Asphalt shingles are one of the most sought-after roofing materials since they’re appealing, durable, versatile and cost-efficient. In fact, there’s a high chance that your neighbor’s roof is made out of asphalt shingles. When they’re taken care of by a certified roofing contractor and you conduct roof repair projects as soon as they’re necessary, you can expect asphalt shingles to last for decades on end. It’s also worth knowing the common issues that asphalt shingles can run into to extend your roof’s lifespan, and one of the most prevalent is shingle blistering.
In today’s blog, Villwell Builders, LLC, the authority on roof replacement and maintenance, shares why blisters tend to form on asphalt roofing shingles and what you can do to prevent them from forming.
What Are Asphalt Shingle Blisters?
Blisters form up on your asphalt shingles commonly due to adhesion loss. Air pockets form on the surface and create bubbles on the shingles. Neophyte roof repair contractors would consider this merely as a cosmetic defect. This is because your asphalt shingles will continue to protect your home from the elements despite suffering from shingle blisters.
However, we beg to differ since when these bubbles or blisters pop, they can become serious problems. When this occurs, the protective granules of your asphalt shingles will loosen and fall off. The granules can also accumulate on your gutters which can clog them up and cause water to back up, leading to roof leaks and other water-related problems. It will leave your roof vulnerable to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light, along with moisture issues. Consequently, your roofing system will deteriorate faster, not allowing it to realize its full service life. This is why patchwork repairs aren’t ideal for this situation, which is why your roofing contractor would need to replace the blistered shingles. Keep in mind that if a part of your roofing system is significantly compromised, it will need to be replaced.
What Causes Asphalt Shingle Blisters?
According to emergency roof repair contractors, there are numerous causes as to why asphalt shingles blister. We’ll share the most common causes down below:
Shoddy Installation Work
Having a second-rate contractor install your asphalt shingles while cutting corners can result in shingle blistering. If your roofing materials aren’t properly secured, your roofing system will experience problems in the future. In fact, minute measurement errors can open up gaps on your asphalt roof’s surface that lead to blister formation.
Poor Ventilation
A proper roofing contractor will always highlight the importance of ventilation. Keep in mind that ventilation plays an important role in maintaining your roof’s performance and lengthening its serviceable life. It helps prevent serious issues such as premature deterioration, rotting, ice dams, mold and mildew growth. Having a well-ventilated home also makes your living space more comfortable, regardless of the season. If there is no way for warm, humid air to escape your attic or crawl space, the temperature in this space will continue to rise, until it reaches your living space and roofing membranes. In turn, this causes your HVAC unit to work twice as hard and consume more energy. This means that proper roof and attic ventilation will also help on your monthly utility costs as well.
We also need to highlight that shingle blistering is a byproduct of poor ventilation. This causes your roof to become excessively hot. Once the temperature rises high enough, the shingles will expand and develop blisters. When you’re holding a home maintenance or inspection project, make sure that it’s inspected thoroughly by your contractor to ensure your home is sufficiently ventilated. If not, your roofer might recommend adding vents to help insulate your home and keep it well-ventilated.
Trapped Moisture In Your Roofing System
Your roofing contractor will tell you that too much moisture within your roof’s layers can contribute to asphalt shingle blistering. This can be traced back to the manufacturing process of the asphalt shingles. When your asphalt shingles are exposed to direct sunlight, the surface and the trapped moisture within will increase the temperature. This will eventually lead to blister formation as the temperature of your roof gradually increases.
Natural Degradation
The elements, such as strong winds, heavy snowfall and hail can cause severe damage to your asphalt shingle roof. As such, they will weaken and deteriorate as they age. As time goes by, your roof will become more vulnerable to damage due to natural deterioration. As such, an old roof will most likely develop blisters and popping.
How to Prevent Asphalt Shingle Blisters
Hire a Reputable Contractor- A skilled roofing contractor will ensure that the asphalt shingles are stored in a secure location and that they’re dry while they’re installed. This will prevent the shingles from accumulating moisture while they’re being installed. Your roofer will also check your home for proper ventilation before installing your new roofs. There should be enough intake and exhaust vents to allow hot air to escape your home and allow fresh air in. This will prevent asphalt shingle blisters in the long run.
Make sure that you hire a reputable roofer when undergoing a roof replacement project that specializes in the roof you will install. Double-check if they are licensed, certified and insured to avoid legal issues. You can check their reviews through third party websites, or you could always ask for their references.
Conduct Routine Maintenance and Inspection- Having a regular maintenance and inspection schedule is worth its weight in gold when it comes to prolonging your roof’s lifespan. This helps you spot minor or serious roofing issues that are difficult to spot, and have them addressed before they worsen. It also allows you to assess your roof’s condition regularly to ensure that it’s still in good working order. This grants you peace of mind, knowing that your roof will continue to perform for the years to come. Make sure that you have these issues addressed immediately to prevent issues from worsening, resulting in a costlier fix.
Whether you’re looking for a window installer or a professional in emergency roof repair, Villwell Builders, LLC is the expert to trust. You can reach us by calling (475) 271-1242 or filling out our convenient contact form. Talk to us today!
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