When Denver homeowners notice issues with their roofing systems, correctly identifying the type of damage is the best way to ensure they make the right repairs and file a successful insurance claim. Two common types of roof problems that are frequently confused are blistering and hail damage.
While they may appear similar at first glance, these conditions have different causes, characteristics, and repair requirements. Blistering typically occurs from manufacturing defects or improper ventilation, whereas hail damage results directly from impact during severe weather events that frequently affect Colorado’s Front Range.
For homeowners across the Denver metro area, accurately distinguishing between these two types of roof damage ensures appropriate repair approaches and helps navigate the sometimes complicated insurance claim process after severe weather events. In this blog post, we’ll help you do just that by describing all you need to know in order to identify the problem and make the right repairs.
Key Visual Indicators to Distinguish Between Types of Roof Damage
Identifying the difference between roof blistering and hail damage requires careful observation of specific visual cues. Blisters on asphalt shingles typically appear as raised, bubble-like areas arranged in relatively consistent patterns across the roof surface. These raised sections often form when trapped moisture vaporizes during hot weather, creating a distinctive rounded appearance. The surface granules usually remain intact over these raised areas, and the blisters commonly occur in clusters on sun-exposed sections of the roof.
In contrast, hail damage shows itself as random, scattered indentations across the roofing material. These impact marks typically show crushed or missing granules at the point of contact, exposing the dark asphalt layer underneath. Fresh hail damage often has a shiny appearance where the granules have become dislodged, and you may notice circular or star-shaped patterns where the hail struck the surface. The randomness of these marks is a key differentiator from the more uniform appearance of blistering.
Denver homeowners can conduct a primary inspection after storms by safely examining their roof from the ground using binoculars. Look for patterns of damage, document findings with clear photographs, and check for loose granules in gutters or downspouts. These initial observations provide valuable information when professional Denver roofing contractors arrive to perform a full assessment.
What Causes Asphalt Shingle Blistering in Colorado?
Colorado’s unique climate creates perfect conditions for asphalt shingle blistering, especially in the Denver metro area. At our high altitude, roofing materials endure up to 25% more UV radiation than at sea level, accelerating the breakdown of asphalt components. These intense rays, combined with Denver’s dramatic temperature swings, can cause the roof to experience a 60-degree change in a single day. This easily creates expansion and contraction cycles that foster blister formation when moisture becomes trapped within shingle layers.
Beyond environmental factors, manufacturing defects represent another significant cause of blistering. When shingles contain excess moisture during production or low-quality materials, they become vulnerable to blister development once installed. Poor attic ventilation compounds these issues by trapping heat and moisture beneath the roof deck, essentially cooking shingles from below and forcing any trapped moisture to expand.
If the shingles are installed wrong, this will also contribute substantially to premature blistering. When contractors fail to follow manufacturer guidelines for nail placement or use incorrect fastening techniques, shingles cannot properly expand and contract with temperature changes. Additionally, installing new shingles over existing layers without adequate preparation can trap moisture and create ideal conditions for blistering. Colorado homeowners should work with experienced local roofing professionals who understand how our specific climate conditions affect roofing materials.
Hail Damage Patterns Specific to Front Range Storms
Front Range hailstorms create distinctive damage patterns that differ from other regions due to Colorado’s unique weather dynamics. Denver area storms typically produce hail ranging from pea-sized (¼ inch) to baseball-sized (2 3⁄4 inches), with the most common damaging hail measuring between dime and quarter size. This hail often arrives driven by powerful winds that can exceed 50 mph, creating angled impact patterns primarily on west and north-facing roof slopes.
Hail damage typically appears as asymmetrical dents with sharp, clearly defined edges rather than the rounded appearance of blisters. These impacts typically cluster on the windward side of the roof and show concentrated granule loss directly at the strike point. A telltale sign of Front Range hail damage is the splatter pattern where smaller hailstones create satellite marks surrounding larger impact points.
Left unaddressed, hail damage progresses through predictable stages. Initially, it may only allow minimal moisture in, which worsens during freeze-thaw cycles typical of Denver winters. Within 6 to 12 months, granule loss accelerates, exposing the asphalt mat to UV degradation. By the second year, cracking often develops around impact sites, and after 24 to 36 months, leaks typically become more noticeable. Prompt professional inspection after summer storms prevents this progressive deterioration and preserves insurance claim opportunities, which typically expire 12 to 24 months after the original event.
Why You Should Call A Professional For Confirmation
While determining what type of damage you’re dealing with can be valuable and provide you with necessary insights, certain situations require a professional evaluation from a qualified roofing contractor. Consider scheduling a professional inspection if you notice granules accumulation in gutters, visible dark spots on your roof, interior water stains, or after any significant hailstorm. Additionally, if your roof is approaching 10 to 15 years old, or if neighbors have confirmed roof damage, it’s important to have an expert check it out rather than relying solely on DIY evaluation.
Professional roof inspections bring specialized expertise that homeowners simply cannot replicate. Certified roofing contractors use advanced tools, including infrared moisture detection equipment to identify hidden water intrusion beneath the surface, sampling techniques to evaluate multiple roof layers, and drone technology for complete aerial images of inaccessible sections. These professionals follow systematic inspection protocols that examine not just shingles, but also flashing points, ridge caps, and ventilation systems where damage often begins.
During the inspection, a qualified Denver roofer will document all findings with detailed photography, provide clear explanations of damage patterns that differentiate blistering from hail impacts, and offer a comprehensive written assessment that can be crucial for insurance claims. Most reputable roofing companies offer these inspections for free, making professional evaluation one of the best ways to account for damage.
Repair Solutions and Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Repairing roof damage requires different approaches depending on whether you’re dealing with blistering or hail damage. For blistered shingles, spot repairs may be best when damage is isolated to small areas. This typically involves removing and replacing individual damaged shingles. However, when blistering is widespread, indicating underlying ventilation problems or manufacturer defects, a complete roof replacement is often the most effective solution since it addresses both the symptoms and the cause of the problem at the same time.
Hail damage repairs only focus on impact areas. Minor hail strikes might require targeted shingle replacement, while severe or widespread hail damage necessitates complete roof replacement to maintain structural integrity. Denver roofing professionals often recommend impact-resistant shingles rated Class 4 for hail-prone Colorado homes, which can withstand significant hail events and may qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts.
Prevention strategies for both issues include improving attic ventilation with proper intake and exhaust vents to reduce heat buildup that contributes to blistering. You should also select quality materials for installation, so look for shingles with enhanced UV protection and embedded copper granules that resist algae growth in Colorado’s climate. Other tasks involved in regular roof maintenance, including debris removal, gutter cleaning, and professional inspections after major storms, help identify minor issues before they turn into expensive repairs, extending your roof’s lifespan regardless of Colorado’s challenging weather conditions.
Handling Insurance Claims for Roof Damage in Colorado
Successfully navigating insurance claims for roof damage requires understanding how insurance companies evaluate different types of roofing problems. Insurance companies typically cover sudden, accidental damage from hail, wind, and storms, but exclude normal wear and tear issues like blistering. This distinction is critical when filing a claim. Insurance adjusters look for specific patterns of damage, such as random impacts with bruising for hail versus uniform raised areas for blistering, and base their coverage decisions on these assessments.
Documentation is your strongest asset when filing a claim. Begin by photographing all damage immediately after a storm, capturing close-ups of affected areas and wide shots showing the overall condition. Keep records of when the storm occurred, including any weather reports or alerts from that day. Most Colorado insurance policies have strict time limits for filing claims, typically between 12 to 24 months after the damaging event, making quick action essential.
Working with reputable Denver roofing contractors who understand Colorado’s insurance landscape significantly improves claim success rates. Experienced local roofers can provide detailed damage reports that align with insurance requirements and help distinguish legitimate hail damage from manufacturing defects.
Expert Roof Repair Solutions from Roper Roofing & Solar
If you’re struggling to differentiate between roof blistering and hail damage, it’s crucial to consult with professionals who can provide accurate assessments and tailored solutions. Roper Roofing & Solar specializes in diagnosing and repairing various types of roof damage specific to the Denver area. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a severe storm or suspect manufacturing defects in your shingles, our team is equipped to help.
Don’t let unaddressed damage affect the durability of your roof. Call Roper Roofing & Solar today at (720) 475-1065 for a complete inspection and expert repair services that you can trust.