Roof blistering is a common problem that affects almost every property. It compromises the lifespan and functionality of your roof, leading to significant damage in the long run. They are raised pockets of air or moisture trapped under the roofing material that appear on flat or low-sloped roofs. They may seem harmless but leaving them to grow can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. If you notice any signs of roof blistering, don't hesitate to reach out to our qualified roofing advisors for professional inspection because we offer immediate prevention and timely actions. Understanding what causes blisters on the roof and how to prevent them is crucial. Kindly read on to know more.
Poor Installation Practices
Improper installations are one of the major factors that cause roof blistering. It happens when the roofing materials are not allowed correctly. As a result, air pockets will begin to form between the layers. This setback usually occurs when adhesives are not unevenly spread, when the materials are not flattened, or when there is not enough time for proper curing. The air pockets can subsequently expand into noticeable blisters and weaken the roof's structure.
Moisture Entrapment
Moisture causes significant damage to the roof, which is why it results in blistering. Half-dried roofing surfaces or materials during installation can cause moisture to become trapped under the layers. If left untreated, the trapped moisture expands after being exposed to heat and the materials will lift to form blisters. This is usually common around humid climates or areas with constant rainfall.
Temperature Fluctuations
Roofing materials can contract and expand if there are frequent and extreme changes in temperature. It causes a rapid movement that destroys the bond between layers so that air moisture can penetrate and create blisters. Temperatures of roofs that fluctuate usually include those that are exposed to direct sunlight and cooler temperatures at night.
Aging Roofing Materials
Roof materials usually age and some of them even stand the test of time based on their qualities. However, some naturally deteriorate once they stay longer. These types of roofs also lose their elasticity and strength by becoming more susceptible to blistering. This happened because the materials have become extremely weak and unable to withstand environmental stressors. Aging also leads to brittle roofing layers and increases the likelihood of damage when air or moisture gets trapped.
Poor Ventilation
Every roof needs ventilation because when there's none, it causes blistering. This happens when inadequate roof or attic ventilation leads to heat and moisture buildup beneath the roof surface. It can create an environment that accelerates materials degradation. As time goes on, the trapped heat and moisture weaken the roof's structure, making it more susceptible to blisters.
Poor Adhesive Application
Adhesive works as glue during roofing materials installations to bond layers together. An uneven application of adhesive can create weak points. Even if it's applied too sparingly or inconsistently, it would still create the same results. This is because the areas are prone to trailing air or moisture. Over time, heat, and pressure expand the weak spots and form blisters.
Choose High-Quality Roofing Materials
When you use high-quality roofing materials to do your roofing, there won't be any room for blistering. This is because these materials will stand the test of time and also withstand extreme weather conditions, resist moisture absorption, and maintain their integrity over time. High-quality roofing materials may be very expensive, but it's totally worth it. Even if they have a higher upfront cost, they can save you from costly repairs and extend your roof lifespan.
Ensure Proper Installation
Proper installation is key to preventing blistering on your roofs because when it is done with hired roofing professionals, there is a lesser chance that anything could go wrong. This is because they follow the industry's best practices, use appropriate adhesives, and ensure the surface is clean and dry before installation. They also pay attention to detail to reduce the chance of blistering.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation
A good roof needs attic ventilation which would be essential for regulating temperature and moisture levels. When there is proper ventilation, heat, and moisture would be able to escape without getting NG trapped under the roofing materials. Therefore, your attic or roof spaces must have enough air that goes in and comes out to protect your roof from blistering and other forms of damage.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
There should be an appointed time for regular roof inspections to detect potential issues early. Roof inspections enable professional roofers to detect issues on time, especially early signs of roof blistering, such as small raised areas or material separation, before they become worse. With regular inspections, there's an opportunity to look at other problems such as leaks or structural damage that could contribute to blister formation.
Address Repairs Promptly
Timely repairs will prevent roof blistering in such a way that small leaks, cracks, or other damages won't allow moisture to seep into your roof's layers to create the perfect conditions for blisters to form. These issues need to be addressed on time to prevent the blistering from getting worse and also maintain the overall health and durability of your roof.
Hire Skilled Professionals
Experienced and licensed roofers will work on your roof in such a way that no error will be encountered. They will ensure that your roof is installed correctly because they understand the proper techniques and the usage of quality materials. A week-trained roofer reduces the risk of blisters and increases its overall value.
Conclusion
To sum up, roof blistering can cause greater damage to your roof and lead you to incur costly repairs, especially when the situation is worse than you thought. Once you understand the causes and implement preventive measures, the roof remains in excellent condition.
If you have concerns or inquiries, it's best to reach out to a professional roofing contractor at 553 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Call (646)-838-0441 or visit https://www.nyroofing.com for assistance and guidance.
