What is a roof nail inspection?
Short answer. A roof nail inspection is a check of how the roof is fastened, done by a building inspector during the job or by a roofer or home inspector afterward. It confirms the deck is nailed to the framing on the right spacing and that shingle nails are the right type and count and sit in the correct spot, since poor nailing is a common reason shingles blow off.
During construction
Some building departments require an in-progress inspection of the deck nailing or the dry-in before shingles go on, especially on new construction or where decking was replaced. Many Georgia jurisdictions only do a final inspection on a reroof, and some do none beyond the permit. Ask your local building department what applies to your address.
What gets checked
- Deck fastening. Nails into the rafters along the panel edges and in the field at the spacing the code schedule sets, with no nails that missed the framing.
- Nail type. Galvanized or other corrosion-resistant roofing nails with at least a 12 gauge shank and a 3/8 inch head.
- Penetration. At least 3/4 inch into the deck, or fully through it when the deck is thinner.
- Count. At least four nails per shingle, or more where the manufacturer calls for it, such as steep slopes or high wind areas.
- Placement. In the manufacturer's nailing zone, not high, not near the ends, driven flush rather than overdriven or left proud.
After a storm or before a sale
An inspector may lift a few tabs to see the nails. High nails or staples help explain why shingles lifted in moderate wind, and insurers sometimes point to installation defects when denying wind claims. A home inspector may note nail pops or exposed nail heads.
Read more in roofing permits in Georgia, what to expect from a roof inspection, and wind damage to roofs in Georgia.