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Blistering Shingles in Memphis – Expert Diagnosis Stops Roof Failure Before It Spreads

Our certified roof inspectors identify the root cause of asphalt shingle blisters fast, then repair or replace damaged sections before moisture infiltration destroys your decking and costs you thousands more.

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Why Memphis Roofs Blister Faster Than Most

You walk outside and notice raised bumps across your roof. They look like bubbles trapped under the shingle surface. These are asphalt shingle blisters, and they are not cosmetic. Left unchecked, they rupture, expose the underlayment, and let water seep into your attic.

Memphis creates the perfect storm for roof blisters. The combination of brutal summer heat, high humidity, and temperature swings causes trapped moisture inside the shingle to expand and contract. When asphalt shingles absorb moisture during our humid spring mornings, then bake under 95-degree afternoons, the moisture turns to vapor and pushes upward. The result is bubbling roof shingles that compromise the granule layer and accelerate aging.

Most Memphis homes use three-tab or architectural asphalt shingles. Both are vulnerable to heat blisters on shingles when installed over damp decking or when ventilation fails. Poor attic airflow traps heat against the roof deck, cooking the shingles from below. This is common in older Memphis homes with blocked soffit vents or inadequate ridge ventilation.

Shingle bubbles also form when roofing crews install new shingles on hot days without letting materials acclimate. If the roof deck holds morning dew and the installer nails down shingles by 10 a.m., moisture gets sealed in. By noon, the sun heats the shingle, vapor pressure builds, and you get roof blisters within weeks.

The danger is not just aesthetic. Once a blister ruptures, the asphalt mat underneath is exposed to UV and rain. The shingle loses its waterproofing ability. Water infiltrates the decking, rots the wood, and spreads to the insulation and ceiling below. What starts as a few blisters can lead to a full roof replacement if ignored.

Why Memphis Roofs Blister Faster Than Most
How We Fix Blistered Shingles the Right Way

How We Fix Blistered Shingles the Right Way

Fixing asphalt shingle blisters is not about slapping tar on the surface and hoping for the best. We start with a complete roof deck inspection. Our crews walk the entire roof, checking for soft spots, sagging decking, and moisture intrusion. We use moisture meters to detect trapped water in the decking and insulation. If moisture is present, we identify the source before any repair begins.

Once we locate the blistered sections, we assess the damage. If the blister has not ruptured and the granule layer is intact, we can sometimes leave it alone and monitor it. If the blister has popped or the shingle has lost granules, we remove and replace the affected shingles. We do not patch over failing shingles. We remove them, inspect the underlayment and decking beneath, and replace any compromised materials.

Ventilation is the second part of the fix. Most shingle bubbles in Memphis are caused by poor attic ventilation. We calculate the attic square footage and ensure you have the correct ratio of intake vents at the soffits and exhaust vents at the ridge. If your attic is trapping heat, we install additional soffit vents, ridge vents, or powered attic fans to normalize airflow. This prevents future heat blisters on shingles.

We also inspect the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and dormers. If water is getting under the shingles from failed flashing, it can cause localized blistering. We replace any corroded or improperly sealed flashing using ice and water shield and high-grade sealant.

Finally, we check the shingle manufacturer and batch code. Some defective shingle runs have higher blister rates due to manufacturing errors. If your roof qualifies for a manufacturer defect claim, we document the damage and file the claim on your behalf. This can save you thousands if the shingles are still under warranty.

What Happens During a Blister Inspection

Blistering Shingles in Memphis – Expert Diagnosis Stops Roof Failure Before It Spreads
01

Roof Surface Assessment

We walk every section of your roof to map blister locations, check for granule loss, and identify ruptured blisters. Our inspectors use moisture meters to detect trapped water in the decking. We photograph all damage and note the shingle age, brand, and ventilation status. This gives us a complete picture before recommending any repair or replacement strategy.
02

Attic Ventilation Check

We enter your attic to measure temperature, inspect insulation depth, and verify airflow. Blocked soffit vents, missing ridge vents, or insufficient intake cause heat buildup that accelerates blistering. We calculate the required ventilation area based on attic square footage and compare it to what you currently have. If ventilation is inadequate, we design a solution to normalize airflow and prevent future bubbling roof shingles.
03

Repair or Replace Decision

If blisters are isolated and the decking is sound, we replace the damaged shingles and improve ventilation. If blistering is widespread or the decking shows rot, we recommend a full roof replacement. We provide a written estimate with material options, ventilation upgrades, and timeline. You get a clear explanation of why each repair is necessary, so there are no surprises.

Why Memphis Homeowners Trust Evergreen Roofing Memphis

Memphis has specific roofing challenges that out-of-state contractors do not understand. Our crews know how the humid subtropical climate affects shingle performance. We have repaired thousands of roofs in Midtown, East Memphis, Germantown, and Cordova. We know which shingle brands hold up best in high heat and which ventilation systems work for Memphis attic temperatures.

Local building codes in Shelby County require specific wind ratings and installation methods for asphalt shingles. We follow the 2018 International Residential Code and Memphis-specific amendments. Our crews are trained on proper nailing patterns, underlayment requirements, and flashing details that meet or exceed code. This matters when you file an insurance claim or sell your home. A roof installed to code has a paper trail that protects your investment.

We also understand Memphis architecture. Many homes in Cooper-Young, Central Gardens, and the historic districts have steep-pitch roofs with complex valleys and dormers. These designs trap heat and moisture if ventilation is not planned correctly. We have installed custom ridge vents and gable vents on dozens of historic homes without compromising the original aesthetic. Our crews know how to work around century-old framing and tight attic spaces.

When you call Evergreen Roofing Memphis, you get a local team that lives in this city. We are not a national franchise with rotating subcontractors. Our office is here. Our warehouse is here. Our crew leaders have been with us for years. That means accountability. If something goes wrong, you call us directly, and we fix it. No runaround, no 1-800 number, no waiting weeks for a callback.

We also work directly with local insurance adjusters. We know how State Farm, Allstate, and Farm Bureau handle roof claims in Shelby County. We document damage correctly, provide detailed estimates, and communicate with your adjuster to get you the coverage you deserve.

What to Expect When You Call Us

Same-Week Roof Inspections

We schedule your roof inspection within three to five business days of your call. Our inspectors arrive on time, bring ladders and safety equipment, and complete the assessment in 45 to 90 minutes depending on roof size. You receive a written report with photos, moisture readings, and repair recommendations within 24 hours. If the damage is urgent, we provide a temporary tarp or emergency patch the same day to prevent further water intrusion.

Detailed Written Estimates

Our estimates break down every material and labor cost. We list shingle type, underlayment grade, ventilation upgrades, and any decking repairs. We explain why each item is necessary and what happens if you skip it. You get options for budget-friendly repairs versus long-term replacements. We do not upsell services you do not need. If your roof only needs spot repairs, we tell you that. If the entire roof is failing, we explain why patchwork will not hold.

Quality Materials and Installation

We use CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and GAF shingles rated for high wind and impact resistance. Our crews hand-nail each shingle using six nails per shingle on steep-pitch roofs, which exceeds the four-nail minimum. We install synthetic underlayment and ice-and-water shield in valleys and eaves. Every flashing is sealed with polyurethane caulk, not tar. You get a roof that passes inspection and lasts 20-plus years if maintained properly.

Post-Repair Follow-Up

After we complete the repair or replacement, we return six months later for a free follow-up inspection. We check that ventilation is working, blisters have not returned, and flashing remains sealed. If we installed new vents, we verify airflow has normalized attic temperatures. This follow-up catches small issues before they become big problems. You also get access to our maintenance plan, which includes annual roof cleanings and gutter checks to extend shingle life.

Frequently Asked Questions

You Have Questions,
We Have Answers

Why are my shingles bubbling? +

Shingles bubble when moisture gets trapped underneath the surface during manufacturing or installation. This happens if shingles are installed over wet decking or if humidity penetrates through poor ventilation. In Memphis, high humidity and temperature swings between seasons accelerate this problem. The trapped moisture heats up, expands, and creates visible bumps or bubbles. Poor attic ventilation makes it worse. If you see bubbling, the shingles lose their protective granules faster and fail prematurely. Get a roof inspection to identify if moisture intrusion or ventilation issues are causing the problem before more damage occurs.

What does it mean when shingles blister? +

When shingles blister, it means moisture or air pockets formed between the asphalt layers during production or after installation. The blister weakens the shingle structure and exposes the mat underneath once the top layer breaks. Memphis homes face this often due to humid conditions and rapid temperature changes. Blistered shingles crack easier under wind stress and lose granules quickly, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks. Blistering also signals poor attic airflow or installation over damp materials. If left unaddressed, blistered shingles lead to water damage inside your home. Schedule an inspection to assess the extent and prevent further deterioration.

What does blistering on a shingle look like? +

Blistering on a shingle appears as raised, rounded bumps on the surface, similar to a blister on skin. The bumps range from dime-sized to several inches across. Some blisters stay intact, while others rupture and expose the darker underlayer where protective granules are missing. You might see scattered blisters or clusters across multiple shingles. In Memphis, look for this on south and west-facing roof sections that receive intense sun exposure. The affected areas often feel soft when pressed. Once blisters pop, the shingle becomes vulnerable to UV damage and water infiltration. Catching this early prevents widespread roof failure.

What stage of shingles are blisters? +

This question refers to the medical condition shingles, not roofing materials. The blister stage occurs after the initial rash appears, typically within one to three days. Small fluid-filled blisters form in a band or patch pattern along nerve pathways. These blisters are most contagious during this stage. They eventually crust over after seven to ten days. If you suspect you have shingles, contact your doctor immediately. Early antiviral treatment reduces severity and complications. For roofing concerns about blistering asphalt shingles in Memphis, schedule a professional roof inspection to assess damage and determine if repairs or replacement are needed.

How long do shingles stay blistered? +

Medical shingles blisters typically last seven to ten days before crusting over. The entire outbreak from rash to healing takes two to four weeks. Some people experience lingering nerve pain after blisters heal. For roofing shingles, blisters do not heal. Once asphalt shingles develop blisters, the damage is permanent and worsens over time. Memphis weather accelerates deterioration. Ruptured blisters expose the underlayer to UV rays and moisture, leading to leaks. The longer blistered shingles remain on your roof, the more damage occurs to decking and insulation below. Address blistered roofing shingles promptly to avoid costly interior repairs.

Should I put anything on shingles blisters? +

For medical shingles blisters, keep them clean and dry. Apply cool compresses and use calamine lotion to reduce itching. Prescription antiviral medications help speed healing. For roofing shingles, do not apply anything to blisters. Coating products or sealants will not repair structural damage or restore protection. Blistered roofing shingles need replacement, not patching. Memphis humidity and heat stress already compromise your roof. Adding coatings traps more moisture and accelerates failure. Contact a roofing professional to evaluate the extent of blistering and determine if spot repairs or full replacement are necessary. Proper diagnosis prevents wasting money on temporary fixes.

How contagious are shingles blisters? +

Medical shingles blisters are contagious through direct contact with blister fluid. You cannot spread shingles itself, but you can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to people who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine, causing them to develop chickenpox. Cover blisters with bandages and avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. Roofing shingles do not pose contagion risks. However, blistered roofing shingles spread damage across your roof as moisture infiltrates neighboring shingles and decking. Memphis weather accelerates this spread. One section of blistered shingles often indicates systemic ventilation or installation problems affecting your entire roof. Get a thorough inspection.

What home remedies soothe shingles blisters? +

For medical shingles, cool oatmeal baths reduce itching and discomfort. Apply cool, damp compresses to blisters for 15 minutes several times daily. Calamine lotion soothes irritated skin. Witch hazel provides relief when applied gently. Keep blisters clean and avoid scratching to prevent infection. These remedies complement antiviral medications, not replace them. For roofing concerns in Memphis, home remedies do not fix blistered asphalt shingles. Attempting DIY repairs often causes more damage and voids manufacturer warranties. Blistered roofing shingles require professional assessment and replacement. Contact a qualified roofer to inspect your roof and provide proper solutions before water damage reaches your home interior.

What do shingles blisters look like when healing? +

Healing medical shingles blisters dry out, flatten, and develop yellow or brown crusts. The crusted areas eventually flake off, leaving pink or darker skin patches that fade over weeks or months. Some scarring may occur. Pain often decreases as blisters heal, though nerve pain can persist. For roofing shingles, blisters do not heal. They only worsen. A ruptured blister exposes the underlayer, which darkens and erodes under Memphis sun and rain. Granule loss accelerates around damaged areas. The shingle becomes brittle and cracks easily. What starts as a few blisters progresses to widespread failure. Address blistered roofing shingles immediately to protect your home.

What can be mistaken for shingles blisters? +

Several conditions resemble medical shingles blisters including contact dermatitis, poison ivy, hives, insect bites, or folliculitis. Herpes simplex causes similar fluid-filled blisters but appears in different patterns. Impetigo creates crusty blisters, often in children. The key difference is shingles follows nerve pathways in a band pattern on one side of the body. If you see a painful rash with blisters, see your doctor for accurate diagnosis. For roofing, homeowners sometimes mistake hail damage, algae growth, or normal granule loss for blistering. Memphis storms cause distinct impacts. A professional roof inspection identifies the actual problem and recommends appropriate repairs or replacement.

Why Memphis Heat and Humidity Create the Worst Conditions for Asphalt Shingles

Memphis sits in a humid subtropical zone with summer heat indexes above 100 degrees and relative humidity over 70 percent. This combination accelerates asphalt shingle aging and creates ideal conditions for roof blisters. When morning dew settles on your roof and temperatures climb 30 degrees by noon, moisture trapped in the shingle turns to vapor. The expanding vapor pushes against the granule layer, forming bubbles. Poor attic ventilation traps additional heat against the underside of the roof deck, cooking the shingles from below. This dual heat source causes blistering faster than in drier climates. Memphis roofs also face freeze-thaw cycles in winter, which crack already weakened blisters and let water infiltrate the decking.

Evergreen Roofing Memphis has worked on thousands of roofs across Shelby County. We understand the local building codes, wind load requirements, and ventilation standards that apply to Memphis homes. Our crews are trained on the specific challenges of historic Memphis architecture, including steep-pitch roofs, limited attic access, and aging framing. We work with local suppliers to source materials quickly, so your repair does not drag on for weeks. When you hire a local roofing company, you get a team that understands Memphis weather, responds fast, and stands behind their work because their reputation depends on it.

Roofing Services in The Memphis Area

Evergreen Roofing Memphis is strategically located to serve all residential and commercial clients across the entire Memphis metropolitan area and surrounding Mid-South communities. View our central business location on the map to see our service radius, and remember that our dedicated team is always prepared to travel directly to your property to deliver the expert roofing services you need, precisely when you need them.

Address:
Evergreen Roofing Memphis, 333 S Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38104

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Contact Us

Call Evergreen Roofing Memphis at (901) 669-7399 for a same-week roof inspection. We identify the cause of your blistered shingles, provide a written repair plan, and fix the problem before water destroys your decking.