If you’re looking for “roof shingles – how to” information, you’ve come to the right place. One key to both speed and quality is to avoid shiners.
“Shiners” are nails which have been installed too low and show on the exposed portion of the shingle. They are a common cause of leaks on shingle roofs that have been installed with a nail gun.
The best way to avoid them is to focus right on the nail line while you are nailing. When you concentrate on that line, your brain and arm will be on “auto-pilot” putting the nails in the right place.
You’ll find that when you do get one, it’s because you let your concentration slip. Eventually, focusing on the nail line becomes a habit that you won’t have to work at.
Roof Shingles – How to Fix the Few Shiners You Do Get!
Some roofers fix all of these problems at the end of the job, but it’s better to fix them as they occur. There are two reasons for this;
First off, if you wait until the end of the job, you will probably miss some… and they can come back to haunt you later.
Also, they’re a hassle to fix. It breaks up your rhythm and slows you down. If you have to stop and fix every one as you go, you will find yourself being a lot more careful where you put those nails.
The best way to fix one of these potential leaks is to pull the nail, lift the shingle and seal the hole with flashing cement. A little cement will ooze out of the hole, but this can be masked with a few granules to make an invisible and permanent repair.