Are nail pops covered by a roof insurance claim?
What a nail pop is
A nail pop happens when a roofing nail backs partway out of the decking and pushes up the shingle above it, leaving a small bump. Over time the nail head can wear through the overlying shingle, creating a hole that lets water reach the underlayment.
Common causes
- Decking expanding and contracting with Georgia heat and humidity
- Nails driven at an angle, underdriven, or missing the decking
- Nails placed outside the manufacturer's nailing zone
- Damp or warped decking at installation
Why insurance usually says no
Homeowners policies cover sudden physical damage from events like wind or hail and exclude wear, deterioration, and faulty workmanship. Nail pops fit those exclusions. If a storm then tears off shingles that were already loosened, the wind damage may be covered, but the adjuster may note the pops as evidence of a pre-existing condition. See wear versus storm damage and wind damage claims.
How they are fixed
- Lift the shingle carefully and pull or reset the popped nail.
- Drive a new nail into solid decking nearby, within the nailing zone.
- Seal the old hole, and replace the shingle if it is punctured or cracked.
Who pays
On a newer roof, widespread nail pops point to installation and should be handled under the roofer's workmanship warranty. On an older roof, they are routine maintenance. Either way, fixing them early prevents the slow leaks that cause excluded interior damage.