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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Charleston, WV
    Posts
    77

    Default rusty nails/water stains

    What is up with this? During the attic inspection, I noted water stains around the roofing nails. Some of the nails appear rusty. The roof covering is an asphalt shingle and it appeared in good condition with no visible defects. I have seen this condition on roof coverings that were failing but not on shingles that are in good condition. There was only one layer of shingles present. What am I missing?

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    Greg Jenkins

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
    Posts
    3,177

    Default Re: rusty nails/water stains

    Poor ventilation / condensation on nails?

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Charleston, WV
    Posts
    77

    Default Re: rusty nails/water stains

    Yes - good call. The soffit vents were partially obstructed by insulation. Still seems like a lot of staining but I guess it doesn't take much.
    Thanks

    Greg Jenkins

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    1,352

    Default Re: rusty nails/water stains

    Sometimes you will also see little rust spots on the top of the insulation, where the water has dripped off the nails. That's a good sign of condensation in the attic.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Lake Barrington, IL
    Posts
    1,367

    Default Re: rusty nails/water stains

    Greg,

    I have such stains in my attic. In the real world I think these can be expected after a period of time and I ignore them when the home has some mileage on it.
    This is especially true when all else looks good in the attic. I have a typical 1979 colonial home with 16 soffit vents, 2 gable end vents and 5 roof vents on the main roof and occasionally the plywood decking still can get damp.

    As with many things we look at, taking into consideration the age of the house is important when considering the significance of a condition.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

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