Ben's Construction Inc

Asphalt shingles are appealing, versatile, durable and cost-effective. For these reasons, they are currently the most prevalent residential roofing option. With proper care and routine maintenance from a reputable roofing contractor, this material can protect your home for decades. Moreover, knowing which problems to avoid can also help in extending the life of your roof. A common issue that asphalt shingles face is blistering. 

Read on to learn why blisters form on asphalt shingle roofing and what you can do to prevent them. 

What Are Asphalt Shingle Blisters?

Blisters develop on the surface of asphalt shingles as a result of adhesion loss. Pockets form and create bubbles on the shingles. Most of the time, experts consider them as a cosmetic defect. It means that, even if your asphalt shingle roof has blisters, it can still protect your home from the weather and elements. 

However, when these blisters pop, that’s when you will experience issues. When this happens, the protective granules on the shingles will loosen and fall off. It will leave your roof exposed to the damaging effects of the sun and moisture. As a result, the system will degrade faster and fail early. Patch repairs are not ideal, so your roofing contractor would need to replace the affected shingles. If a significant part of the roof has been affected, it may need to be completely replaced. 

What Causes Them?

Improper Installation

Carelessness during installation can result in shingle blistering. When the roofing materials are not well secured, the system will experience future problems. In some cases, even wrong measurements can cause gaps on the roof’s surface where blisters can develop. 

Insufficient Ventilation

Ventilation plays a significant role in the longevity and performance of your roof. It helps prevent problems, such as early deterioration, ice dams, rot and mold and mildew growth. Proper ventilation also helps your household stay comfortable no matter what season it is. If there is no way for warm, humid air to escape your attic, the temperature in the space will increase. The heat can reach your living spaces as well, making your HVAC system work harder and consume more energy. It means that proper roof and attic ventilation can help you save on utility bills as well. 

Shingle blistering is another problem that poor ventilation can cause. It causes the roof to become extremely hot. Once the temperature gets high enough, the shingles will expand and develop blisters. When planning your home renovations this summer, why not have your roof inspected by a professional to ensure it has proper ventilation? Your roofer may decide to add more vents and insulation to keep your attic well-ventilated. 

Trapped Moisture Within the Roof

Excess moisture trapped within the layers of your roof can contribute to shingle blistering. This issue can be caused by errors during the manufacturing of the shingles. When the shingles get exposed to direct sunlight, their surface and the trapped moisture inside them will increase in temperature. Blisters will start to form as the shingles become excessively hot. 

Natural Wear and Tear

High winds, heavy snowfall and hail can all cause significant damage to your roof. It is normal for roofs to weaken and deteriorate as they age. Over time, your roof will become more susceptible to damage due to natural wear and tear. An aging roof is more likely to develop blisters. 

How Do You Differentiate Blisters From Hail Damage?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish blisters from hail damage. One way you can determine what you are dealing with is to focus on the damage pattern on your roof. Is the pattern scattered, or is it only located in one area? Pay attention to the slope and direction of the affected shingles. 

For instance, when the blisters on your roof are popped due to foot traffic, you will notice that some areas have unpopped blisters. Meanwhile, a hail damaged roof usually has a more uniform damage pattern because of the wind’s direction during the storm. If you are unsure about what kind of damage your roof is suffering from, it’s best to consult a local professional. At Ben’s Construction Inc, we are here to provide you quality home renovations and roofing services.  

What Can You Do to Prevent Asphalt Shingle Blisters?

Choose a Reliable Contractor

A skilled roofer will store the new shingles properly in a safe place and keep them dry during installation. This is to prevent the material from getting exposed to excessive moisture. Before the actual installation, your contractor should check if your attic is properly ventilated. There should be enough intake and exhaust vents to allow warm air to escape and fresh air to enter. Good air circulation in your attic will go a long way in preventing shingle blisters. 

Make sure to hire a reliable contractor when replacing your roof. Work with an experienced professional specializing in the kind of roof you have and offering quality materials from trusted manufacturers. Only work with a company with proper licensing, insurance and bond. Always do your research, read reviews, and ask for references before hiring anyone to work in your home. Whether you need a new roof or gutter installation services, you can count on Ben’s Construction Inc for quality workmanship. 

Invest in Routine Inspections and Maintenance

It pays to invest in regular inspections and maintenance for your roof. Getting your roof routinely serviced will extend its lifespan and allow you to catch problems before they become a costly expense. Proper care ensures your roof stays in good shape for many years to come. 

Aside from preventing blisters, regular maintenance will give you peace of mind. You will be more at ease knowing that your roof can protect you better against extreme weather conditions. If your roofer discovers issues, be sure not to delay repairs because it will only make the problem worse and costlier to fix. 

At Ben’s Construction Inc, we also offer siding and gutter installation services. Give us a call at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our contact form to request a quote.