When you see wear on your roof, it’s natural to wonder, “Is this roof blistering, or could it be hail damage?” Knowing the difference is important because each type of damage requires a different response, especially if you’re considering insurance claims or repairs. Misinterpreting these issues can lead to unnecessary costs or missed repairs. Here’s a guide to help you identify each type of damage effectively.
What Is Roof Blistering?
Roof blistering appears as small, bubble-like spots across your roof shingles. This issue often occurs on asphalt shingles due to moisture trapped beneath the surface. When exposed to sunlight, this trapped moisture expands, creating raised areas or “blisters.” Though unsightly, blistering usually doesn’t cause immediate leaks or serious problems, but it can weaken shingles over time, making them more susceptible to other damage.
Three Common Causes of Roof Blistering
- Poor ventilation: If your attic isn’t ventilated properly, trapped heat can build up and force moisture within the shingles to rise, leading to blistering.
- Manufacturing flaws: Occasionally, roofing shingles may have imperfections from manufacturing, causing blisters to form prematurely.
- Extreme heat: Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause roof blisters to appear and expand, especially in hotter climates.
How to Spot Roof Blistering
Blisters are usually small, bubble-like formations scattered across the roof. These may or may not be open—closed blisters are often hard to notice but may eventually break, exposing the shingle layers underneath. Blistering usually occurs more uniformly across the roof, rather than in concentrated spots.
Understanding Hail Damage
Hail damage results from the impact of hailstones hitting the roof. When hailstones strike with enough force, they can create dents, cracks, or even break shingle layers. Unlike blistering, hail damage is often an immediate concern, as it compromises the roof’s surface layer and can lead to leaks if not addressed quickly.
Common Factors Influencing Hail Damage Severity
- Hailstone size: Larger hailstones naturally cause more severe damage.
- Wind speed and direction: Strong winds during hailstorms can increase the impact force, leading to deeper dents and more extensive damage.
- Roof condition: Roofs with older, worn shingles are more vulnerable to hail damage compared to newer installations.
Identifying Hail Damage
Hail damage appears as round dents, “bruises,” or missing granules where the hail has knocked them off the shingle surface. These marks are often concentrated on the roof side that faced the storm’s direction. Hail damage is easy to spot and usually leaves a noticeable pattern of impact points across one side of the roof.
Key Differences Between Roof Blistering and Hail Damage
It’s easy to confuse blistering with hail damage, but here are some ways to tell them apart:
Pattern and Placement
Blistering tends to be spread out in bubbles across the roof. Hail damage appears as dents in a concentrated area on the roof side facing the storm.
Granule Loss
Hail damage often results in dark spots where granules are missing. Blisters only lose granules when they burst, so closed blisters may not show granule loss.
Shape and Depth
Blisters look like bubbles, while hail damage is round and can be deeper, especially when larger hailstones strike.
Steps to Take if You See Damage
Inspect for Damage
After a hailstorm, check your roof for signs of hail damage. Look for dents or granule loss. If you find bubbles with no impact marks, it’s likely blistering. Use binoculars or take a closer look only if it’s safe.
Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure about the damage type, consult a roofing expert. They can perform a thorough inspection and provide a clear assessment, which is especially useful for insurance claims.
Plan for Repair or Replacement
Roof blistering generally doesn’t require immediate action unless it’s extensive. Hail damage, however, needs prompt attention to avoid leaks. If you confirm hail damage, consider filing an insurance claim for repairs.
Conclusion
Being able to distinguish between roof blistering and hail damage is essential for any homeowner. While both types of damage affect your roof’s appearance and functionality, each requires a different approach. By knowing what to look for, you can ensure timely and accurate repairs, keeping your roof in top shape for years to come. If you’re unsure or need professional assistance, contact DryTech Exteriors today to schedule an inspection and protect your home.
