What Causes Asphalt Shingles Blisters?

Asphalt shingle blisters are not as common nowadays, but once in a while, a homeowner may find their roof affected by this. In today’s post, local roofing company Diamond Roofing Specialists, Inc. discusses what causes blistering on asphalt shingles, and what can be done to fix it.

The Cause of Asphalt Shingle Blisters

Asphalt shingle blistering is characterized by small bubble-like bulges on the roofing surface. They’re often mistaken for hailstone damage. However, the similarities end there — asphalt shingle blisters do not affect roof performance and are considered a cosmetic issue. Most of the time, it’s excluded from homeowners’ insurance coverage.

Blistering is caused by trapped moisture in the asphalt-soaked backing material during manufacture. Roofing manufacturers take great care to control humidity levels as the asphalt shingles are made, but sometimes a batch with this defect may end up getting installed on a roof. Over time, the trapped moisture in the installed shingles expands as it becomes heated by the sun, resulting in blisters.

What Can You Do?

Being a manufacturing defect, the solution is to replace the affected shingles under warranty. Asphalt shingles with this defect develop blisters within the first two years after installation, so the coverage period shouldn’t be an issue. In some cases, it may require replacing a few shingle mats and may only take half a day to do.

There are a few things that you can do to prevent faulty asphalt shingles from getting installed on your roof:

• Hire a manufacturer-certified or designated roofing contractor. In addition to knowing that these roofers have met the high standards set by the manufacturer, their materials are sourced from and backed by the manufacturer.
• Stick with trusted roofing brands. Major roofing manufacturers like GAF generally have stricter quality control, which reduces the likelihood of getting defective shingles installed on your roof.
• Keep up with scheduled roofing maintenance. Your roofer may be able to catch early signs of blistering and help you come up with a repair plan.

If you need help with blisters on your asphalt shingles or other roofing issues, give Diamond Roofing Specialists, Inc. at (203) 754-7884. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Waterbury, Danbury and Watertown, CT.