Do not be alarmed if you have just moved into your new home and noticed a tiny bump on your new roof.
These bumps, also known as nail pops, can cause problems for your new ceiling, including reduced insulation and water leakages. So, how can you fix nail pops in the ceiling after a new roof?
Nail pops in the ceiling after a new roof occurs, most often due to improper installation of nails.
The crooked nail fixtures cause the nails to stick out unevenly from the ceiling surface, destroying the aesthetic beauty of the ceiling and resulting in various problems, such as roof leakages and reduced insulation.
However, it is important to remember that every roof is installed and nailed by humans, and it is human nature to err sometimes. Nevertheless, nail pops look bad and can lead to problems for homeowners.
Before dwelling on the solutions to fix nail pops, let us look at the causes of nail pops in the ceiling after a new roof.
What Causes Nail Pops in Ceiling After New Roof?
Although the improper installation of nails in the ceiling is the most common cause of nail pops, there are various other causes in a newly constructed roof. These causes are:
Drying and Settling of Roof
Most newly constructed homes do not experience a problem with nail pops, but some ceilings show signs of protruding nail pops, even when they are newly constructed.
This is because the framing wood that holds the nail in place gets dried up and flaky.
As the roof expands and contracts owing to seasonal variations and temperature changes, the nail slowly becomes loose and leaves the wooden frame.
Improper drywall attachment
The problem with nail pops in a new ceiling can also be due to improper drywall ceiling attachment and is most common in new homes constructed with trusses.
These trusses are designed to shift along with the expansion and contraction of your home when the temperature is high.
If the drywall is not properly attached to the trusses, it can cause nails to pop out of the ceiling.
Use of Wrong Nails
Some specific nails are required for installing a new ceiling, and the wrong nails can cause them to pop out of the ceiling.
Although the length and material of the nails could vary, it is ideal to use nails with a ring shank.
Structural Issues
Sometimes, a new home may be experiencing some serious structural issues.
If you notice cracks around the ceiling, walls, or window, call your construction contractor and thoroughly examine your house to solve any serious structural problems.
How to Fix Nail Pops in Ceiling After New Roof?
Nail pops in the new ceiling are quite a common problem many homeowners face after a few years in a new home.
You can use the solution to fix nail pops in your new ceiling.
Tools you will need:
- Hammer
- Nail set
- Screwdriver/ screwgun
- Screws of 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inch
- Drywall putty and knife
- Painting supplies
Set the Nails
Follow these steps after you have gathered the tools for fixing the nails:
- Use a hammer and nail set to set the nails in the ceiling or drywall
- Set the nails deep so they do not stick out
Add screws
Put screws through the drywall into the studs left on the ceiling. This makes the drywall stick tight to the wood, preventing movement in the area.
In addition, when adding the screws, it is advisable to screw them until the screw heads are visible just below the drywall surface.
If you do not add additional screws, there are more likely to be more nail pops in the future.
Repair the Drywall and paint the Patches.
After you have set the nails and the screws, you need to repair the Drywall. Take drywall putty with the putty knife while filling in the holes with the putty.
Finally, match your paint to the ceiling and paint over the patches.
This step is easier for new homes as there is often leftover paint, and it is easy to match the original paint color to the ceiling.
Conclusion
Nail pops in the ceiling after a new roof are not an uncommon problem that homeowners face, and this may be due to the gradual wear and tear of the ceiling after a few years have passed.
Luckily, there are solutions to these nail pops that you can carry out easily at home with minimal supplies and tools.
Arthur is a skilled roof worker with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He started his career as an apprentice and worked his way up to become a foreman.
When he’s not working on roofs, John enjoys with his family or writing posts. He is also a passionate cyclist.