Avoid Nail Hole Leaks This Winter

Nail holes are one of the leading causes of  roof leaks  that go undetected each year. They can come about from shoddy shingle repair or can simply be the result of a Christmas light shack nail being driven in a bit too far. While nail holes through a roof are small in diameter, they can cause tremendous damage. A  recent article from HGTV  that  Bordner  came across recently notes that nail holes in the shingles or flashing can easily increase in size over time allowing water (or snow during the cold winter months) to seep around the nails.
There are some preventative measures that you can take to keep these small punctures from draining your pocket and making a real mess.  HGTV  says the first thing to do is head to the attic to pinpoint the source of the leak.

From HGTV:

From inside the attic, scan the framings with a flashlight. You’re looking for drops of water, or stains. It’s best to do this after a rainstorm or as snow melts. On sunny days, you can sometimes spot a nail hole as the light shines into the dark attic. To keep on top of nail holes on your roof, here are some leak-proof pointers:
• Caulk and seal any holes you find on the roof using roofing cement. Cover nail heads with roofing cement when nailing in shingles.
• Inspect your roof twice a year. Replace shingles that have holes that are too large to patch.
• Remember leaks can be sneaky; they may not take a direct route. If you can’t find the source of a leak, get professional help.