Blisters on asphalt shingles are a sign you’ll need a roof replacement soon. While blisters won’t immediately cause damage, it’s only a matter of time until they pop. When blisters pop, they may dislodge some of the granules responsible for protecting your roof from ultraviolet (UV) rays, leaving your roof vulnerable to UV damage.
What are the usual culprits behind blisters on asphalt shingles?
Trapped Moisture
A manufacturing defect might be to blame. If moisture gets trapped in the shingle during the manufacturing process, it’s likely that blisters will form on the roof shortly after it’s installed on a roof. As the sun heats the moisture trapped in the shingle, it rises to the top, forming blisters on your roof. Keep in mind that trapped moisture is highly unlikely to be an issue if you’re using high-quality asphalt shingles from reputable brands, such as GAF.
Inadequate Ventilation
The more common cause would be inadequate ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, the temperature of your roof and attic will inevitably increase. Too much heat can cause the shingles to blister.
Blisters vs. Hail Damage
The damage caused by the two may look similar, but there’s a key difference: the uniformity of the damage. Hail damage is more evenly spread than damage from popped blisters. If you suspect your roof suffered hail damage, don’t hesitate to have a contractor inspect it and to file a hail or storm damage insurance claim.
How to Prevent Blisters
It’s best to stick to reputable brands when choosing a new roof. And, to ensure your roof is properly installed, make sure only certified contractors handle the roof installation. If you’re using a particular brand, it would be better to hire factory-certified roofers. They’re specifically trained to install a particular product so it’s highly unlikely they’ll make any installation errors.
Willi Roofing Services, a GAF Master Elite® contractor, offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including storm damage repair services. To get a free estimate, call us at (512) 394-8234, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Pflugerville, Austin and Lakeway, TX, as well as the surrounding communities.
