Blistering and alligatoring, DIY vs Qualified Roofer in Vancouver

What’s The Difference Between Blistering and Alligatoring?

by Roof RepairRoof Systems

Updated Aug 15, 2022
Originally Published August 15, 2020

What’s The Difference Between Blistering and Alligatoring?

Blistering and alligatoring are two common problems with most membrane roofing systems. Alligatoring is a cracking pattern in the roof’s surfacing that looks a lot like alligator skin.
That’s the reason we them alligatoring. Blistering is a slightly different phenomenon in which bubbles form underneath the roof’s membrane.
Blistering sometimes results in cracks or pops, but unlike alligatoring, the damage caused by blisters usually follows the length of the blister rather than forming a pattern.

Commercial roofs, in particular, require different repair and maintenance routines than residential roofs.
For starters, most commercial roofs are usually flat and this means they react much differently to sun, rain, ice, and snow which means alligatoring and blistering are much more common. Commercial roofs often require more frequent maintenance to ensure there isn’t any damage and if there is wear and tear, it is taken care of before it can spread.

What Causes Alligatoring?

Alligatoring is a sign that your roof is aging. Prolonged exposure to the elements damage the roof’s surface, and after about five years, the coating may develop small cracks. If left untended, the problem will get worse and spread across your roof.
Fluctuation in temperatures, ice, snow and sunlight shifts will cause new cracks to appear while widening the existing cracks.
Because these problems are common among some membrane roofing systems, you should make sure to get a roofing contractor to inspect your roof at least twice per year.

Is it possible to Fix Alligatoring?

Roof alligatoring is a sign that your roof is aging but it is possible to prevent alligatoring, and to repair small patches before they get so bad that you have to replace your roof entirely. First, a roofing contractor will need to apply a new coating to the roof. He will start by cleaning the roof thoroughly, making sure that all dust and loose particles are removed. After that, the contractor will apply a primer that is compatible with the roof’s original surface, and once dry, apply the coating itself. Embed strips of fiberglass mesh in the coating as you apply it to help increase its strength.

What Causes Blistering?

Blisters form when there are pockets of air or moisture trapped between layers of your roof’s membrane.
If left untreated, a blister can grow larger and allow more moisture to get in so that the problem gets worse until more extensive repairs and possible replacement is necessary…unless it pops! The origins of blistering are several. Among them, we count poor ventilation, trapped moisture or UV light.
As these pockets expand and stretch the membrane they form bubbles. In severe cases, the membrane will actually crack when the pressure becomes too great. Once blistering forms, the membrane stretches permanently, which allows for even more air or moisture to infiltrate the membrane layers.
This causes even more expansion. Each time the sun heats your roof, there is the potential for the blisters to grow a little larger.

How to Fix Blistering?

In general, blisters keep air in will keeping water, preventing serious water damage. This usually means unless the blisters have certain characteristics, it may be preferable to leave them undisturbed. Some of the blisters may pop, but most of them may not.
The question is, should we repair all of the blisters or only the blisters that have exposed?  There are certain circumstances in which you should repair the blister:

  • The paint or surface is coming off of the blistered area.
  • The membrane itself has cracked.
  • The blister is close to a seam and may cause the seam to open up.

To repair a blister

To repair a blister, cut away the membrane until you reach an area where the membrane still adheres to the roof tightly. You’ll then need to reapply new membrane material at least as many layers as you removed over the blistered area.
Make sure that the new membrane extends at least six inches around the edges of the blister to ensure that your patch remains leak-proof despite the expansion and contraction caused by temperature shifts. Alternatively, on a bitumen roof, our roofing contractor may be able to cut an “X” into the blister and then peel back the loose membrane layers. He will then fill the void underneath the membrane with bitumen and then press the membrane back into place. Keep in mind that this type of repair is only advisable if the membrane is otherwise undamaged and the blistering isn’t too great.

Prevention of Alligatoring and Blistering

It is possible to prevent roof alligatoring and blistering by scheduling regular inspections and keeping up on maintenance.
Regular inspections will help ensure you’re able to tackle any blistering or alligatoring problems before they become bigger problems.
Our roofing contractors can apply a protectant or reflective roof coating on a consistent schedule to prevent alligatoring and other damage from happening. While prevention represent an additional cost, it will save you money in the long run: Alligatoring and blistering are expensive to fix.
As noted, flat commercial roofs require a bit more upkeep than sloped, residential roofs, and it’s important to have them inspected at least twice a year if you want to extend the life of your roof.

Repair

If you’ve noticed small splits and cracks in your roof, it’s best to call a roofing inspector. They will likely tell you if the problem is worth fixing or if it can be left to be fixed at a later date. At Cambie Roofing, we give you a realistic picture of what needs to be done to your roof.
Some small hairline cracks can be filled by applying an appropriately rated energy sealing polyurethane, but in general, it’s best to just get rid of those troublesome sections as they appear.
Most roofs come with warranties lasting on average between 10 to 20 years and so if your roof is starting to show signs of damage, it may be covered under warranty. Property owners and homeowners looking for roof replacement or roof repairs can call Cambie Roofing for a free roof estimate.

Why Do Asphalt Shingles Cup and Curl?

Why Do Asphalt Shingles Cup and Curl?

by Roof Systems

Have you ever wondered why asphalt shingles cup and curl? There are plenty of reasons besides weather conditions that compromise your roof.
Asphalt shingles offer a multitude of advantages over other roofing materials. Besides their cost-effective quality, they’re also versatile enough to cover different angles, forms, and shapes.
Asphalt roofing is energy efficient and can withstand fire and high winds. But like all other roofing materials, it has its share of weaknesses. 
You’ve come across several houses in your neighborhood with asphalt roofs, and the one thing you notice right away is the cupping and curling shingles. Have you ever wonder why?

Why do Asphalt Shingles Cup and Curl?

Since it’s a relatively common sight, you may think that it’s no big deal. On the contrary, cupping and curling shingles are telltale signs that something is wrong with the roof. 
Cupping occurs when the shingle’s center portion is curved in or concave, forming a bowl-shaped appearance. On the other hand, curling happens when the shingle’s edges elevate or turn up while the center remains flat.
Most homeowners don’t pay attention when or why their asphalt shingles cup and curlo until it’s too obvious. Usually, they believe that it’s purely an aesthetic issue.
But get this: there are reasons why asphalt shingles cup and curl compromising their usual shape, and it’s a problem requiring an immediate inspection; the lack of attention may eventually force you to re-roof. 
It’s your job as a property owner to learn of the possible causes behind the cupping and curling of shingles so that you’ll prevent them from happening in the first place.
You’re in no condition to fix the problem unless you’re a professional roofer. The best option is to call a licensed roofing company as soon as possible. 

1 – Severe Weather

Some reasons are beyond your control, including harsh weather conditions. If your roof is less than five years old, there’s no reason for the shingles to start showing signs of deterioration other than extreme weather.
Contributory factors include hailstorms and constantly changing temperatures. Hail usually damages a few tiles, which you can replace individually. But extreme heat does more profound damage to asphalt shingles. 

2 – Age

Like harsh weather, you don’t have control over the age factor. No matter how much you take great care of your asphalt roof, it’ll never last forever. So, expect the shingles to start cupping and curling when the roof is at the end of its life.
Some homeowners try to delay the inevitable by replacing individual shingles, but they’ll have no other choice down the road but to replace the whole structure. 

3 – Insufficient Roof Ventilation

Extreme heat impacts the asphalt shingles on two fronts: above and below. The lack of proper ventilation underneath the roof traps the heat from the sun.
When there aren’t enough vents in the attic, heat doesn’t find a way to get out and the lack of airflow makes matters worst. As a result, the asphalt material gives in to the heat, causing the shingles to deteriorate. This problem is remedied by improving attic insulation. 

4 – Inadequate Binders 

Supposed you’ve installed your asphalt shingles less than five years ago, haven’t been exposed to harsh weather, and you have proper roof ventilation. Yet you notice some of them curling and cupping; the likeliest culprit is a manufacturing defect.
This is where you’ll feel the impact of choosing a cheap and low-quality roofing material. If there’s not enough asphalt binder on the shingles, the underlying layer doesn’t have sufficient protection against heat damage.
When the thin binder washes off, the shingles give in to the extreme heat and start to curl up. 

5 – Handling and Storage Issues

In terms of production and storage of asphalt shingles, what do you porducers prioritise? Quantity over quality, or viceversa? Yes, you have guessed. Here, due to the high demand for the material, producers prioritize quantity over quality.
Although you can still get high-grade asphalt roofing, defects like cupping and curling may still surface early in the roof’s life. It’s because the shingles may have been improperly stored or mishandled before the installation.
There is no way to know when those shingles you bought were produced, and how much time they were exposed to the sun before they ended in your roof. Therefore, those shingles have a significant ‘wear and tear” in them even before you got them. 
There are special protocols to handle and store shingles to preserve tgeur physical integrity. If they’re left exposed to the rain and direct heat from the sun, they’ll saturate or get overheated.

What to Do When your Apshalt Shingles Cup and Curl

So, even if you haven’t done anything wrong, there’s always a chance thos asphalt shingles to cup and curl before your eyes.
You can always claim the installer’s workmanship guarantee if there’s proof of mishandling or poor storage as a last resort. But you’ll have to document everything from the beginning, including the name of the roofing contractor and the materials used.
If most of the shingles on your roof show signs of severe damage, you may no longer have a choice but to replace the entire structure. But don’t dwell on anguish – at least you’re now armed with the knowledge on why shingles cup and curl.
It’ll help you prepare for what can happen to your new roof and at least try to prevent the circumstances that lead to its premature decline. And by the way, please hire a licensed and reputable roofing contractor next time. 

home insulation

Home Insulation: Signs Your Home Is Under Insulated

by with No Comment Roof Repair

Most of us don’t think a lot about home insulation, but if your home isn’t properly insulated. It can lead to many different problems – much worse than just a cold home. Including increased energy costs, water damage, and mold growth. To protect your home from this type of damage it’s important to know the signs of an insulation problem. Here are some of the more common issues to look for that will keep your home properly insulated:

High Energy Bills

A homeowner’s energy bill is mostly spent on heating and cooling costs. In the winter, you heat your home, and in the summer, if you have an air conditioner, you cool it. That number goes up drastically when a home is poorly insulated as your utilities have to work overtime. Proper insulation can cut those costs by an average of 20%. You should keep an eye on how much you spend on energy each month and if it continues to climb then you may have a problem. You should be able to login online to view your history and see an average. Obviously, your bill will increase during winter months but you should be able to locate if there is an unusual spike.

Cold Walls, Floors, Ceilings and Rooms

The ceilings, walls and floors in your home should usually feel warm and dry. When drywall and panelling inside a home feels damp or cold, it is probably a sign that there is not enough insulation and should be fixed immediately. In addition, when touching an outside wall, it should feel cold because the insulation is keeping warm air inside your home.
Unfortunately, heat and cool air can escape almost anywhere that doesn’t have insulation to stop its path. Do you find that some rooms in your home are inexplicably colder or hotter than others no matter how you much you adjust the thermostat? If those rooms are well ventilated, then the problem is most likely bad insulation. Some of the worst culprits are rooms above the garage or attic spaces.

Chilly Drafts

Especially during the colder winter months, drafts in certain areas of a home are caused by cool air entering around window frames and doorways. By having extra layers insulation added to these areas, you and your family can avoid having to cope with chilly drafts. Using Spray foam is a good way to seal and insulate any cracks and crevices.

Mice & Insects Are Invading

There is nothing worse than finding your home invaded with mice and other rodents. Unfortunately, these rodents can enter through very small holes and crevices around doorways and windows. If you find rodents constantly getting into your home, it’s more than likely these openings are also how cold air enters and warm air escapes. They should be patched up not only to stop the rodents but to stop hot air from escaping.

Water Leaks in the Attic

Just as bad insulation lets heat escape from your home, it also tends to let water in. Water obviously has a much easier time finding its way into a poorly-insulated home than a well-insulated one. If you have a leak in the attic, your insulation may be part of the problem. Leaks and water damage are a sign that you should get your insulation inspected as soon as possible.  Water damage can cause many costly problems down the road, including mold issues, so get it fixed as soon as possible and don’t procrastinate.

Frozen Pipes

While most people think of poor insulation as just a minor inconvenience but it, in fact, can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. Frozen pipes in your walls are another indicator you have an insulation problem. Proper insulation protects your home from damage caused by freezing temperatures. Poorly insulated exterior walls can cause frozen pipes. Which can then burst, which can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Ice Dams On Your Roof

A sign of poor insulation in winter are ice dams. Which are built up patches of ice that can prevent natural melting or water from running off your roof.  Ice dams are a result of heat rising from a poorly insulated home. That melts the bottom layer of snow on your roof. The melted water then trickles down towards your gutters and once it hits the colder air may begin to freeze. This can cause chunks of ice and icicles to form on the perimeter of your roof. Not only does it wreak havoc with your gutters and roof, but it also becomes a safety hazard for anything or anybody below as the ice can fall on people passing by.

Get An Inspection

The easiest way to tell if your house is well insulated is to have an experienced inspector look at the floors, ceilings, and walls of your home. Many insulation installers have access to specialized equipment and some are happy to offer a free in-home inspection. If you are wondering if a home inspector is worth it, remember roughly a quarter of your home’s heat escapes out through the roof. And another 35 percent goes out the windows. It’s definitely worth checking insulation levels to put some of those savings back in your wallet. In addition, if you have an issue with your roof or you need it inspected, give us a call at Cambie Roofing and we’ll come out and give you a free estimate.