Hail Damage Vs Blistering: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to protecting your roof, it is important to understand the type of damage you are dealing with. However, there are some instances of damage that can resemble one another. For example, hail damage on a roof can be associated with a variety of factors.
This is not unlike shingle blistering, which can cause a number of problems. Sometimes, blistering can be confused with hail damage to shingles. But just because there are some resemblances does not mean they are the same. Nor should they be treated the same.
Let’s break down some of the particulars pertaining to roof blistering vs. hail damage.
Hail Damage vs. Roof Blistering
It’s true that roofing damage comes in all shapes and sizes. And there are many different causes. However, blistering and hail are some of the most common causes for roof repairs. Because of this, homeowners should know the signs of hail damage, as well as the causes for blistering.
Hail Damage to Shingles
As you know, there is not a single type of roofing shingle. From wood shingles to asphalt shingles, hail can still have its day. And yet, it is more common for a homeowner to have asphalt shingles. Additionally, asphalt shingles show signs of hail damage more clearly, as they are more likely to take a hit from hail.
As a resident of Kansas, you are no stranger to hail storms. You likely know the sound of hail hitting your roof well. But you might not realize that this hail could be damaging your roof.
So what does hail damage on a roof look like? More or less, hail damage appears in the form of small dents. But don’t think this makes it easy to see from the ground.
Asphalt shingles are covered with tiny granules, which give them a distinct texture. Heavy hail can knock these granules loose and wash them away. And the area around the dented shingle will not be raised, making it more or less blend in. A trained eye can spot hail damage much more precisely, but the typical homeowner might not.
Hail damage can more easily be seen on your gutter, for example. So if you notice denting or damage to your gutter after a hail storm, have your roof inspected as well.
Shingle Blistering
The opposite can be said about shingle blistering, which appears in the form of bumps or “blisters.” These protrusions are commonly associated with hail damage because of the missing granules. As shingles blister, the granules can come undone and fall away.
If these blisters are not taken care of, they can pop or crack, which leads to additional problems. However, you might be wondering how shingle blistering occurs. After all, hail damage is relatively straightforward. Single blistering, on the other hand, is caused by several things.
A main cause is when moisture is trapped in your shingles. This can happen if your shingles are old and have shifted, leaving room for moisture to get in. It also happens if your installation occurred with wet shingles, or on a wet day. When the sun comes out, it heats this trapped moisture and causes it to penetrate upward.
Poor ventilation is another common cause of shingle blistering. When too much heat is trapped in your attic, your asphalt shingles can “boil” and eventually pop. Direct sunlight combined with trapped attic is a recipe for roof blistering.
Damage Leads to More Damage
If your shingles experience damage from hail or blistering, there is no reason to wait. Have a professional roofing contractor take a look and assess the damage. Though the damage might seem small in comparison to your roof, damage only gets worse.
A continued loss of granules from hail weakens your roof overall. Similarly, blisters pop and crack and expose your home to the elements, which the roof is designed to keep out. Waiting too long to have your repairs taken care of could lead to additional damage.
For instance, one or two blistered shingles might not seem like a big problem. But if those blisters pop, then this creates an opportunity for additional moisture to get in. And additional moisture leads to additional blisters. Before you know it, you might have a significant amount of trapped moisture in your roof.
Get in Touch
The professionals at Burwell Construction are trained in both hail damage to shingles and blistering. But that is only the beginning. Let our professionals provide you with a roof inspection to make sure your shingles are intact and free of damage.
After all, ongoing maintenance and inspections are a better approach than roof replacements. Contact us today for a free estimate.
