How can I repair roofing so the nails don't show?

Rob
by Rob
  8 answers
  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 04, 2019

    Hi Rob, is this on the inside? You can touch up the nails with paint that matches the ceiling. It will make them way less noticeable. If there are divots or dents where the nails went in, just fill with drywall compound and then paint. Hope this helps

  • J. Ray J. Ray on Nov 04, 2019

    This depends on if you are talking about shingles or other roofing. Assuming shingles, use a flat nail bar to remove the old nails from the damaged shingle. The old nails will generally be located at the top of the rain lines. Remove the old nails from the shingle above the one you are replacing as well. The old shingle should then be free. Remove the shingle and install a new one. Nail the shingle you just removed a little above the rain lines. (Aka the cutout grooves). Re nail the upper shingle, but do not nail into the same nail holes as original...offset the nail a little . This completes how to change out a shingle.

  • Hi, Rob!

    If the nails are showing on the shingles themselves, use a roofing product such as Henry's Wet Patch to seal around the nails so they don't cause a potential leak! I hope this helps!

  • Vertical Limit Roofing Vertical Limit Roofing on Jun 11, 2020
    When you discover a fresh water stain on your ceiling or you hear a loud thump on your roof, your first instinct may be to curl up under a soft blanket and look for a possible leak.


    Replacing a roof costs thousands of dollars and most homeowners haven’t budgeted for a problem that size, but it is important to address whatever issues arise overhead.


    As a leakage or a fallen tree limbs doesn’t always signal extreme damage. Your fix could be as simple as installing a new shingles or replacing the old one.


    Check For Roof Damage On Ceiling


    If you haven’t already trailed down the leak, trace the water damage inside your home. If you have an attic, head up there with a flashlight, and look for water stains or mold. Note the location of any evidence you find, inspect the corresponding spot on the exterior of your home.


    If your roof is slanted, inspect areas that are higher than where you’ve found interior evidence of a leak. Water enters the leak then, due to gravity, it gets into the attic at a point farther down the roof’s pitch.


    Remove The Gutters And Roof Flashing If Needed.


    In order to give yourself clear access to the eaves, you may first need to detach the drainage structures covering them. Unscrew the gutters at the brackets, then pull out the nails holding them in place and lower them down safely.

    Set up a ladder on a flat stretch of ground directly beneath the section of gutter you’re removing and station a friend or helper nearby to stabilize it while you’re working.


    For larger projects, consider renting and assembling full scaffolding around your roof. Scaffolding will also be much safer to work on, and won't require any additional assistance for support.


    Remove The Old Soffit


    Like the fascia, a decaying soffit should be soft enough to pull out manually. Don’t be surprised if the soffit breaks apart while you’re attempting to pull it free. Waterlogged boards will often be soggy and prone to crumbling.

    

    Take caution when removing the old soffit. It’s not uncommon for birds, squirrels, and insects like bees and termites to build their nests behind these enclosures.



    • ShiloBanda ShiloBanda on Mar 20, 2024

      Thank you for the helpful advice! It's really appreciated. In addition to the suggestions you've provided, I'd like to emphasize the importance of safety precautions when working on roof repairs. It's essential to use proper equipment and take necessary measures to prevent accidents. Additionally, if you encounter any issues beyond your expertise, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Let's keep each other safe while tackling home improvement projects. By the way, for those interested, you can find more helpful tips and resources on roofing and home maintenance on my website.

  • Betsy Betsy on Mar 21, 2024

    Hi Rob: You start shingling from the bottom up, each row of nails is covered by the next row of shingles until you get to the top. Here's a site that should help:

    How To Shingle A Roof (The Right Way) Step-By-Step (roofinginsights.com)

  • Hi Rob! You can try watching this video on how to hide exposed nails on your roofing. Hope this helps!


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSzA5B-dlC0