It's All About the Nails

Did you know that if your roofing shingles are not nailed correctly, your roofing warranty can be voided?  When the warranty is void, roof repairs are not covered.  Improperly nailed shingles will also cause significant problems for your roof.  They will blow off easier during high winds and they will also leave the roof vulnerable to leaks and other damage.
You’re probably thinking, “If I hire a licensed roofing contractor to do the work, they have to know how to nail the shingles on correctly, right?”  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Even though most shingle manufacturers place the proper nailing instructions on every wrapper, most shingles are clearly marked where they should be nailed, and most manufacturers provide training and certification on proper shingle application, many homeowners end up with roofing problems due to improper shingle installation.

Because the proper placement of the nails takes training, knowledge, skill, and lots of experience, it is very important to do your research and hire a qualified roofing contractor in Birmingham to ensure the job is completed correctly.  When you narrow down your potential roofing companies, be sure to read online reviews from previous clients, ask to speak with their most recent clients, and ask a lot of questions about their process for installing shingles.  

A big topic in the roofing industry is the difference between hand nailing and using a nail gun when installing a roof.  While there are many arguments for both methods, our preferred method is to hand nail each roof we work on.  By hand nailing each shingle, we can ensure the nail is placed properly and is nailed in at the correct depth…flush with the shingle and not over-driven or under-driven.

When a nail gun is used to install shingles, there is more room for error, especially if the person using the gun is inexperienced or is moving too quickly.  When we hand nail, we are able to feel whether the nail catches the wood and whether it is flush with the shingle.  Nail guns have to be held at the correct angle to prevent the nail from going in crooked, and the air pressure of the gun must be adjusted according to temperature variations, wood type, and roof type.  One small error with a nail gun can cost a complete roof warranty.  So, while hand nailing can take more time, it is more precise and there is less room for error.  Our roofing crew has years of experience with hand nailing roofs, so they are still able to install a roof quickly and correctly.

Please contact Bill White Roofing and Specialty about roof replacement in Birmingham or any of the surrounding areas.