Welcome back to Pinnacle Roofing Group’s Roofing Dictionary series! In our previous post, we covered the “A-list” of roofing terms—everything from Asphalt Shingles to Attic Ventilation—giving you essential knowledge to keep your roof in top shape. If you missed that one, I highly recommend checking it out because we’ll be building on those concepts in this post.
Today, we’re taking it to the B level! Central Florida’s climate is no joke, and your roof has to withstand some serious elements. From scorching heat to heavy rains, and everything in between, your roof is the first line of defense for your home. So, let’s dive into roofing terms starting with the letter “B,” and explore how you can keep your roof in the best condition possible, even when the weather is working against you.
In this post, we’ll be talking about Blistering, Built-up Roofs, and more. Not only will you learn what these terms mean, but you’ll also discover why they’re particularly important for Central Florida homeowners.
1. Blistering: The Heat is On
Let’s start with a term you’ve probably heard before: Blistering. No, we’re not talking about a bad sunburn—though Central Florida can certainly give you one of those! We’re talking about those pesky bubbles that form on your roof when moisture gets trapped beneath the surface.
What Causes Blistering?
Blistering occurs when pockets of air or moisture get trapped between the layers of your roofing material. Under Central Florida’s intense heat, these pockets expand and cause the surface of the roof to swell, creating those unsightly bubbles. Over time, these blisters can weaken the material and lead to bigger problems, like leaks.
How to Spot Blistering:
Blistering is most common on Asphalt Shingles (remember those from our first post?) and Built-up Roofs (more on those later). You’ll notice raised, bubble-like areas on the surface of the roof. They may pop on their own, or they could eventually crack open, leaving your roof vulnerable to water damage.
What to Do About It:
Blistering is often a sign that your roof isn’t ventilating properly. If you read our last blog post, you’ll remember how crucial Attic Ventilation is for keeping your roof cool and moisture-free. Without it, hot air gets trapped under your roof, exacerbating blistering. If you notice blistering, it’s a good idea to call a professional to assess the damage and determine whether you need to repair or replace the affected shingles.
For Central Florida homeowners, keeping your roof cool is critical. Blistering can occur more frequently in our region because of the extreme heat. But don’t worry! With proper Attic Ventilation and regular maintenance, you can keep blistering at bay.
2. Built-up Roofs: Tough Enough for Florida’s Storms?
Now let’s shift gears and talk about a term you might not hear as often: Built-up Roofs. While Asphalt Shingles are the go-to for most Central Florida homes, Built-up Roofs are more commonly used on flat or low-sloped roofs, especially in commercial buildings.
What is a Built-up Roof?
A Built-up Roof (BUR) is made up of multiple layers of bitumen (asphalt or tar) alternated with layers of reinforcing fabric. These layers are “built up” to create a durable and waterproof surface. The top layer is typically covered with gravel or a reflective coating to protect the roof from UV rays and add extra durability.
Why Built-up Roofs Are Perfect for Florida:
Built-up roofs are designed to be incredibly tough and water-resistant, making them a popular choice for commercial buildings that need to withstand Florida’s intense storms and heavy rainfall. While they are more commonly used on commercial properties, some homeowners with flat roofs or low slopes in Central Florida also choose built-up roofing systems.
Maintenance for Built-up Roofs:
One of the biggest advantages of built-up roofs is their durability, but they do require maintenance, especially in Florida’s climate. Over time, the bitumen layers can crack or blister (there’s that word again!) due to heat exposure. If you have a Built-up Roof, it’s essential to schedule regular inspections, especially after a storm, to check for any signs of damage.
And guess what? Blistering can affect Built-up Roofs too! Just like with Asphalt Shingles, poor ventilation or trapped moisture can cause bubbles to form, leading to potential leaks.
If you’ve got a flat or low-sloped roof and you’re not sure what kind of roofing system you have, now’s the perfect time to call a professional to check it out. Keeping your roof in top shape is always easier with a bit of expert guidance.
3. Bitumen: The Backbone of Your Roof
While we’re on the topic of Built-up Roofs, we can’t ignore Bitumen. This sticky, tar-like substance is a key player in roofing systems, especially for flat and low-sloped roofs.
What is Bitumen?
Bitumen is a black, viscous material made from petroleum. It’s used in various roofing systems, including Built-up Roofs, to create a waterproof barrier. Bitumen is often applied in hot or cold layers, depending on the type of roof and the climate.
The Role of Bitumen in Central Florida Roofing:
In Central Florida, waterproofing is crucial. The last thing you want is for water to seep through your roof during one of our notorious afternoon thunderstorms. Bitumen provides that extra layer of protection, keeping your roof watertight.
However, just like with other roofing materials, the extreme heat in Central Florida can cause Bitumen to crack over time. This is why regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure your roof remains in good condition. If you’ve got a Built-up Roof, checking the condition of the Bitumen is a must.
4. Why Regular Roof Maintenance Matters
By now, you’re probably starting to see a common theme here. Whether you’re dealing with Blistering, Built-up Roofs, or Bitumen, the key to avoiding expensive repairs is regular maintenance.
In our last post, we talked about the importance of Attic Ventilation and Algae-Resistant Shingles for keeping your roof in good shape. These preventative measures are just as important for the terms we’ve discussed today. Regular roof inspections, keeping an eye out for blisters, and ensuring your roof is properly ventilated can make all the difference when it comes to prolonging the life of your roof.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your roof in Central Florida:
- Schedule Annual Inspections: Florida’s extreme weather can cause wear and tear faster than in other regions. Get your roof inspected at least once a year to catch small problems before they become big ones.
- Clean Your Roof: Especially if you have Algae-Resistant Shingles, keeping your roof clean can help prevent algae growth and other damage. Plus, it keeps your home looking fresh and well-maintained.
- Check Your Ventilation: As we mentioned in the last post, proper Attic Ventilation is crucial for preventing issues like Blistering. If you’re not sure whether your attic is properly ventilated, ask a roofing professional to take a look.
5. Bringing it All Together: A and B Work Hand-in-Hand
The roofing terms we’ve covered today tie directly into the ones we explored in the last post. Let’s recap how they all work together to keep your roof in great shape:
- Asphalt Shingles: Durable and affordable, Asphalt Shingles are perfect for Central Florida homes. However, they can be prone to Blistering without proper Attic Ventilation.
- Attic Ventilation: Good ventilation is key for preventing Blistering and extending the life of your roof. It also keeps your home cooler, which is a must in Central Florida’s sweltering summers.
- Algae-Resistant Shingles: These help keep your roof free from unsightly algae, but they still need to be paired with proper maintenance to prevent other issues, like Blistering.
- Blistering: Blisters can form on both Asphalt Shingles and Built-up Roofs due to trapped moisture and extreme heat. Preventative maintenance and good ventilation can help you avoid this problem.
- Built-up Roofs: Ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs, Built-up Roofs are tough enough for Florida’s weather, but they still need regular inspections to ensure the Bitumen layers stay intact.
- Bitumen: This waterproofing material is crucial for Built-up Roofs and flat roofs. Regular checks are essential to prevent cracking and maintain your roof’s integrity.
By understanding these concepts, you’re well on your way to becoming a roofing expert—at least when it comes to your own home. And if you ever need help, remember that Pinnacle Roofing Group is always here to provide expert advice and services.
6. Teaser for the Next Blog: Cool Roofs and Coping
Feeling smarter already? Great! But we’re not done yet. In our next blog post, we’ll dive into Cool Roofs and Coping, two “C” terms that are becoming increasingly popular in Central Florida. Cool Roofs can help keep your home cooler and reduce energy costs, while Coping provides essential protection for the edges of your roof.
Stay tuned to learn how these roofing elements can make your roof even more resilient against the elements, and don’t forget to refer back to this post (and our previous one!) whenever you need a refresher on roofing terms.
7. Contact Pinnacle Roofing Group Today!
As always, if you have any questions about your roof or want to schedule an inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pinnacle Roofing Group. We’re your trusted roofing experts in Central Florida, and we’re here to help with all your roofing needs.
This blog continues the series, builds on concepts from the first post, and naturally sets up the third post in the series. It’s informative, fun to read, and optimized to drive traffic while educating Central Florida homeowners about the importance of maintaining their roofs.
