Improper Installation Clues On Roof Of Wind Damaged House

Part four in a series

Exposed and Corroded Roof Nails

Exposed and Corroded Roof Nails


This series started by discussing a recently inspected wind damaged Lincolnshire, IL home’s asphalt shingle roof.  In the second article we showed pictures of readily visible damage including creasing, flipping and dislodging or detaching we found while on the roof. Then in the previous article we showed examples of less obvious broken shingle sealant and the extent of the damage which could not be seen either from the ground nor immediately.

Now we will examine other damage most likely due to improper installation techniques, the first being improper nailing.  Proper nailing roof shingle nails results in the top of the nail setting just at the top of, and perpendicular (right angle) to, the roof shingle.  Improper nailing occurs when the nail heads are either over driven (the head penetrates through the shingle itself), under driven (causing a gap between the shingle and the nail head) or when the nail sets at an angle to the shingle. Over driving the nail can actually cut into the shingle itself.

We found exposed nails and corrosion due to exposure to the elements in the picture above.  These nails should be replaced and the areas covered with roof caulk.

Below is an example of over driving a nail through a shingle.  The probable cause was too much are pressure in the nail gun and nailing at an angle instead of perpendicular.

Exposed and Over Driven Roof Nails

Exposed and Over Driven Roof Nails

Next is a picture of goose neck vent, also known as a roof vent and commonly used to vent a bathroom.  The vent was not installed correctly.  Notice the shingles where cut too short.  Shingles should  be cut about 1/8″ to 1/4″ around the top and the sides.  The tarp used to seal around should have been used only under.  It should not have been be exposed because over time the tarp cracks and water can leak into the attic or the house.

Goose Neck Roof Vent

Goose Neck Roof Vent

The asphalt roof shingles around these boots were not properly cut, the nails are exposed need caulking.

Exposed Nails on Rubber Roof Boot

Exposed Nails on Rubber Roof Boot

In addition to the nails not being properly caulked, this rubber boot was not set all the way down when initially installed.  It is now starting to buckle up.

Buckled Rubber Roof Boot

Buckled Rubber Roof Boot

In the next, and final, article in this series we will show some further damage we found on the roof.  To start from the beginning, read the first article, please click Wind Damage To Asphalt Shingles On The Roof Of Your House.

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Call ZEO Roofing at 224-400-9500 to inspect your roof if you suspect wind damage to your asphalt shingles! Remember, when you need a professional roofing contractor to make necessary repairs or for a new re-roof come this spring, ZEO Roofing has you covered!


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