DEFECT: Nailed Down Rolled Roofing
Unless you are torching down bitumen rolled roofing you will have to use some nails but these nails are just a part of the installation process.
Many people think they can just roll out the roofing material, nail it down, trim the edges and they are done. A roof installed in this manner will leak, and quickly be damaged due to wind.
Nailed down rolled roofing
The best way to install rolled roofing is with as few exposed nails as possible. So…where do the nails go? Since the sheets of rolled roofing overlap, nail the edge of the roofing that will be overlapped by the next sheet.
When the first sheet of roofing goes down, nail one edge and smear a generous amount of roofing sealant over the nails in about a three inch width then overlap the next sheet over the sealant to firmly seal the seam. This makes a watertight seal and prevents you from having exposed nails in most areas. In any areas where exposed nails are unavoidable, they should be covered with a generous amount of roofing sealant to prevent moisture penetration through the roofing material and into the sheathing.
This information was provided courtesy of Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC. Reproduction in any form is not permitted without consent. Copyright 2008-2010 Southwest Premier Home Inspection, LLC.
Southwest Premier Home Inspection is the Phoenix Arizona Home Inspection leader. To find out more visit our Phoenix Home Inspection website www.swpHomeInspect.com
