Rubber roofing, especially EPDM, has grown in popularity for homes and low-slope structures. It handles New Hampshire’s changing seasons well, holds up against UV exposure, and offers solid durability. Rubber roofs are also lightweight and require less maintenance than many other materials. But despite how dependable they usually are, they can still run into problems when something goes wrong beneath the surface.
One of the more common issues homeowners report is bubbling. It might start as a small soft bump but can quickly grow beyond that if ignored. Some people notice bubbles forming during summer, especially after a series of hot days. Left unaddressed, these raised spots can allow water to pool or seep underneath, which gradually breaks down the roof’s surface and eventually leads to leaks or more serious damage. Understanding why rubber roofing bubbles in the first place is an important step toward catching it early and stopping it from spreading.
Common Causes Of Roof Bubbling
Bubbling might look harmless at first, but it typically signals a deeper issue with the roof’s underlying layers or how it was installed. Most bubbles form when air or moisture becomes trapped beneath the membrane, which then expands when heated. This problem often points to flaws in the way the roof was built or maintained.
Here are a few of the most common reasons rubber roofing starts to bubble:
– Poor installation: If the adhesive wasn’t applied evenly or the membrane wasn’t properly pressed down, bubbles may form over time. A rushed job or skipped steps during the install can come back to haunt you when summer heat kicks in.
– Trapped moisture: Any moisture left behind under the membrane during installation can eventually turn into vapor as temperatures warm up. This vapor can’t escape and instead pushes upward, creating soft bubbles on the roof’s surface.
– Inadequate ventilation: Homes and buildings need good airflow through the attic or crawl space to reduce heat buildup. Without it, pressure can rise under the roof and cause the material to lift or bubble over time.
An example we’ve run into in New Hampshire often occurs after an early spring warm-up. Snow might melt and leak into small openings or exposed areas along the structure. If this moisture gets underneath a poorly sealed rubber membrane, it may stay hidden until a hot July day causes it to heat up and form a visible bubble. Seasonal timing really does matter, especially when you’re dealing with roofs that have to handle snow, rain, heat, and long periods of direct sun.
If you’re seeing bubbles or lifted areas, it’s a sign something’s wrong with how the roof is sealed or vented.
How To Identify Bubbling In Your Rubber Roof
Some roof issues require climbing up and taking a close look, but bubbling is usually something you can spot from the ground or a second-story window, especially on wide, flat surfaces. Still, a clearer inspection will help you know how bad the problem is and whether it’s spreading to other parts of the roof.
Here’s what to look for:
– Round, raised portions of your roof that feel soft or spongey when lightly pressed
– Discoloration around bubbled spots indicating trapped moisture
– Areas that look or feel uneven compared to surrounding roofing
– Pools of standing water that tend to gather near these bubbles
If you’re unsure whether what you’re looking at is bubbling or something else, a roofing pro can use testing tools or a moisture scanner to confirm it. It also helps to check the same areas a few times a year. Bubbles can change shape or grow much faster than expected depending on temperature swings. Regular inspections, especially right before and after the heavy rain season, help catch these errors early and prevent more costly problems later.
Steps To Address And Prevent Roof Bubbling
If you spot bubbling on your rubber roof, it’s best to get it checked out soon. While it may not seem urgent at first, roof damage tends to get worse over time. If moisture finds a path into your home or slowly breaks down the adhesive, you’ll have a larger, more expensive repair on your hands.
Here’s how to deal with roof bubbling the right way:
1. Don’t ignore it
Light bubbling might look minor, but it can spread or hide other roof problems underneath. Even a smaller bubble can indicate trapped air or water, which means the membrane isn’t fully sealed anymore.
2. Get a professional inspection
Roofing professionals will know how to safely walk on a membrane roof and check for weak spots, damage, or signs of water intrusion. They can also confirm if your bubbling issue is surface-level or if repairs to the insulation layer are needed too.
3. Repair or re-seal the affected zones
Once the area is assessed, the repair could involve cutting out the bubble, removing any moisture, and patching it up with fresh rubber material and adhesive. If the bubbling is widespread, a larger portion of the roof may need to be re-sealed.
4. Keep up with regular maintenance
Annual checks, especially before and after heavy snow or rainy seasons, can catch problem areas early. Removing debris, inspecting flashing, and checking roof edges makes sure water can’t sneak underneath the membrane.
5. Make sure the roof has proper ventilation
Adequate airflow helps prevent heat buildup and reduces the chances of vapor forming beneath the surface. Rooms directly under flat or low-slope rubber roofs benefit from having good attic or ceiling-level venting, especially during hot New Hampshire summers.
Whatever the repair approach, bubbling on rubber roofing is a sign to act. Leaving it for later isn’t worth the risk.
Why Professional Roofing Services In NH Make A Difference
Rubber roofs have their specific quirks. They don’t behave the same way asphalt shingles or metal roofing systems do, especially when it comes to how they expand, contract, and breathe with temperature shifts. That’s why working with roofing professionals who truly understand these systems makes all the difference.
In New Hampshire, the weather can flip between heavy snowfall in winter and high humidity by mid-summer. That kind of range puts stress on low-slope roofing, which is where rubber roofing is most commonly installed. When professionals handle the project from the start, they factor in the insulation needs, drainage layout, and even sun exposure. These details keep the roof functioning at its best for years.
Roofing teams also bring the tools and materials needed to repair or replace affected sections correctly. They follow safety protocols, check the structure carefully, and know how to install layers properly so that bubbling doesn’t reappear. Local pros also understand building codes and how moisture moves in regional homes, which might look different from practices in other states.
Choosing a roofing service based in New Hampshire gives you peace of mind, knowing the team is used to working in the same seasonal cycles you’re dealing with. They’ll be able to spot red flags you might overlook and help protect homes from some of the unique conditions rubber roofing in this area can face.
How to Keep Your Roof Performing Year After Year
Rubber roofs are a great option for homes in New Hampshire thanks to their flexibility and long lifespan, but they’re not something you can just forget about entirely. Spotting bubbling before it turns into something bigger can protect your home from leaks, mold, or even full roof replacements down the line. Watching for changes in how your roof looks and feels is one of the easiest ways to keep things in check.
Taking care of a rubber roof doesn’t require constant attention, but it does need the right kind of attention. Whether that’s scheduling regular inspections or working with someone who knows what to look for, staying on top of issues like bubbling can stretch the number of years your roof performs at its full potential. For homeowners in New Hampshire, where heat and cold both test the durability of materials, it’s all about keeping your roof ready for what’s coming next.
Rubber roofing needs smart care to handle the shifts in New Hampshire weather all year long. If you’ve seen bubbling or areas that look uneven, it’s a good time to have it looked at by someone who knows what they’re doing. Getting help from professional roofing services in NH can make all the difference when it comes to lasting performance and peace of mind. Let J. Carnes & Son Roofing help you keep your roof strong and ready for whatever the seasons bring.
