The only thing in common between hail and blistering is that they both will affect your roof’s lifespan and performance.
Knowing how to differentiate between hail damage and blistering can save you from costly repairs.
Why? Hail damage is often covered by homeowners insurance, while blistering typically isn’t. Incorrectly identifying the damage could lead to denied claims and significant out-of-pocket expenses.
While hail damage and blistering may look similar at first glance, they are very different problems with unique causes and consequences.
Let’s see what sets them apart, how to identify each, and how to address them before they worsen.
First, let’s take a closer look at the two phenomena scientifically.
Hail damage occurs when frozen rainstones—ranging in size from small pebbles to large golf balls—forcefully pelt your roof.
This type of impact causes dents, fractures, and splits in roofing materials, typically asphalt shingles, though it can also affect other materials like metal or tile.
The damage is mainly seen on the surface, where hailstones strike and break the shingle’s protective granules. When hit hard enough, hailstones can penetrate the shingle layers, compromising the roof’s integrity.
On the other hand, blistering is caused by trapped moisture or air beneath the roofing material, often due to poor ventilation, poor installation, or an old roof.
Over time, this moisture or air pocket expands and creates a bulge or “blister” on the surface of your shingles. Unlike hail damage, blistering doesn’t result from an external force—it’s more about internal pressure building up beneath the material.
Hail damage is often easy to spot, but sometimes it can be subtle. The most common signs are:
Blistering doesn’t happen overnight; its signs are typically much more gradual. To identify blistering, here’s what to look for:
The key difference between hail damage and blistering is the type of threat they pose.
Hail damage often results in immediate and visible damage that requires prompt attention because the broken shingles might even lead to further damage in a storm, as the roof is no longer fully watertight.
Blistering, while not immediately as destructive, represents a slow, insidious type of damage. The moisture or air trapped behind the shingles makes them wear out prematurely.
For hail damage, the solution is typically to replace the damaged shingles. Depending on the extent of the damage, this might involve replacing just a few shingles or undertaking a more comprehensive repair job.
For blistering, the solution is not as simple as replacing a few shingles. Blistering often points to an underlying issue, such as poor ventilation, improper installation, or age. If the blistering is extensive, you may need to replace the affected shingles.
However, before doing so, it’s critical to address the root cause of the issue—improving ventilation, replacing the underlayment, or fixing the roofing system. Simply replacing blistered shingles without addressing the root problem is a recipe for recurrence.
Hail damage is typically a quick result of a weather event and requires fast action to prevent leaks. At the same time, blistering is a slow burn resulting from internal issues and requires careful attention to the roofing system.
If you are unsure whether your roof has been affected by hail or blistering, it’s best to contact BVJ Roofing to diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the best action.
Whether it’s hail damage or blistering, we have the expertise to fix it right the first time. Don’t wait for minor problems to become big headaches—check your roof today.
