Exposed Nails On Roof Ridge

An exposed nail happens when a nail is placed too low and is not covered by the shingle above is placed in the seam between two shingles or in the gap between tabs in three tab shingles.

Exposed nails on roof ridge.

We don t want those flashings ditto. Caulking exposed nails on flashings. Apply a glob of roofing cement to the spatula or putty knife. Wipe the glob of roofing cement over the nail head.

The shingles are asphalt backed and this asphalt forms an adequate seal around the nail. The photo below shows to exposed nail heads. To me i have never even heard of a caped area leaking. The claim was that nails have to pass through a minimum of two layers of shingles.

Should i be worried about the exposed nail heads and cover them with clear silicone caulk. I heard an opposing opinion recently. There should be no fasteners at all exposed on a shingle roof. Make sure the roofing cement extends to each side of the nail head covering it completely.

We had the roof torn off and redone about a year ago. Back up on the roof imagine a nail being hammered through a piece of metal flashing with a couple of layers of overlapping shingles underneath it. Use the hammer to pound on the exposed nail head until it is flush with the shingle. Because of this if the roofing nails are not driven properly are not long enough or are driven in bad wood or in seams they can back out.

Most often the exposed nails are on the ridge the flashing an improper roof repair or the result of a nail pop. When the roof is installed exposed nails should be kept to a minimum but it is unavoidable in certain situations. While cleaning out the gutters i ve noticed that there are some exposed nail heads. That part of the roof leaks 01 percent and less of the time.

I must admit i ve seen many builders that do not seal the nail heads. I ve always considered it necessary to caulk any exposed nail heads on a shingle roof there shouldn t be many. That last cap alone will have nails exposed and covered with tar plastic cement winter or summer grade depending upon the season. Even when the ridge caps are installed the last ridge cap is face nailed however the nail are supposed to be covered with plastic roof cement and membrane.

Exposed nails on ridge shingles there should be no exposed nails. And the last piece of ridge is a complete waste of time and can cause more harm than good. Be sure to use the manufacturer recommended number of nails to fasten the shingle to the roof deck. Exposed nails visible at ridge ends are not covered with asphalt plastic cement.

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. I would think that these are supposed to be covered by the lower row of shingles.