Flat Roof Bubbles Explained - Causes & Solutions

Discover the reasons for bubbles in flat roofs and what you can do to repair or prevent them. Protect your roof from potential damage.

When you have a flat roof you run the risk of sometimes getting blisters, bubbles, cracks, or membrane ruptures.  There can be many different reasons for seeing bubbles and other problems with your flat roof.  Some of the reasons include: improper cleaning during installation, not enough adhesive, age of the roof, and trapped moisture.  Let’s take a look at each of the problems and how they can be fixed.

Why Are There Bubbles In My Flat Roof?
Why Are There Bubbles In My Flat Roof?

Blisters and Bubbles

Blisters and bubbles will form when there are pockets of either air or moisture between the roofing layers or the membrane and roof deck.  As time goes on and the sun beats on the roof, these pockets will expand and possibly crack.  Once the membrane cracks your roof will take on more moisture creating an even larger problem with your roof.

How To Fix Blisters and Bubbles

There are a few things that you can do when it comes to fixing blisters and bubbles in your flat roof.  First, you can cut away to spots that are blistered and bubbled areas and replace them.  It is advised that you replace the same number of layers as you removed.  The other way of doing this is to cut an “X” into the blister or bubble and peel away the bad parts and replace them, again with the same number of layers as you removed.

Regardless of which way you choose to do this, always overlap at least six inches past the blister and bubble so that you are overlapping the old with the new.

Cracks or Membrane Ruptures (Alligatoring)

Having cracks or membrane ruptures in your flat roof is a sign of aging.  Over time, the sun will heat up the membranes on the roof.  After a few years the heating and cooling of the roof accompanied by ice and rain contribute to the cracks and ruptures.

How To Fix Cracks Or Membrane Ruptures

The true fix to cracks or membrane ruptures is to apply a brand new coating to your flat roof.  Before applying be sure to clean the roof of all debris and particles.  The next step is to place a primer down that is compatible with your roof deck.  Apply the coating and reinforce the coatings with fiberglass mesh strips.  The strips help strengthen the roof and the coating.

Why Are There Bubbles In My Flat Roof?
Why Are There Bubbles In My Flat Roof?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is my roof bubbling?

  • A roof may show signs of bubbling when pockets of air or moisture get trapped between the membranes.  This can happen when the adhesive is not placed on all of the roof deck.

Q. 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.

Q. What are roof blisters?

  • Blisters, like bubbles, are when air or moisture get trapped between the membranes of your roof.  The sun and the weather can exaggerate the blisters and make them worse over time.

Q. What causes flat roof leaks?

  • Flat roof leaks happen when bubbles, blisters, and cracks are not taken care of as soon as possible.  The longer these are left untreated the more chances of damage and leaking can occur.

Inspect Your Flat Roof

There are often problems with flat roofs, including bubbles.  Bubbles will show up when the original roof was not put in properly or there were problems with the installation.  A small problem with your flat roof can become a much larger problem when left alone.  For this reason it is a good idea to inspect your flat roof from time to time, preferably twice a year.  This will allow you to catch any problems before they become a more serious problem.

Real People. Real Stories.

Our clients are our highest priority, and we’re always excited to receive positive feedback. If you're thinking of working with Durafoam Roofing, we invite you to explore our reviews from satisfied customers to see the exceptional service and quality you can expect from us.

Matt. S -

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The scheduling was easy, I had a crew working on replacing my foam roof within a couple of weeks. The roof was removed quickly and safely. The new roof looks immaculate! Thank you, Durafoam!

Matthew T. -

I recently had to contact Durafoam as a person that inherited their warranty from the past owner of our home. I was impressed with how friendly, responsive and reasonable they were about addressing my concern. The complete opposite of what I rehearsed in my head before calling. What a refreshing change to find conscientious, integrity in the roofing world!

Sini T. -

My patio  roof was in bad shape and in real need of a do over. The tile area close to my fireplace chimney was loosening a bit and i was worried if i would see my roof leaking on a wet day. Durafoam sealed up my patio pretty well last year and i have not had any issues till now. Duane Forstie was my point of contact sales and he was prompt enough to come and  inspect the roof 1 year later. I would recommend Durafoam to anybody looking to get their patio fixed and sealed for long term.

Wes C. –

Within a day of requesting a quote, Duane showed up on time and could not have been more helpful and patient with all of my questions. I received a quote by email within an hour of his visit and a personal call to thank me for giving him a chance to assist in our project. No pressure, just genuine appreciation for the potential business. Typically I get two estimates for work like this....but this time I cancelled the second appointment as it was clearly unnecessary to look further.

Chris Palchak –

Someone else told me I needed $1000s of work done. I called Durafoam and found out the only problem was a bee hive blocking a scupper.  The guy who came out cleared the scupper and told me I just needed to caulk around it. So glad I called them.

Tim F. –

Durafoam did a fantastic job on my new construction house. No leaks and the roof looks amazing! Highly recommend

Bill F. –

There price was very fair and they did a really good job. They come back every year to check and repair if needed and that's included for 5 years.

Tyler M. –

Excellent job. You guys have a very respectful team of installers. Thank you for your services Tim.

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