And Should You Be Worried About Them?
If you’ve ever looked up at your roof and noticed little bumps under the shingles—or found a mysterious nail on the ground—you might be dealing with nail pops.
But what are nail pops, and do they mean your roof is in trouble?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
Nail Pops: The Quick Definition
A roof nail pop happens when a roofing nail starts to back its way out of the decking (the wooden surface under your shingles). Instead of staying flush and hidden beneath the shingles where it belongs, the nail starts to rise up—sometimes even pushing the shingle up with it.
In short: it’s a nail that’s trying to break free from your roof.
Why Do Roof Nail Pops Happen?
Good question. A few reasons:
Temperature changes – Wood expands and contracts as temperatures rise and fall. Over time, this movement can force nails upward.
Improper installation – If nails were overdriven, underdriven, or missed the wood deck altogether, they’re more likely to pop.
Moisture – Moisture in the decking can weaken the nail hold, especially if your attic isn’t ventilated well.
Aging materials – As your roof gets older, the materials naturally loosen a bit, and nail movement becomes more common.
Are Nail Pops a Big Deal?
That depends. One or two nail pops might not be an emergency—but they’re not something to ignore either.
Why? Because each pop:
Can expose your roof to water infiltration
May cause shingles to lift or blow off in high winds
Can create weak spots that lead to bigger problems down the line
Plus, if you’re seeing a lot of them, it could be a sign of larger issues—like poor installation or aging roof materials.
Can Nail Pops Be Fixed?
Yes—and they should be.
A trained roofer will:
Remove the lifted nail
Reseal the area with proper nails and adhesives
Replace or resecure the shingle if needed
At Cupcake Home Improvements, we handle nail pops as part of our roof inspections and maintenance services. It's a small repair that can save you big down the line.
How Can I Prevent Nail Pops?
While no roof is 100% immune, here are a few ways to reduce the risk:
Choose the right contractor – Proper nail placement and pressure during installation makes a big difference.
Use ring-shank nails – These grip better and are less likely to wiggle loose.
Keep your attic ventilated – Moisture and extreme heat from poor ventilation can accelerate nail movement.
Schedule regular inspections – Catching nail pops early prevents water damage and extends roof life.
Final Thought: Nail Pops Aren’t the End of the World—But Don’t Ignore Them
Nail pops might seem like a small issue, but they’re one of those things that can lead to bigger problems if left alone.
If you’re not sure whether your roof has nail pops—or you just want peace of mind—schedule a free roof checkup with Cupcake Home Improvements. We’ll give you an honest assessment, and if there’s anything to fix, we’ll make sure it’s done right. Reach out to us at CallCupcake.com.
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