is important to have proper attic ventilation with exhaust vents that would not let humidity accumulate in the attic.

How to Fix Roofing Nails Coming Through Ceiling?

The problem of roofing nails coming through the ceiling can be solved with the following techniques:

Materials you Need:

1. Flat Bar
2. A Hammer
3. Roofing Trowel
4. Roof Cement
5. Roofing Nails

What to Do:

1. Lift the shingle where the nails are getting loose
2. Take care not to lift the existing shingle too high. Ensure you do this on a warm, sunny day, as the shingles will be dry and easy to secure.

3. You can re-drive the nail right back into place if it has come loose and if the nail can be raised enough without cracking it.

   However, if the nail is bent or crooked, you must remove it completely.

4. The new nails should be number 11 or 12 and be made of copper or galvanized steel with a ⅜ inch–⅞ inch-diameter head. In addition, these new nails should be long enough to penetrate the wood planks.
5. Hammer the nails into the shingles in a new location approximately an inch above the old one.

6. Cover the nail heads with the 1-inch application of asbestos-free roof cement after you are done. If you have replaced the nail, apply the cement over the hole of the old nail.

7. Lower the lifted shingle back into place, pressing it beneath the old shingle and securing it with the roof cement to keep it firmly in place.

Conclusion

Contractors and homeowners have often noticed roofing nails coming through the ceiling.

The problem may lie in improper installation of these nails, but it is important to drive in the nails so they are securely bound to the shingle boards.

In addition, it is also advised to keep checking these nails in case any one of them comes loose and needs repair.