
Blistering can affect the performance and lifespan of the shingles. Learn how to identify them and how to fix them before they become a problem.
What Causes Roof Shingles to Blister?
Trapped Moisture
When the sun heats up the shingle, the water trapped inside will rise to the surface. The trapped water will cause the shingle to blister.
Trapped Heat
Poor Ventilation
This will eventually create blisters on the shingles. Poorly ventilated roofs below the rooftop cause the roof deck to become overheated, preventing the shingles from letting off the heat they absorb from sunlight.
Is Roof Blistering Bad?

If the shingles blister and peel off, they can loosen the waterproofing granules, which help keep water out of the roof. Roofs that lose granules are also more prone to harsh sunlight, accelerating the weathering process even more.
Blisters create a separation between the base of the roof and the shingle, which makes it likely the blisters will pop and make your roof lose its visual appeal.
Additionally, once the blisters pop, there is more of a risk of water damage inside your home. Blisters tend to wear down roofs faster than they would otherwise.
Blistering occurs when the roofing material loses its protective granules or grit at the blister location, which accelerates UV damage to its membrane. When blisters form, protective roof coatings can become cracked and peel off.
Roof appearance is another matter to consider. If there are multiple holes in a blistering rooftop, they will be easily visible outside. Replacing a roof section could help your home retain its value and beauty.
Your roof is an interconnected system that protects your home from constant assault from the elements. Breaks in the roof systems will ultimately lead to its failure. Roof repair can be expensive, but it's much cheaper than the cost of repairs later on if you don't take care of your roof now.
While the roof repair work must be done as soon as possible, having it be a covered insurance expense is preferable to taking care of it all on your own; thankfully, Melo Roofing is here to help!
Preventing Blistering Shingles
Choosing quality asphalt shingles during a new roof construction can help prevent blisters, as good shingles may be durable enough to at least avoid blister popping. Melo Roofing chooses CertainTeed shingles due to the quality and durability of the product.
If blisters appear, once the vapors contract or the moisture evaporates, the blisters should just disappear without causing any real damage to the roof. There are other ways you can help to prevent roof blisters from forming on your shingles.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the essential points you should address. Shingle blisters can be treated, but if the main reason for the blister is not fixed, you'll likely have similar problems in the future.
You should install vents at the ridge of your roof to allow proper venting along with the eaves. Many residential roofs are surprisingly lacking in attic ventilation.
Moisture
Ice Dams
Roof Blistering or Hail Damage?
Blister damage is caused by trapped heat and moisture, while strong winds and hail storms cause hail damage. The damage pattern on the roof indicates whether or not the damage was caused by blisters or hail.
The difference in damage patterns is easily identified when looking closely at the roof. The damage on the roof is often unevenly distributed, but there may be areas where the damage is concentrated. These concentrated areas indicate that the damage was caused by hail.
In the images below, you will see a popped roof blister, which looks like basic damage to the shingle. The hail-damaged shingle image shows that there are granules missing from where the hail damaged the roof.
Roof Blister

Hail Damage

Regular Inspections
Roofing contractors should always check roofs for damage early in the season and during rainy weather. They should also inspect roofs after heavy rainstorms. This will allow them to catch problems before they cause significant damage to the roof.
As asphalt roof shingles age, they can deteriorate, leaving granules in your gutters or downspouts. With a regular inspection by Melo Roofing, the status of your roof will be monitored to ensure your roof continues to protect your home!