Here’s Why Roof Blistering Is More Than a Cosmetic Problem
Blistering is a usual problem with asphalt-based roofs like shingles and membranes. Although they may not need immediate attention, they could lead to further and more expensive damage if left unaddressed for a long time.
What is Roof Blistering?
Moisture is the primary cause of roof blistering. It is a result of trapped moisture within the shingles either due to error during the manufacturing process or leaks. When the sun heats the roof, the trapped moisture evaporates to the surface, causing it to blister.
These blisters look like raised bubbles, which happens when there’s a loss of adhesion underneath the layers of the roof.
In the article that follows, we are elaborating further on the causes of roof blistering.
Manufacturing Error: Asphalt shingles remain the world’s most popular roofing material. They are composed mainly of three layers: fibreglass or paper backing, asphalt, and protective granules. Often, errors during the manufacturing result in trapped moisture between these layers and on extremely hot days, this moisture expands, resulting in blisters.
Poor Ventilation: In other cases, blisters form due to poor ventilation in the attic. Trapped heat in the attic can increase the roof temperature to the point where it forms blisters. The same effect can happen on other areas such as the eaves and sidings that are adjacent to the attic.
Regardless of how they form, roof blistering is more than merely a cosmetic problem. As the blistering worsens, the shingles will start to lose their effectiveness and over time, reduce their lifespan. With this issue, you may find yourself needing to replace your roofing system earlier than you would expect.
In addition to that, blisters can loosen the granules that keep the asphalt-based roof waterproof. This makes the roofing more susceptible to weather damage.
How to Prevent Roof Blistering
Investing in high-quality asphalt shingles during the construction is key to preventing blistering. These should be durable enough to at least keep blisters from popping. When blisters pop, they look like pockmarks that expose the layers of your roof and when these are prevented, the blisters should just disappear as the moisture evaporates, without causing any serious damage.
Blistered shingles are replaceable, but unless the primary cause isn’t resolved, you’ll likely have the same problems in the future. With that said, preventing roof blistering involves addressing what causes it in the first place.
Repair Damaged Insulation
Extremely hot indoor spaces and unexplainable high energy bills are some indications of damaged insulation and this is often due to age or pests that are eating away the insulating materials. The replacement should be an easy and quick process that could take as little as a day to tear out the old one and install a new one. It’s recommended that you hire a professional to do the job.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
There’s also a chance that your attic lacks ventilation—a condition that yields blisters. To prevent this, your roof should have vents at the ridges preferably in addition to the ones at the eaves. You see, proper attic ventilation and minor repairs can go a long way in taking care of the problem, which leads us to our last point.
Maintenance Plan
You can’t do much about roof blisters, but preventing them from happening is enough to save yourself from further damage in the long run. Schedule a routine roofing inspection at least twice a year to have a professional check for and repair any leaks and issues while in their early stages. A roof restoration should extend the life of your roof and maximise your investment.
For your roofing maintenance and repair, contact your local roofing specialist today.
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