Blistered Roof Shingles: Main Causes and How to Prevent It

Asphalt shingles are the most common roof type for homeowners in Falls Church. Most of these roofs will experience blistering — those dark spots that look like smudges — over their lifespan.

If you spot blistering on your roof, you should do your best to address them to avoid long-term damage.

Falls Church's expert roof repair team explains blistered shingles in more detail and what you should do about them.

What Is Shingle Blistering?

Blistered shingles occur when asphalt shingles are no longer bound to the roof underlayment and decking. The result is air pockets that give your roof an uneven appearance on the surface. Shingle blistering is generally a cosmetic issue, but only if the blisters don’t pop; the roof is compromised as soon as the blisters do so.

The popping of the blisters erodes the protective granules, making the surface less impermeable. As the elements hit the roof material more directly, the matting will become exposed. In that situation, the problem shingles can no longer protect your home against harsh sunrays and moisture, and you’ll be faced with costly repairs.

What Should You Do About Blistered Shingles?

Once you notice shingle blistering in the roof over your Falls Church home, you should do your best to keep them from popping. Some of the things you can do include avoiding walking on the roof and cutting away any branches that may fall in a storm.

Once the blistered shingles pop, you’ll need to call in a roofing contractor to replace them since you can’t patch up those shingles. If the blistering has taken over more than 35% of your roof, you’ll likely need to budget a roof replacement.

What Are the Causes of Asphalt Blistering?

Shingles blister for a number of reasons, including the following.

Poor Installation Work

Blistering happens when roofers don’t secure shingles properly. The contractors may have made mistakes in their measurements, leaving the homeowner with a roof that has gaps that will encourage blistering.

Low-Quality Shingles

Low-quality shingles are at risk of blistering because they don’t have the right composition to withstand the elements and stay glued to roof underlayment.

Insufficient Attic Ventilation

Proper ventilation in the attic is the best way to reduce the risk of common roof problems like mold growth, roof rot, and general deterioration. Inadequate ventilation means warm, humid air will stay trapped in the attic, making the space hotter. In turn, it will affect the roof above, increasing the risk of shingle blistering.

Aging

A roof that’s already close to the end of its life span will become more susceptible to all forms of damage, including shingle blistering.

Get Expert Help for Your Falls Church Roof Today

Blistered shingles don’t just look unsightly. They can destroy your roof if you ignore them long enough. Knowing how to hire reputable roofing contractors that will use high-quality asphalt shingles is the first step to avoiding this common issue.

Do you already have blistered shingles over your Falls Church home? Call Low Cost Roofing to request a roof inspection and possible repairs.