High Nailing Shingles: How Improper Nailing of Shingles Kills Your Roof

Roofing is more than just picking shingles; installation matters. When it comes to the durability and lifespan of your roof, one of the most critical details often overlooked is nail placement. The terms “improper nailing of shingles” and “high nailing shingles” may not sound dramatic, but they represent mistakes that can significantly reduce the life of your roof.

In this video below, we explain how one simple fastening mistake can cut a roof’s life in half, and why it often shows up around the 6-year mark.

Here’s what happens when shingles are nailed incorrectly, and how you, as a homeowner (or realtor or contractor), can avoid being the next case study.

Why Nail Placement Matters for Shingle Performance

Shingles are designed to protect your home from wind, water, sun, and temperature swings. But even the best shingles won’t perform if they are mounted incorrectly. Nail placement plays a pivotal role in this:

• The “nail strip” or “reinforced zone” on modern shingles is engineered so nails pass through a zone that ensures two layers of shingle overlap, anchor properly to the deck, and hold against uplift.
• When nails are placed above that zone (i.e., “high nailing”), the structural integrity of the attachment is compromised.
• Improper nailing (whether too high, too many, too few, overdriven, underdriven, angled) is a leading cause of premature shingle failure.
• In essence: if the nails don’t anchor in the right spot, the shingle is more vulnerable to wind uplift, sliding, water infiltration, and early aging.

What Happens When You Have Improper Nailing of Shingles / High Nailing Shingles

Here’s a breakdown of the failure chain when nails are placed incorrectly:

1. Weaker Attachment → Uplift & Sliding

• With high nailing, nails sit above the reinforced zone and may only anchor one layer of the shingle instead of two overlapping layers.
• Wind pressure lifts from the bottom of the shingle; if the nail is too high, the bottom edge is vulnerable and can “peel” or slide.
• Over time, sliding shingles can leave gaps, misalignment, and exposed nail heads; all pathways for water and damage.

2. Seal Breakdown & Delamination

• Shingles rely partially on adhesive strips/sealant to adhere and stabilize. When the nail is too high, the weight of the shingle (especially on steep slopes) rests on that seal rather than mechanical fastening — which fails quickly.
• One roof inspection forum noted: “Overshot nails make the roof susceptible to wind damage because the shingle isn’t being held to the decking by the nail.”
• Delamination (layers separating) can happen when the nail isn’t going through the proper zone or when the shingle is allowed to move.

3. Accelerated Aging & Failure of the Roof System

• The result? The roof starts failing far ahead of its expected life. A roof installed to last 25-30+ years may fail in 5–10 years if nailing is wrong.
• Wind and storms expose flaws. The pattern is clear: high nailing = weak shingles = wind damaged roof.
• Water infiltration, ice dams, lifting shingles → leaks, rot, compromised structure.
• Furthermore, warranties can be voided when installation doesn’t follow manufacturer specs. Manufacturers assume correct nailing at the specified nail line.

4. Case Study: 6-Year Roof Failure

In the video introduced above, Peak and Valley Roofing replaced a roof that was only six years old, though it should have lasted 30 to 40 years. Why? Because near-every nail was placed too high and the installer missed the proper nail strip.
In the installer’s words:

“All their nails are up here, so there’s actually nothing but the glue holding the lower portion of the shingle… Over time… the sun hit it just right… then started to go like that.”
This is a textbook example of high nailing shingles leading to system failure.

How to Spot Improper Nailing of Shingles (What Homeowners Should Look For)

You don’t have to be a contractor to identify warning signs. Here’s a checklist for homeowners:

• Look at the rows of shingles from the ground or safe vantage point. Are the nail heads visible or near the top of each shingle? That’s a red flag.
• Do you see shingles sliding down, rows misaligned, or edges curling up? That suggests poor fastening.
• After a wind or storm event: Are there missing shingles, lifted tabs, or shingles that look like they were peeled off? High-nailing roofs are more vulnerable in storms.
• Check underside/outside of attic (if safe): Gaps, daylight showing, or shingles shifted; all possible indications.
• Get up close (or ask your roofer) to check if the nails land at the manufacturer’s marked nail line or too high.
• Ask your roofer: “Did you nail at the manufacturer’s specified nail strip? Can you show me installation photos?”
• If your home is only a few years old and you’re seeing early wear or damage, raise the possibility of improper nailing.

Why Peak and Valley Roofing?

When you choose Peak and Valley Roofing, you’re not just getting new shingles, you’re getting peace of mind that your roof will be installed right. We make sure:

• Nail placement aligns with manufacturer specs and best practices
• Installation is documented; photos, checks, and QA sign-offs
• You understand what to look for and how we protect your investment
• Early warning signs of improper nailing (or other issues) are flagged before they lead to major problems

📞 For more information, visit www.peakandvalleyroofing.com or call 216-777-9876.

Conclusion

Improper nailing of shingles, especially high nailing shingles, is one of the most preventable causes of premature roof failure. Nail placement may seem like a small detail, but it significantly impacts how well your shingles attach, resist uplift, maintain the seal, and protect your home.

When the nails are too high, the deck is weak, wind pressure wins, shingles slide, water enters; and your 30-year roof can fail in 6 or 10 years.

By understanding what proper nailing looks like, hiring experienced installers like Peak and Valley Roofing, and doing periodic roof inspections, you can protect your roof investment, your home, and your peace of mind.

If you suspect your roof may have been improperly nailed (or you’d like a second opinion); contact us at Peak and Valley Roofing. We’ll perform a detailed inspection, assess nail placement, document any issues, and help you plan the right fix.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)