Hail Damage vs. Blistering: What's the Difference?
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.
Identifying Roofing Issues on Asphalt Shingles
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:
- Hail Damage: This is caused by hailstones hitting the roof, resulting in dents, bruises, or dislodged granules.
- Blistering: A result of moisture or trapped gas within shingles, causing small, bubble-like raised areas.
- Cracking: Often due to extreme weather fluctuations.
- Algae Stains or Mold: Found in shaded, damp roof areas.
- Curling Shingles: A sign of aging or poor ventilation.
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.
What Is Hail Damage?
How Does Hail Affect Your Roof?
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.
Signs of Hail Damage:
- Bruising on Shingles: Run your hand over the shingle surface. Soft or “spongy” spots could indicate hail strikes.
- Granule Loss: Bald patches that expose the asphalt layer beneath.
- Cracks or Dents: Hail can cause noticeable dents or cracks in shingles.
- Damage to Gutters, Downspouts, or Siding: Hail often leaves marks on other exterior elements of your home.
Related: Storm and Hail Damage Roof Repair
Shingle Blistering
What Causes Shingle Blistering?
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:
- discoloration and potential damage to a portion of the shingle
- a poor aesthetic appeal of your roof
- the roof’s integrity and lifespan compromising
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.
Signs of Shingle Blistering:
- Tiny Circular Bubbles: Size varies from 1 to several millimeters
- Popped Blisters revealed the asphalt layer beneath.
- Localized Granule Loss where the blisters have popped.
How is Blistering Different from Hail Damage?
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.
Why It Matters:
While blistering may start as a cosmetic issue, popped blisters expose shingles to UV rays and moisture, potentially causing significant damage over time.
Preventive Measures:
Here are some ways to protect your roof and address issues effectively.
- Regular Roof Inspections – Schedule inspections every 12 months or after a severe weather event. Spotting issues early can save you thousands in repair costs.
- Invest in Durable Roofing Materials – Roofing materials, like GAF asphalt shingles, are designed to withstand extreme weather, including hail and intense heat.
- Enhance Ventilation – Ensure your attic has proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Maintain Your Gutters – Regularly cleaning your gutters can channel water away from the roof and avoid pooling that can compromise the shingles.
- Install Hail-Resistant Shingles – Consider impact-resistant shingles designed explicitly for hail-prone areas.
Related: Why Asphalt Shingles
Remediation:
If you suspect hail damage or blistering on your roof:
- Schedule a Free Roof Inspection
- Complete Necessary Repairs: Address minor issues like popped blisters or dented shingles.
- File an Insurance Claim: Work with an experienced roofing contractor to guide you through the claims process.
Related: Restoration for Insurance Claims
Schedule a Free Roof Inspection with Elevated Roofing
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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