Blistering is a problem that is common among commercial roofing systems, especially those with a membrane-type composition. It is a phenomenon in which bubbles form underneath the roof’s membrane, which can sometimes result in cracks along the length of the blister. Like any problem, learning about its root cause is the first step toward preventing them or dealing properly with them when they arise.
As one of the top roofing companies near you, Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors discusses how to approach blisters on your commercial roof. We’re here to help you understand what causes them and how they can be taken care of.
What Causes Blistering?
Blisters form when there are pockets of air or moisture trapped between layers of a roof’s membrane or between the sheet and the roof deck. Direct heat from the sun causes these pockets to expand, further stretching the membranes, which will eventually crack when the pressure becomes too great. Even if the roof membrane doesn’t crack right away, the stretch remains permanent, allowing for even more air or moisture to infiltrate the membrane layers. As such, each time the sun heats your roof, there is the potential for the blisters to grow a little larger, and the risk of cracking increases.
Other factors that can contribute to blistering include improper installation of the roof, inadequate insulation, and poor ventilation. These issues can lead to an increase in heat build-up on the roof, making it more susceptible to blistering.
How to Fix Blistering
Many roofing contractors believe that unless blisters are showing signs of more severe damage, they’re best left alone for the time being. However, there are certain circumstances in which repairs are necessary, such as the following:
-
The surfacing is starting to come off of the blistered area.
-
The membrane has cracked.
-
The blister is near enough to the seam that it may cause the seam to open up.
There are different ways to fix a blister on your commercial roof, but whether to repair or re-cover the affected areas is largely a judgment call of the roofing professionals. The size, nature and the frequency of blisters will also have a bearing on their decision as it can impact the service life of the roof system. Regardless, you can count on Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors to do what is best for your roof given the circumstances.
If the blister is small and isolated, we may opt for a repair instead of a full replacement. Our experienced technicians will carefully cut out the affected area and replace it with new roofing material. This method can be cost-effective and extend the life of your roof if caught early enough.
However, if the blisters are larger in size or cover a significant portion of the roof, it may be necessary to replace the entire affected section. This will ensure that the integrity of your roof is not compromised and prevent any potential leaks or damage in the future.
In addition to roofing, we are also one of the leading siding installation companies, providing top-of-the-line solutions to both residential and commercial properties. Get in touch with us today for a FREE estimate by filling out our contact form.
