It’s easy to miss when something’s wrong with your roof because the signs aren’t obvious until they become expensive. At Excellent Roofing, we’ve seen it all. As a Memphis roofing company with years of hands-on work behind us, we can say this confidently: nail pops are an early warning sign that your roof might be failing from within.
What Are Nail Pops?
Nail pops occur when roofing nails push up through shingles, causing visible bumps or lifted sections. Most homeowners don’t notice until a leak or ceiling stain appears. These raised nails break the seal that protects your roof from water and wind. Over time, moisture can slip in, damaging decking, insulation, and even the structure below.
What Causes Nail Pops in the First Place?
There are a few root causes, and most of them start during installation. Nails that were overdriven, underdriven, or placed incorrectly will work their way out as your roof heats and cools. Poor attic ventilation can also make things worse by exaggerating expansion and contraction. Even slight wood movement can push nails upward.
The Damage You Can’t See
Once a nail pop breaks the seal, water finds a path. It doesn’t take much. Moisture will slowly travel downward, soaking into the roof deck and insulation. Left alone, this can lead to rot, mold, and reduced roof life. Even your drywall and ceiling paint may eventually show signs. But by then, you’re facing more than a roofing fix.
Nail Pops Are Common in Older Memphis Homes
Our region’s humidity, shifting temperatures, and storm cycles don’t do your roof any favors. Older roofing systems—especially those installed by builders or general contractors—are more likely to have shortcuts that lead to nail pops. Many homeowners don’t realize their older shingles are held in place by nails that are slowly backing out each season.
When you call in home roofing contractors, the fix shouldn’t be just about pushing the nails back in. A thorough inspection is key. We often replace popped nails with ring shank nails or roofing screws that hold better over time.
If you’ve noticed lifted shingles or your roof is more than 10 years old, it’s time for a second look. At Excellent Roofing, we’re proud to be a Memphis roofing company that handles the whole roof. Let’s take a look before the damage spreads. Give us a call or schedule a free inspection today.
