At Jackson Roofing & Gutters, we’ve been protecting homes in Raleigh and the greater Triangle area since 1982. As a third-generation, family-owned roofing company, we’ve repaired thousands of leaks—and the most common causes are misplaced nails and damaged pipe collars.
Why Nails & Pipe Collars Lead to Leaks
1. Misplaced or Overdriven Nails
During roof installation or repairs, nails that are:
- Driven in the wrong spot (exposed or not properly sealed)
- Overdriven (sunk too deep, breaking the shingle seal)
- Backed out over time (nail pops)
The most common issue is misplaced nails. While not an immediate issue, these nails will rust out due to prolonged moisture exposure and become detrimental as early as 3 years after installation or as much as 10-15 years after installation.
2. Damaged or Deteriorated Pipe Collars
The neoprene or metal flashing seals around plumbing vents and pipes can:
- Crack or shrink from UV exposure
- Become loose due to wind or poor installation
- Fail due to deterioration over time (most last 10–15 years)
Pro Tip: Check around roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, pipes) for cracks or gaps—these are leak hotspots!
Other Leading Causes of Roof Leaks
While nail issues and pipe collars are the top offenders, leaks can also come from:
- Damaged/missing shingles (storm wear, aging)
- Clogged gutters (trapped water backs up under roofing)
- Failing step flashing (where roofs meet walls or dormers)
- Ice dams (winter moisture intrusion)
Our Maintenance-First Solution
At Jackson Roofing & Gutters, we inspect every nail line and penetration during our free roof evaluations. Our precision workmanship includes:
- Proper nail placement (using industry-best practices)
- Premium pipe collars & flashing (high-quality materials that last)
- Craftsmanship warranties (because we stand by our work)
Serving Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Durham, and the surrounding Triangle area. Don’t let small leaks become big problems—call the Triangle’s most trusted roofers: (919) 229-9189 or click here to get started today!