How to Repair Popped Roofing Nails

Check your roof for nails that have popped up due to changing temperatures.

Inspecting the condition of your roof regularly will alert you to potential problems before they escalate. One issue you may uncover is raised roofing nails. In addition to exhibiting the effects of constantly changing weather and temperature, the nails may not have properly anchored into the wood when they were installed. Repair these popped nails diligently after you find them, because water can leak in around the nails and cause further damage.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• 15 lb. felt paper
• Utility knife
• Roofing cement
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Place a ladder alongside the house or structure, and climb onto the roof. Wear rubber-soled shoes to give you better traction as you walk on the roof.

2. Pry up and remove the popped nail using a pry bar. A pry bar is sometimes commonly called a crowbar. Position the nail approximately 1 inch above the hole from which it was removed, and drive it into the roof using a hammer.

3. Cut a piece of 15 lb. felt paper, also known as tar paper, into a 4-inch by 2-inch rectangle by using a utility knife. Fold the paper over lengthwise, creating a 2-inch by 2-inch square. The felt paper will provide a barrier between the shingle and the wood sheathing. Lift up the bottom of the shingle and apply roofing cement over the empty hole out of which you removed the roofing nail. Use a putty knife to apply the roofing cement. Press the felt paper over the hole into the cement.

4. Apply roofing cement onto the bottom section of the underside of the shingle, using a putty knife. Press the shingle down. Apply roofing cement over the top bottom of the shingle, and over the hole left from the popped nail, using the putty knife.

References

• Ask The Builder: Roofing Nails That Pop Up