Understanding roofing materials is essential when differentiating between roof blistering vs hail damage. Asphalt shingles, a common material, often exhibit damage that can be misidentified; therefore, detailed inspection by professionals, such as those certified by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), is crucial. Factors like weather patterns in regions prone to hailstorms influence the likelihood and type of damage sustained, necessitating careful consideration when assessing whether roofing issues stem from roof blistering vs hail damage.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Knight’s Solutions , from the video titled Blistering vs Hail Damage .
Roof Blistering vs. Hail Damage: Spot The Difference!
This article aims to provide a clear and comprehensive comparison between roof blistering and hail damage, enabling homeowners to accurately identify the specific issues affecting their roofs. Differentiating between these two common problems is crucial for proper maintenance, insurance claims, and preventing further roof degradation.
Understanding Roof Blistering
Roof blistering is a phenomenon primarily associated with asphalt shingles, the most common type of roofing material. It manifests as small, raised bumps on the shingle surface.
Causes of Roof Blistering
- Moisture Entrapment During Manufacturing: Moisture can become trapped within the layers of the shingle during the manufacturing process. Sunlight heats the shingle, causing the moisture to vaporize and expand, leading to blistering.
- Improper Ventilation: Poor roof ventilation can lead to excessive heat buildup, exacerbating moisture issues and promoting blister formation.
- Low-Quality Shingles: Inferior shingles are more susceptible to blistering due to inconsistent material composition and poor manufacturing techniques.
- Moisture Exposure After Installation: Humidity, rain, or dew can be trapped under shingles during or immediately after installation.
Appearance of Roof Blisters
- Size and Shape: Blisters are typically round or oval and range in size from small pinheads to larger bubbles several inches in diameter.
- Surface Texture: The shingle surface over the blister is usually smooth and intact, at least initially.
- Internal Composition: When a blister breaks, it reveals the internal layers of the shingle. Usually, there is not significant shingle granule loss.
Understanding Hail Damage
Hail damage refers to physical damage caused by hailstones impacting the roof surface. The severity of the damage depends on the size and density of the hailstones, as well as the material of the roof.
Factors Affecting Hail Damage
- Hail Size: Larger hailstones cause more significant damage.
- Hail Density: Denser hailstones have more mass and inflict greater impact force.
- Roofing Material: Some materials, like asphalt shingles, are more susceptible to hail damage than others, like metal roofing.
- Angle of Impact: Direct impacts cause more damage than glancing blows.
- Age of Shingles: Older shingles tend to be more brittle and easily damaged.
Appearance of Hail Damage
- Impact Marks: Hail damage typically appears as randomly distributed dents or depressions on the shingle surface.
- Granule Loss: A significant characteristic of hail damage is granule loss around the impact area, exposing the asphalt layer underneath.
- Cracks or Tears: In severe cases, hail can crack or tear shingles.
- Location: Hail damage tends to occur randomly across the roof, rather than concentrated in specific areas.
Comparative Analysis: Roof Blistering vs. Hail Damage
To effectively differentiate between roof blistering vs hail damage, a side-by-side comparison is essential.
| Feature | Roof Blistering | Hail Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Moisture-related (internal or external) | Impact of hailstones |
| Appearance | Raised bumps, smooth surface initially | Dents, depressions, granule loss, cracks |
| Granule Loss | Minimal to none initially | Significant around impact areas |
| Distribution | May be clustered in certain areas | Randomly distributed across the roof |
| Impact Feel | Blisters feel soft to the touch | Hail damage feel like a dent or hard area |
Steps to Take When Identifying Potential Damage
- Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the roof surface for any signs of blisters or hail damage. Use binoculars for a preliminary overview from the ground.
- Close-Up Examination: If possible, safely access the roof and inspect any suspicious areas up close. Look for the specific characteristics described above, such as granule loss and impact marks.
- Check Other Structures: Inspect other exterior surfaces, like gutters, siding, and air conditioning units, for hail damage. Consistent damage across multiple surfaces suggests a hail event.
- Document Findings: Take clear photographs of any damage you find. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims.
- Professional Inspection: Consult with a qualified roofing contractor for a professional assessment. They can accurately identify the cause of the damage and recommend appropriate repairs.
Insurance Considerations
Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover hail damage but may have limitations or exclusions for blistering. It’s crucial to understand your policy’s terms and conditions and file a claim promptly if you suspect hail damage. A professional roofing inspection can help support your insurance claim. If the roof damage is due to blistering, it is less likely to be covered as it might be considered a manufacturing defect or a maintenance issue, not a covered peril.
FAQs: Roof Blistering vs. Hail Damage
Have questions about distinguishing between roof blistering and hail damage? Here are some common inquiries:
How can I tell if my roof damage is from blistering or hail?
Roof blistering presents as raised bumps, usually circular or oval, caused by moisture trapped within the shingle. Hail damage, on the other hand, typically appears as random indentations or bruising on the shingle surface, often removing granules and exposing the underlying asphalt. The pattern and shape of the damage are key to differentiating roof blistering vs hail damage.
Is roof blistering always a manufacturer defect?
While poor manufacturing can contribute to roof blistering, other factors like improper ventilation, excessive heat exposure, and age can also cause it. It’s not always a clear-cut manufacturer defect, and determining the exact cause can require a professional inspection. Proper ventilation is key to prevent roof blistering vs hail damage.
Does hail damage always result in immediate leaks?
Not necessarily. Hail damage can weaken shingles over time, making them more susceptible to leaks later. The severity of the damage and the shingle type play a role. It’s essential to have your roof inspected after a hailstorm to assess the extent of damage and prevent future problems. Unlike roof blistering vs hail damage, it is often immediate.
If I suspect my roof has either blistering or hail damage, what should I do?
Contact a qualified roofing contractor for a professional inspection. They can accurately identify the type of damage, assess its severity, and provide recommendations for repair or replacement. Don’t attempt to inspect your roof yourself without proper safety precautions and knowledge. This is the first step towards roof blistering vs hail damage.
So, the next time you’re up on a ladder (safely, of course!), remember these tips for spotting the difference between roof blistering vs hail damage. Hopefully, this helps you keep your roof in tip-top shape!