Roof bubbling on a commercial building might not sound like a big problem at first, but it’s often a warning sign of deeper issues. These bubbles, also called blisters, usually show up as raised pockets on the roof surface. If you notice these bumps spreading or getting worse, it likely means there’s air or moisture trapped underneath the roofing layers. And once water gets in, it tends to spread fast, quietly damaging the structure underneath.
Ignoring bubbling can lead to bigger problems down the line, including leaks, mold growth, and even damage to the building’s insulation or deck. Repairs can get more expensive the longer the issue sits. Spotting warning signs early and acting fast makes all the difference.
What Causes Bubbling on Commercial Roofs?
Most bubbles form because something interrupted the roofing system’s seal. This usually involves water or air finding its way in where it doesn’t belong. Here are the most common causes:
– Trapped Moisture: When moisture gets between the roofing layers, often after a bad patch job or poor seal, it can heat up under the sun and expand, forming raised blisters.
– Improper Installation: If the roofing materials aren’t applied evenly or if adhesives don’t cure properly during installation, pockets of air get trapped and turn into blisters over time.
– Temperature Extremes: Big temperature swings between hot days and cool nights cause roofing layers to expand and contract. That movement weakens the adhesion and can form bubbles.
– Poor Drainage: Flat commercial roofs can hold standing water after storms. The longer water stays in one spot, the higher the chance it will find a weak point and seep in—eventually causing bubbling.
– Roof Age: Over the years, roofs naturally wear down. Adhesives dry out and seams may loosen, especially on older roofing systems. That wear makes them more likely to bubble from everyday weather conditions.
Understanding what causes bubbling makes it easier to stay ahead of it. Keeping up with regular inspections, especially after major weather changes, helps protect your building’s roof from further damage.
Signs Your Commercial Roof is Bubbling
Blistering isn’t always obvious, especially from the ground. That’s why knowing what to look for can make a big difference. Be on the lookout for:
– Raised spots or ridges where the surface used to be flat
– Wrinkled or warped areas in the roofing membrane
– Soft patches that feel spongy under light pressure
– Discolored or darker areas indicating trapped moisture
– Seams that are lifting or not sealed properly
Use caution when checking for these signs. Avoid walking directly on bubbled areas since that could make the problem worse. Inspect from a safe location, like a ladder or through binoculars, and look for patterns. One or two small bubbles might be manageable, but widespread blistering could point to a much bigger issue.
Sometimes signs don’t appear until it’s too late. For example, a warehouse owner once spotted water dripping inside after a heatwave and storm combo. The inspection revealed large roof bubbles that split open and let water in. What seemed like a small inconvenience ended with moisture soaking into the structure below. Spotting those trouble areas early can help avoid expensive repairs later.
Potential Risks of Ignoring Bubbling
You may be tempted to put off addressing bubbling, especially if it’s not causing any visible damage yet. But leaving it unchecked only increases the chance of serious problems.
The top concern is leaking. Bubbles make the roofing membrane more fragile. Once water enters, it can damage insulation, the roof deck, or even interior walls and ceilings. With prolonged exposure, mold can form and affect both the structure and the health of anyone inside the building.
There’s also the risk to energy efficiency. If the roof insulation gets wet or compromised, your HVAC unit has to work harder to heat or cool the space. That strain shows up in your energy bills.
Ignoring bubbling can also impact daily operations. Businesses have faced costly disruptions because water was leaking onto inventory or essential equipment. One local business experienced a total loss in one corner of the warehouse due to a split blister they didn’t know existed. Addressing these issues upfront is always more affordable than dealing with full-scale water damage and operational setbacks.
Solutions and Prevention
The good news is that bubbling can be addressed—with the right approach. Here are some effective ways to handle it and reduce your chances of dealing with it again in the future:
– Professional Repairs: If you notice bubbling, call in an experienced commercial roofer. They can check the severity of the issue and fix it properly to avoid future damage.
– Moisture Control: Make sure your drainage system is doing its job. This includes having clear gutters and functioning downspouts that move water away from the roof surface.
– Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine roof inspections at least twice a year. These help spot issues before they become bigger problems and also extend the roof’s lifespan.
– Use Quality Materials: When replacing or repairing a roof, make sure you’re using materials that hold up well against extreme temperatures and moisture. Experienced contractors will know which materials work best for your specific building and climate.
Being proactive keeps small problems from growing. It also helps make sure your commercial building stays protected year-round.
Protect Your Roof With Routine Attention
Maintaining a commercial roof means keeping a close eye on changes. Roof bubbling might seem like a surface-level issue, but it’s a sign something is wrong underneath. Whether it’s trapped moisture or damage from improper installation, these concerns can sneak up fast and end up costing more than you expect.
Staying on top of visual inspections and addressing odd changes in color, texture, or shape can help catch issues before they become widespread. If bubbling shows up, the best step is to call trusted roofing contractors who know how to handle it safely.
Treating bubbling quickly protects you from larger, more expensive headaches. Building owners who make regular maintenance a priority often save themselves from avoidable damage and costly repairs down the road.
All American Roof Pros is here to help keep your commercial property secure and in good shape. Let our team handle the upkeep while you focus on running your business.
If bubbling or other issues are starting to compromise your commercial roof, it’s a smart move to consult trusted commercial roofing contractors who can pinpoint the problem and take care of it before it spreads. At All American Roof Pros, we’re here to protect your property with lasting solutions that keep your roof solid and secure year-round.