Repairing Guides

how to repair foam roof blisters

by Ms. Lelah Bruen Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Foam Roof Large Repair Procedure:

  1. Cut out and remove all wet and damaged foam roof areas. Remove the old wet foam down to good dry foam. Insure the...
  2. Using a grinding wheel, appropriate saw, or razor knife, taper the cut edge at a 45
  3. angle away from the blister for...
  4. Patch any problem areas you may find in the underlying deck.

Part of a video titled Blister Repair - YouTube
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Use a utility knife to cut an x pattern into the blister creating flaps that can be folded backMoreUse a utility knife to cut an x pattern into the blister creating flaps that can be folded back slightly. With the flaps folded back ensure the sub layer of roofing is clean and dry.

Full Answer

How do you fix a blister on a roof?

There are a few ways a contractor will repair a blister: Membrane roof – Cut away the membrane that has lost adhesion, replace any wet insulation with like material, and replace the membrane with overlapping edges at least 6 inches wide.

What causes blisters on roofing plywood?

Moisture collects at the interface between roof ply, or the coating film and the ply, eventually causing a loss of adhesion and a blister. Osmotic blisters are not likely in areas where drainage is good. Moisture can come from below the roof and through the ply system to cause blisters.

Do you have roof blisters on your commercial flat roof?

With weather changes, roof blisters may pop up on your commercial flat roof. While roof blisters may not need immediate attention, if left unmonitored, they could lead to saturated insulation and a damaged membrane. Roof blisters are not limited to one type of roof system; they appear in all types of roofing systems – residential and commercial.

What causes moisture trapped in spray down foam?

Moisture trapped in spray-down foam due to deterioration or loss of protective coating. What to watch for Roof coating blisters in ponding water areas are due to moisture permeation from above. Roof coating blisters in areas of adequate drainage are usually coming from below. Consider venting.

What causes blisters on roof ply?

Why do roofs blister?

What does it mean when a roof has a blister?

Where do blisters occur on a roof?

Why do you need to apply a second coat of paint?

Can a roof be flash dried?

Can a ply membrane cause blisters?

See more

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How do you fix a bubble in a foam roof?

If you can get the area clean between the foam and the old roof, spray a thin coat of foam and re-adhere the foam, or cut out the uplifting foam and respray the area, then apply an acrylic coating. Moisture trapped while foam is being applied can cause high spots, or “blisters” in the foam.

Can you patch a foam roof?

A small crack-like repair is simple. You cut around that spot out in order to get a good, clean, dry surface. Then you fill the area with a sealant. If it's a silicone coated roof system, use silicone.

How do you repair a flat foam roof?

Repair the Damage Using the Max X foam gun, simply reapply the foam in the damaged area until the top of the new foam is flush with the surface of the old. That's it. The foam will harden and cure over the next few hours and it'll appear good as new.

What causes blistering in built up roofing?

In built-up roofs blisters are raised surface areas over voids in a roof system which contain entrapped air and/or moisture. As the roof surface temperature rises, the pressure inside the blisters rises and the adhesion of asphalt weakens.

How often do you need to recoat a foam roof?

every 5-10 yearsFoam roofs should be recoated every 5-10 years, depending on the quantity and quality of coating previously installed. Common foam roof problems include: Weather damage. Bird droppings & pecking.

What is the life expectancy of a foam roof?

Spray foam roofs can last upwards of 50 years, although more recent estimates with current materials are closer to 25 years. The formulas involved in spray foam roofing have changed over the last 4-5 years, and as such the lifespan of the product has changed.

What is the best coating for a foam roof?

Polyurethane roof coatings are the most impact-resistant of all the coating options, so if you expect your roof to have a higher than average amount of traffic, polyurethane may be your best bet.

How do you maintain a foam roof?

Regular clean-up and upkeep of your foam roof As with any roof type, regular cleaning is imperative to ensure that it can last for as long as possible. The same principle is true for your foam roofing system. Thoroughly examine all signs of roof damage at least once every year, especially after any storm or heavy rain.

How do you repair spray foam insulation?

1:586:01DIY Spray Foam Insulation (plus two more insulation tips!!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do is press on that tube until the spray foam insulation comes out again youMoreSo what you want to do is press on that tube until the spray foam insulation comes out again you only want to fill to the point whereby it's about half the void is half filled.

What do blisters and bubbles on a built up roof usually indicate?

What Is Roof Blistering? Blisters appear when there is trapped moisture or air beneath the layers of roofing or within the shingles themselves. As the temperature outdoors continues to rise, the pressure in these patches forces the air or moisture to expand.

What does roof blistering look like?

Blisters look like pockmarks and are characterized by a loss of asphalt, sometimes to the extent that you can see the mat, as in this photo. The mat is visible in these close-ups. You don't need to identify the cause of blistering.

Will bubbles in rubber roof go away?

Will bubbles in the rubber roof go away? No. The bubbles in the rubber roof will not go away. They may shrink, but the constant heating and cooling of the roof will cause more problems the longer the bubble remains in the roof and is not repaired.

How good are foam roofs?

Well, it's mainly because there are many benefits to foam roofing: foam roofs are incredibly durable, dependable, and relatively affordable to install, maintain, and repair. Foam roofs compare positively to other residential and commercial roofing choices, and it's the superior flat roofing option.

What is elastomeric roof coating?

An elastomeric roof coating is a liquid-applied coating (typically made from either silicone or acrylic) that cures into a durable, highly elastic membrane when it dries. The elastic quality makes it easy to apply to most roof surfaces and highly adaptable to a wide range of weather conditions.

What is elastic cement?

Elastic cement is an elastomeric compound that can be used as a seal at the intersection of the different elements of your roof system and it will keep the water out. It is designed to be especially flexible so it will absorb the movement of your building, and it is also used as patching for repairs.

Blisters: To Repair or Not to Repair | Roofing Contractor

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Why Doesnt A Hole In A Spray Foam Roof Cause A Leak

Radical Roof Repair (using only spray foam). We thought it wouldn’t work!

Repairing Foam Roofs After Hailstorms

When inclement weather strikes the most important concern is for safety of life. However, the concern for property is always on the top of the list as well. In Scottsdale Arizona most of the bad weather that strikes the state is in the form of lightning, wind, hail, and sandstorm damage.

Spray Foam Cannot Be Installed Over A Roof That Already Has Two Or More Roofing Systems

Per building codes, the maximum number of roofing systems that a commercial roof can have is two.

About Causes Of Roofing Blisters

Blisters on flat roofing occur on any type of flat roof system materials , whether it is a membrane roof or a built-up one. Youll need guidance on how to fix blisters on flat roofing and methods for preventing roof blistering to deal with a blister area early.

Possible Overspray During Installation

Anytime you work with a spray substance there is the chance of overspray, and if there is any breeze or wind, spray foam roofing has the tendency to be carried away further. This can affect vehicles parked nearby as well as the neighboring buildings. There isnt any health risk, but cosmetic damage is possible.

Is Your Existing Roof Ready For Spray Foam

In this article, you learned that any existing roof could have a spray foam roofing system installed on top, as long as:

Repairing A Foam Roof

When a foam roof gets minor mechanically induced damage from equipment or personnel, repairing the roof can be done with a caulking gun. Larger penetrations into the roof can be temporarily sealed with caulking as well, but it is recommended that the contractor should permanently seal the area with a new layer of foam and coating.

What causes blisters on roof ply?

ponding water). Moisture collects at the interface between roof ply, or the coating film and the ply, eventually causing a loss of adhesion and a blister.

Why do roofs blister?

Roofs over cathedral ceilings often blister because they are likely poorly vented and collect moisture from the interior.

What does it mean when a roof has a blister?

Blisters originating at the coating/substrate interface, indicating moisture coming up from below: Moisture trapped in roofing plys, insulation, or wood decking due to past or current roof leaks.

Where do blisters occur on a roof?

Blisters may occur below or between ply sheets in a built-up roof system, at the roof coating interface with the roof surface, or between coating layers when multiple coats have been applied to the roof. It is important to recognize the difference before proceeding. Blisters may be filled with water or air.

Why do you need to apply a second coat of paint?

Applying a second coat before the first coat is dry. Poor coating adhesion, either due to coating over a dirty/chalky surface (lack of proper cleaning) or not fully rinsing away cleaning agents such as TSP, causing areas of chemical interference.

Can a roof be flash dried?

Coating roofs in extremely hot weather results in flash drying. The coating may separate from the substrate even before it dries but not be visible as a blister immediately. By examining the underside of a coating blister, look for numerous tiny tendrils indicating the film pulled away from the surface at application.

Can a ply membrane cause blisters?

Osmotic blisters are not likely in areas where drainage is good. Moisture can come from below the roof and through the ply system to cause blisters. Some roofing experts maintain it is impossible to build an absolutely moisture tight BUR membrane. The nature of the process always creates tiny voids.

Why does my polyurethane roof blister?

Polyurethane Foam roofing can sometimes develop blisters, the most common cause of which is due to the presence of moisture. The majority of blisters do not pose a threat to the integrity of the foam roofing system. Unnecessary repair attempts can result in leaks and premature roof problems.

What to use to protect foam roof?

5. Coat the top of the foam with the appropriate coating to protect it from future damage: We recommend using High Solid Silicone or our more cost effective high quality Acrylic elastomeric. It may be a good idea to coat your entire foam roof with this material at this time if you would like to protect the rest of the system from ultra-violet damage in the future.

What is the UV rating of white roof coating?

White reflective coatings can be used over all types of roof surfaces. UV reflectivities of the White coatings are Energy-Star rated at approximately 85%.

Can you repair foam roofs?

When a foam roof gets minor mechanically induced damage from equipment or personnel, repairing the roof can be done with a caulking gun. Larger penetrations into the roof can be temporarily sealed with caulking as well, but it is recommended that the contractor should permanently seal the area with a new layer of foam and coating. Polyurethane Foam roofing can sometimes develop blisters, the most common cause of which is due to the presence of moisture. The majority of blisters do not pose a threat to the integrity of the foam roofing system. Unnecessary repair attempts can result in leaks and premature roof problems. If repairs are warranted, it should be left to the roofing contractor to properly repair them. However, when waiting is not an option, there are emergency foam repair kits available that can do the job nicely when used correctly.

Is foam roofing easier to maintain?

Foam Roofing systems are considerably easier to maintain and repair than other roofing systems . While Built-Up roofs and single-plys must be removed and replaced after their usable lives; repairing and recoating an SPF roof enables it to last indefinitely.

When to use primer?

When in doubt test a small inconspicuous area. Otherwise use Primer when surfaces to be bonded are dirty (or oxidized and cannot be cleaned well). Primer prepares the surface into an adherent platform for seam tape or coatings to adhere to.

What to do if you have blisters on your roof?

Blisters that occur in areas of high traffic. If your blister needs to be repaired, it’s best to hire a contractor to perform the repair properly. If your roof is still under warranty, call the contractor that installed your roof to see what they can do to help you.

How to prevent blisters on commercial roof?

The number one rule for preventing commercial roof blisters is to use dry materials in dry settings. If your contractor says they need more time for the right weather or for your facility roof to dry out after bad weather, make sure they get that time. Here are some tips to be sure your roof and materials stay dry:

What is a Roof Blister?

A roof blister is a raised area where there is a loss of adhesion of the roof. This area can fill up with air or water to form a blister – which looks like a bubble on your roof. 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!

What to do if blisters are under warranty?

If your roof is still under warranty, call the contractor that installed your roof to see what they can do to help you.

How to make sure your roof is dry?

Here are some tips to be sure your roof and materials stay dry: Seal any substrate materials. Store roofing materials inside or well-sealed with tarps. Verify the substrate is dry after harsh weather or cleaning before the new roof is installed.

What happens if a roof membrane is damaged?

If the membrane is damaged, your contractor will need to replace the entire damaged area. Investing in a commercial roofing project can be a daunting task. But by being prepared and asking the right questions, you can find the right contractor to deliver high-quality work for a good price.

Why does my blister grow?

When air or water is trapped in a blister, the weather can cause the blister to grow on a daily basis. Warm weather will cause the water or air to expand during the day then cool temperature will cause the trapped water or air to contract at night.

What are Roof Blisters?

A roof blister is a pocket of air trapped between the plies of a built-up or modified bitumen roof membrane. In asphalt shingles, blisters usually contain asphalt volatile gas formed by overheating the asphalt in the shingle.

What happens when you blister a roof?

By stretching the surface of the roofing material, they lead to the loss of a roof’s protective granules or gravel surfacing at the blister location, which results in accelerated UV damage to the membrane or shingle. They cause protective roof coatings to crack, delaminate, and fall off.

Why do shingles have a mat?

Imbalances in the asphalt mix allowed gasses to form within the shingles even under normal temperatures in properly ventilated roofs. Damp reinforcement mats could trap moisture within the shingle and the moisture would expand in the heat once the shingles were installed on the roof.

What is modified bitumen roof?

Some modified bitumen roof systems are installed in a layer of hot liquid asphalt. The asphalt is heated on-site in a kettle and applied to the roof with mops just like in built-up roofing. This is a common installation technique, it’s quick and cheap, and we don’t like it precisely because of how often we see widespread blistering develop in these roofs.

Why does my roof overheat?

Poor ventilation below the roof causes the roof deck to overheat, which prevents the shingles from releasing the heat they absorb from the sun. Once the asphalt in the shingles reaches a critical temperature, the asphalt begins to release small amounts of gas. These gasses are trapped within the shingle, forming the blister.

Can blisters in asphalt shingles cause a leak?

Although they are very unlikely to cause roof leaks, blisters in asphalt shingles are unsightly and will likely shorten the overall life of the roof.

Can blisters be repaired on modified bitumen roof?

If the blisters in a modified bitumen roof do not cross the laps between the rolls (see the picture at the top of the page), manufacturers will say that the blisters are not an issue, that they do not compromise the integrity of the roof, and will not normally repair them under their warranty.

What causes blisters on roof ply?

ponding water). Moisture collects at the interface between roof ply, or the coating film and the ply, eventually causing a loss of adhesion and a blister.

Why do roofs blister?

Roofs over cathedral ceilings often blister because they are likely poorly vented and collect moisture from the interior.

What does it mean when a roof has a blister?

Blisters originating at the coating/substrate interface, indicating moisture coming up from below: Moisture trapped in roofing plys, insulation, or wood decking due to past or current roof leaks.

Where do blisters occur on a roof?

Blisters may occur below or between ply sheets in a built-up roof system, at the roof coating interface with the roof surface, or between coating layers when multiple coats have been applied to the roof. It is important to recognize the difference before proceeding. Blisters may be filled with water or air.

Why do you need to apply a second coat of paint?

Applying a second coat before the first coat is dry. Poor coating adhesion, either due to coating over a dirty/chalky surface (lack of proper cleaning) or not fully rinsing away cleaning agents such as TSP, causing areas of chemical interference.

Can a roof be flash dried?

Coating roofs in extremely hot weather results in flash drying. The coating may separate from the substrate even before it dries but not be visible as a blister immediately. By examining the underside of a coating blister, look for numerous tiny tendrils indicating the film pulled away from the surface at application.

Can a ply membrane cause blisters?

Osmotic blisters are not likely in areas where drainage is good. Moisture can come from below the roof and through the ply system to cause blisters. Some roofing experts maintain it is impossible to build an absolutely moisture tight BUR membrane. The nature of the process always creates tiny voids.

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