The Adverse Effects of Improper Shingle Nailing

Doing your research before hiring a contractor is necessary to avoid costly installation errors. One of the deadliest installation errors is improper shingle nailing. Pawcatuck Roofing Co., a top roofing contractor in the state, elaborates on its adverse effects on your roof below. 

Overdriven Nails and Broken Shingle Mats

Pneumatic nail guns have made nailing shingles more precise. But if the pressure settings are too high, the nail may be driven too far into the shingle, damaging the mat or the base of the shingle. This, in turn, increases the risk of shingles being dislodged. 

Nails Hammered in the Wrong Location

Considering manufacturers include instructions about the proper installation of their shingles, there’s just no excuse for not knowing the places where nails should be hammered. Unfortunately, however, this is a common mistake among inexperienced roofers. 

Nails should be located on top of a fairly narrow strip on your shingle. But in practice, the nail is often placed too high up, or less frequently, way below. 

Not Enough Nails 

At least four nails should be used per shingle, although the number tends to vary depending on the thickness of the shingle itself. An experienced contractor shouldn’t have a problem with estimating the needed amount of nails. 

The Risk of Moisture Damage

All of the aforementioned installation errors can result in loose shingles, which can be disastrous for your roof. That’s because loose shingles have gaps that expose the roof’s underlayers to moisture. 

Voided Warranties 

Void warranties compound the problem. Manufacturers won’t accept your warranty if the damage was caused by improper installation. 

Spotting installation errors is easy enough for the trained eye. But for the average homeowner, it’s incredibly difficult, if not almost impossible, to do so, which is why you should only hire certified and experienced contractors to do roof replacement work. 

Hiring certified contractors will ensure that your roof, as well as your warranty, is protected. As an added benefit, some manufacturers, like GAF®, offer exclusive warranties to roofing systems that were installed by Master Elite™ roofing contractors.   

Pawcatuck Roofing Co., a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor with more than seven decades’ worth of experience, offers a wide range of roofing services, including roof repair and replacement services. To get a free estimate, call us at (860) 865-1724 or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in New London, CT.