Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Understanding Blistered Shingles

Whether a rooftop is brand new or 10 years old, blistering can occur at any time. Similar to a skin blister, roofing shingle blisters are basically bubbles visible on the material's surface. Homeowners may not even know they have roof blisters until a Gaithersburg roofing professional takes a closer look at the surface. Although blisters aren't entirely detrimental to a roof's overall health, they are cause for concern in certain cases.

When contractors discuss possible blisters on the roof, homeowners shouldn't be overly concerned. Because the blisters are just raised bubbles on the shingles, the roofing material still provides the coverage necessary to reduce moisture issues in the interior. Unless the blisters pop, they're strictly a cosmetic issue. However, contractors must keep a frequent eye on them to ensure that no further damage occurs to the rooftop.

It's concerning when the blisters pop because the shingle surface is compromised. The exposed blister area doesn't have the granules and protective film to ward off ultraviolet light damage. The shingle will break down faster than surrounding materials without the popped blisters. Professionals must remove blistered shingles and replace them because there are no patching processes for badly blistered shingles.

Blisters occur in new shingle installations when there's too much moisture trapped within the layers. This occurrence is actually a manufacturing defect. If contractors notice blisters immediately after an installation, replacement materials are often covered under warranty. When the shingles were professionally installed, the heat from the roof surface likely caused the moisture to expand and create bubbles. Reputable contractors will ask for warranty coverage to help the homeowner with a streamlined repair.

When a roof is older, blistering could occur because of poor ventilation. The attic must have adequate soffit and ridge vents to move air effectively in the space. Trapped attic air only grows warmer, creating a hotter rooftop. Blisters occur as the roof becomes too hot from the bad ventilation. Contractors simply need to evaluate the air movement and add extra vents to reduce blistering occurrences.

Although they're highly durable, asphalt shingles are the only major roofing material to be affected by blisters. Homeowners should make it a habit to hire a contractor at least once a year to find any blisters across the roof. If a major storm passes through the area, for instance, residents can call the professional after the event to survey any damage. Blisters can stand the test of time, but popped shingles are vulnerable to accelerated damage.