Nail Pops and Three-Tab Shingles
At Westfall Roofing, we understand that nail pops are a common problem that many Central Florida homeowners face with their roofs. They happen when roofing nails work their way up through the shingles over time. This creates small bumps or raised areas on your roof that can lead to bigger issues if you don’t address them. Three-tab shingles are especially prone to this problem because of how they’re installed and the materials used. When nail pops occur, they can cause leaks, wind damage, and shingle loss. Understanding what causes nail pops and how to spot them early can save you money and protect your home from water damage.
What Are Nail Pops?
Nail pops are exactly what they sound like – roofing nails that have pushed up through your asphalt shingles. The nail head becomes visible or creates a small bump in the shingle surface. This happens because the wood underneath your roof expands and contracts as temperatures change. When wood moves, it can push nails upward. The nail doesn’t actually come all the way out, but it moves enough to create problems. You’ll usually see nail pops as small raised spots on your roof or shingles that look wrinkled or bumped up. Sometimes, you can even see the actual nail head sticking through the shingle material.
How Nail Pops Start
Nail pops begin when your roof’s wood decking moves due to temperature changes. Wood naturally expands when it gets hot and shrinks when it cools down. Over time, this constant movement can loosen nails from their original position. Poor installation practices can make nail pops more likely. If nails weren’t driven in properly or if the wrong type of nails were used, they’re more prone to backing out. Moisture can also play a role by causing the wood to swell and push against the nails.
Signs Your Roof is Suffering From Nail Pops
Spotting nail pops early can save you from costly repairs down the road. Most homeowners can identify the warning signs by doing a simple visual inspection from the ground or looking inside their home for telltale damage.
Here are the most common signs that your roof has nail pops:
- Small bumps or raised areas on your shingles
- Shingles that look wrinkled or have small tent-like formations
- Visible nail heads poking through the shingle surface
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls inside your home
- Loose or missing shingles, especially after windy weather
- Dark spots or discoloration on shingles where water has penetrated

What Do Nail Pops Mean For Your Roof?
Nail pops create weak spots in your roof’s defense against water. Even a small opening around a nail can let water seep into your home. This water can damage your attic insulation, ceiling materials, and even your home’s structure over time. Nail pops also make your shingles more vulnerable to wind damage. When nails aren’t holding shingles down properly, strong winds can catch the edges and tear them off completely. This leaves larger areas of your roof exposed and unprotected. The longer you wait to fix nail pops, the more expensive roof repairs become. What starts as a simple nail replacement can turn into replacing entire sections of damaged roof decking and shingles.
Can You Prevent Nail Pops?
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of nail pops, proper installation and maintenance can greatly reduce their likelihood. The key is working with experienced roofers who understand the right techniques and materials.
Here are the most effective ways to prevent nail pops:
- Use proper nail placement in designated nail zones on each shingle
- All fasteners should be either galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper roofing nails
- Use a minimum 12-gauge shank
- Use a minimum ⅜” diameter nail head
- If you are using a roof sheathing less than ¾” thick, the nails must penetrate through the sheathing.
- Schedule regular roof inspections to catch nail pop problems early
- Work with experienced roofers who follow proper installation procedures
- Replace old or damaged decking before installing new shingles
Do You Suspect Your Roof Has Nail Pops? Schedule A Roof Inspection With Westfall Roofing Today
Don’t wait for small problems to become big headaches. Westfall Roofing has been serving Central Florida since 1989, and we know how to spot and fix nail pops before they damage your home. We’ll inspect your roof thoroughly and give you honest advice about what needs to be done. If we find nail pops, we can fix them quickly and properly to prevent future problems. We stand behind our work with solid warranties because we want you to feel confident in your roof. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and keep your roof in top condition.