Why is my roof bubbling?

If you ever realize there are bubbles forming on your roof tiles or on sections of your roof, don’t ignore them! These bubbles are known as roof blisters and they could be an indication of a serious problem. Once you figure out they are forming on your roof, you’ll want to carefully inspect them to figure out what caused them and what needs to be done to repair them. Letting the blisters continue to grow until they pop on their own could cause extensive damage to your roof and your home.

Here’s what you need to know about roof blisters, how to prevent them from forming, and what to do if you do see them forming.

What are roof blisters?

Roof blisters are a common problem with asphalt shingles. Blisters form when a pocket on the shingle forms (typically as a result of a loss of adhesion). The pocket then fills with air or water, which creates a bubble on your shingles.

Sometimes blisters are limited to only a few shingles and do not become a problem unless the bubbles pop or erode away. Other times, the damage is more widespread and you’ll notice blisters forming on shingles on your entire roof or a very large bubble forming. Blisters that pop lead to deterioration of your roof. Granules become dislodged when blisters pop, and these unexposed areas will eventually lead to leaks and other roof damage.

Sometimes people confuse blisters and hail damage. Blisters and hail damage can be difficult to distinguish between because they both cause pitting due to the loss of granules. However, you’ll likely spot hail damage immediately after a hail storm. Hail will also cause dents in any metal portions of your roof. If it’s blistering, you’ll notice some pitted areas but also some remaining blisters that haven’t yet popped.

What causes roof blisters?

Roof blisters form as a result of moisture or because of poor ventilation. If the blisters are a result of moisture, you’ll start seeing the blisters forming within a year of getting new asphalt shingles. Moisture can become trapped in shingles due to errors during the manufacturing process. After the shingles are installed, heat warms up the moisture. Once the moisture is heated up, it rises to the surface of the shingle and forms blisters.

Blisters as a result of poor ventilation are also typically seen soon after installation, but poor ventilation can also occur on older roofs. Without proper ventilation on a roof, shingles get too hot and pockets within the shingles begin to expand and form blisters.

How can roof blisters be prevented?

It’s easier to prevent roof blisters than to deal with them after they’ve formed. The best way to prevent them from forming is to make sure your shingles are properly installed. All materials should be stored properly and kept dry during the installation process (to prevent moisture). If you’re attempting to shingle your own roof, make sure that shingles are installed snugly to prevent moisture or air from getting trapped under the shingles. During the installation process, you’ll also want to make sure you have proper ventilation within the roof system. It’s also important to have your roof regularly inspected by a roofing contractor. They’ll be able to spot any early signs of blistering or other damage before major damage is caused.

How can you repair roof blisters?

If you spot blisters, the best way to repair them is to call a roofing company.Companies, like roofing companies in Franklin Tn,   have experience installing, maintaining, and repairing asphalt roofing. The reason it’s best to go through a company is that they’ll know if it’s best to leave the shingles undisturbed or if the roof needs repaired. Just because shingles are blistering doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced. You could just need a better attic ventilation system.

A company will be able to access if the blisters are in danger of popping, if they’re widespread, if there is a significant loss of granules, if the blisters are causing leaks, if there is cracking around the blisters, or if they’re causing membrane deterioration. Depending on the damage, the company will know the best way to repair your roof.

How to find the best roofer

When finding the right roofer for your project, it’s crucial to know where to look. Aside from referrals and references, you can also try online and looking up roofing companies ‘near me’.

Check out the following helpful tips when finding the best roofer:

• Make comparisons: If you have several prospective roofing companies, it will help to make a comparison by checking offered services online and price quotes for your roofing project. You can make a final decision once you have thoroughly interviewed the roofer.
• Choose flexible services: A good roofer offers general services as well as specialty services, like solar panel installation or energy-saving roofs, like a green roof. If you’re looking toward upgrading your roof above the average roofs used today, hiring an expert in your particular roofing interest is highly recommended. Not all roofers can offer specialty services, so you have to research and ask.
• Check their portfolio: Don’t miss checking the roofing company’s portfolio. While different roofers offer almost the same services, the difference would heavily rely on the final output. Request to see the before and after photos as well as visiting residences of previous clients.
• Interview: Conduct a thorough interview of your prospective roofer and ask about their experience, work schedule, time frames, insurance, licenses, and permits. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure that all concerns are addressed. An interview is also a perfect time to assess the roofer’s soft skills to ensure that you feel comfortable talking and doing business with them to materialize your roofing plans.
• Check your options: While there are a lot of local roofers near you, it won’t hurt to check other options, like roofers outside your area that can offer better services. Exhausting all your options can land you to the right roofer that can accommodate your roofing needs and preferences.

Final thoughts

If you start to spot blisters bubbling up on your roof, don’t wait to have your roof inspected. While blisters themselves might not be problematic, they could pop or be an indication of a more serious problem. A professional will be able to tell you the best way to proceed.