What’s the Difference Between Hail Damage and Blistering?

The first step before any actual roof repair is to assess the damage and diagnose the source of the problem. Most of the time, this is an easy task for any competent roofing contractor. However, in some cases, it gets much more difficult to discern the real problem. And when your contractor does the wrong kind of repairs on your property, it will cost you more time and money than you’re prepared for. Perhaps the most common misunderstanding of roofing damages is the difference between blistering and hail damage. While the damage they leave behind may seem very similar to the untrained eye, there are certain ways to distinguish blistering shingles and hail damage on your residential roof. 

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Hail will leave behind easily identifiable markers. One is the damage it leaves behind on your gutters. Indentions and dents on your gutters and downspouts will spell trouble for your roof as well. Clogged gutters could also indicate hail damage; as the granules and asphalt that are shed from the hail storm will easily obstruct your gutters. 

However, what really sets hail damage apart from blistering is the marks it leaves behind on your shingles. Look closely at the holes left behind on your property. When it is indeed hail damage, these dark circular holes should leave indentions. Blistering on the other hand will leave behind something slightly different damages compared to hail or wind damage. 

What Does Shingle Blistering Look Like?

For blistering to occur, there need to be two factors present: First, the shingles on the roof need to be poorly ventilated, and as a result, are extremely overheated. Second, there needs to be an abundance of moisture or air trapped underneath the shingles. When these two factors meet, the asphalt on the shingles bubble and these bubbles burst outwards. This is the end result, this is blistering. 

This is exactly what sets blistering apart from other types of storm damage. Hail damage will leave indentations on your roof, while shingle roof blistering will result in outdents. The damage repair and roof maintenance for these are to be treated differently, so it’s important to properly detect the difference between the two. 

How Bad Is The Damage?

Once you’ve determined how whether or not you have hail damage or blistering, next you’ll want to determine how bad the damage is. In some cases, simple repairs will be enough to get the job done. However, hail damage and blistering are indicators of a larger problem: the roof itself. Depending on how you’re roof was initially installed, it is more susceptible to property damage. 

When you’re curious whether or not you require a roof replacement or simple repairs, give the team at Van Martin a call. We’ll be able to provide you with an answer and a plan to get your roof back on track. 

The Next Step: Finding a Reliable Contractor

Treating blistering as typical storm damage repair won’t deal with the source of the problem effectively. Your roof will continue to overheat and bubble, and you’ll continue to have damaged shingles. When you’ve found signs of blistering on your home, you need to find a reliable roofing company near you to quickly resolve the problem. 

Preferably, you’ll want to find a contractor that offers comprehensive roof inspections. That way they’ll be able to at least diagnose the problem with no expenses paid forward yet. Many roofing companies in the Dayton, Ohio area do indeed offer inspections, but also lack the quality and craftsmanship to properly repair and maintain your roof. 

Why Choose Van Martin?

Contact Van Martin today and experience the difference in service and workmanship for yourself. We offer generous warranties, and estimates on all home improvement and roofing projects, and stay in contact with you before and after the job. We work on all residential, commercial, and industrial properties. 

We at Van Martin care about the communities where we provide service. This is why we’re happy to announce our On The House program. This program gives one homeowner once per quarter an entirely free roof replacement. When you need a new roof but can’t afford it, apply for our On The House program today and tell us your story!

Unsure whether or not we provide service at your location? Van Martin proudly serves the Greater Dayton Area, Northern Cincinnati, and all of Southwestern Ohio. Whether it’s a shingle roof repair or a full roof replacement, Van Martin will tackle any job. Call us today, or schedule a roof evaluation online!