Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against various weather conditions—hailstorms, high winds, and relentless sun. But when issues arise, like damaged shingles, it can be tricky to assess what’s causing the problem. One common question homeowners have is, “Is this damage from a hailstorm or something else, like blistering?”
This guide will help you distinguish hail damage vs. blistering and their signs, common causes, and steps to prevent them.
Asphalt shingles can withstand severe weather conditions, from blistering heat to icy winters, making them an ideal choice for homes in various climates. However, they are also prone to cracks, small holes, or missing shingles.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some common roofing issues:
While all these issues can compromise your roof’s integrity, we’ll focus specifically on hail damage vs. blistering and how to tell them apart.
A roofing contractor can help detect problems, such as hail damage or blistering, before they become severe. They may look for any signs of wear and tear, such as missing shingles, cracks, or unexpected granule loss.
When hailstones hit your roof, they can cause visible dents and damage to shingles. Even small hailstones can knock off the protective granules on asphalt shingles, exposing the underlying material to UV rays and moisture.
Damages can lead to water leakage and further shingle deterioration. If you suspect hail damage, you may need a roof inspection—especially before filing an insurance claim.
Related: Storm and Hail Damage Roof Repair
Shingle blistering, or roof blistering, forms when moisture or gas is trapped under roofing shingles due to extreme heat. It creates bubble-like raised areas on the shingle surface.
Common factors that can lead to shingle blistering on your roof are:
Prolonged sun exposure and trapped heat in your attic can cause your asphalt shingles to form bubbles or expand.
This expansion leads to the formation of blisters on the shingles. Eventually, they pop, resulting in:
Trapped moisture
Each blister will pop during extreme weather. If shingles are installed in wet conditions or moisture is trapped during manufacturing and installation, blisters may form. Then, the sun heats the shingles, causing trapped water to rise to the surface as a blister.
Leftover hydrocarbons
In shingle manufacturing, a crude oil byproduct called asphalt bitumen may leave excess hydrocarbons in shingles. These hydrocarbons cause micro explosions when exposed to intense heat. It can lead to dislodging protective granules and compromising shingle durability by exposing the bitumen/fiberglass mat underneath to weathering.
Weather events like hailstorms do not cause blistering. Instead, blistering is a long-term issue caused by manufacturing defects, prolonged solar exposure, and poor attic ventilation.
While blistering may start as a cosmetic issue, popped blisters expose shingles to UV rays and moisture, potentially causing significant damage over time.
Here are some ways to protect your roof and address issues effectively.
Related: Why Asphalt Shingles
If you suspect hail damage or blistering on your roof:
Related: Restoration for Insurance Claims
Whether your shingles are affected by hail or showing signs of blistering, timely action is necessary. Elevated Roofing offers free roof inspections to homeowners in Dallas and surrounding areas.
Our contractors are trained to identify roof damage and provide the best solutions to maintain your home.
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