(404) 971-2880
Seeing strange bumps on your commercial building’s roof can be alarming for any Atlanta business owner. These roof bumps under the EPDM membrane aren’t just cosmetic issues — they represent potential structural problems that need attention. EPDM rubber roof blisters typically appear as raised areas where the membrane has separated from the substrate beneath, creating pockets that can range from small bubbles to large, unstable areas across your roofing system.
When EPDM roofing adhesion failures occur, they expose your building to various risks, including water infiltration, accelerated membrane deterioration, and reduced energy efficiency. Atlanta’s heavy rainfall and hot summers can make these problems worse over time. Commercial flat roof bumps repair is non-negotiable when these issues are identified, as ignoring them often leads to more extensive damage.
Fixing membrane roof bubbles requires understanding what causes them in the first place. From trapped moisture and improper installation to substrate issues and thermal movement, several factors can contribute to this common roofing problem. Preventing EPDM membrane tenting starts with identifying the underlying causes and applying solutions before small issues become major headaches for your business.
Common Causes of EPDM Membrane Blisters and Bumps
EPDM rubber roof blisters develop due to specific conditions that building owners in Atlanta should know. These bumps under the rubber membrane often signal underlying issues that require professional attention before they escalate into expensive repairs.
Moisture trapped within the roofing system is the primary culprit behind most EPDM membrane bubbling. Atlanta’s high humidity levels and frequent rainfall create perfect conditions for moisture accumulation beneath the membrane. When water vapor becomes trapped during installation or penetrates through tiny openings, it expands during hot weather, pushing the membrane upward and creating distinctive bubbles.
In addition to moisture issues, EPDM roofing adhesion failures frequently stem from improper installation techniques. When contractors apply insufficient adhesive or do not prepare the substrate correctly, the membrane cannot properly bond. Temperature fluctuations common in Georgia’s climate cause the rubber to expand and contract, further stressing these weak adhesion points and creating separation.
Substrate problems are another cause of roof bumps under the EPDM membrane. Uneven surfaces, deteriorating insulation boards, or structural movement in the building can create areas where the membrane loses contact with the surface below. As commercial buildings age, these substrate issues become more prevalent, requiring an expert assessment to determine the best approach for fixing membrane roof bubbles before they compromise the entire roofing system.
Understanding the Severity: When to Worry About EPDM Roof Bumps
Not all bumps on your EPDM roof require immediate panic, but knowing which ones need urgent attention can save Atlanta business owners significant headaches and expense. The severity of roof bumps under an EPDM membrane depends on several things that every building owner should evaluate.
Start by assessing the size of the EPDM rubber roof blisters. Small bumps under 2 inches in diameter that remain stable may need to be monitored, while larger bubbles suggest more extensive adhesion failure. The quantity and pattern of bumps also tell an important story — isolated bumps might indicate localized issues, but widespread blistering points to systemic problems with your roofing system.
Location is equally critical in diagnosing severity. Bumps near seams, flashing, or roof penetrations pose greater risks as these areas are already vulnerable to water infiltration. Additionally, bumps that appear after heavy rainfall or extreme temperature changes often indicate active moisture problems requiring quick attention from Atlanta roofing professionals.
Building owners can perform simple diagnostic tests before calling experts. Try gently pressing on suspicious areas. If the bump feels firm and doesn’t compress, it likely contains trapped air, while soft, spongy areas suggest moisture accumulation beneath the membrane. Mark and photograph concerning bumps to monitor growth over time. If bumps increase in size or number, this progression indicates an active problem that requires a professional assessment to prevent more extensive EPDM roofing adhesion failures.
DIY Temporary Solutions for Minor EPDM Roof Bumps
While professional repairs are always the recommended solution for EPDM roofing issues, building owners may need to temporarily address minor bubbles while waiting for professional help. These stopgap measures can help prevent further damage, but they come with important limitations and safety considerations that every Atlanta business owner should understand.
Before attempting any DIY solution, safety must be your priority. Never walk on bubbled areas as they may rupture, creating larger problems. Always work with a partner, wear non-slip footwear, and avoid roof work during wet, windy, or extremely hot conditions. Remember that temporary fixes are exactly that, temporary, and should only be applied to small, isolated bubbles less than 2 inches in diameter.
For minor blisters, a basic emergency kit should include a utility knife, roofing patch material, EPDM-compatible sealant, a small roller, and clean rags. The simplest temporary approach involves carefully creating a small incision to release trapped air, then pressing the membrane down and applying appropriate sealant to prevent water entry. Avoid puncturing bubbles that feel heavy or water-filled, as this indicates more serious moisture issues requiring professional solutions.
Never attempt to inject adhesives under large bubbles, use household caulk on EPDM materials, or apply weight to force bubbles flat. These misguided approaches can seriously damage your membrane and void manufacturer warranties. Document any temporary repairs you make so you can show professionals exactly what was done when they arrive to implement long-term solutions.
Professional Repair Options for EPDM Membrane Bubbles
When DIY solutions aren’t enough to address serious EPDM rubber roof blisters, it’s time to call in Atlanta roofing professionals to restore your commercial roofing system. Professional contractors use repair protocols that ensure long-lasting results while minimizing disruption to your business operations.
Standard repair procedures typically begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the damage. For smaller blisters, contractors often use controlled drainage techniques, carefully cutting and drying the affected area before reapplying commercial-grade adhesives to restore proper bonding. This approach prevents damage to the surrounding membrane while effectively fixing membrane roof bubbles at their source.
For larger bubbles or areas with multiple blisters, patching may be necessary. Professional roofers remove the damaged section, address any underlying moisture or substrate issues, and install new EPDM material that seamlessly integrates with your existing roof. These repairs require specialized tools and materials not available to the average building owner, highlighting the importance of professional intervention for serious bubbling issues.
In cases of severe or widespread EPDM roofing adhesion failures, section replacement or complete membrane replacement might be necessary. Experienced Atlanta contractors can help determine when repairs are no longer cost-effective compared to replacement, considering factors like the roof’s age, overall condition, and the extent of bubbling. This decision-making process balances immediate repair costs against long-term performance and protection for your commercial building.
Preventing Future EPDM Membrane Tenting and Bubbling
Taking proactive steps to prevent roof bumps under your EPDM membrane saves Atlanta building owners from unnecessary repairs and extends their roofing system’s lifespan. Prevention strategies address both installation quality and ongoing maintenance needs that are particularly important in Georgia’s challenging climate.
Regular professional inspections form the cornerstone of prevention, with most experts recommending biannual checks for commercial buildings in Atlanta. Spring inspections prepare your roof for summer heat stress, while fall assessments check for damage from intense sun exposure. Professionals can identify early signs of adhesion weakness before visible bubbling occurs, allowing for interventions that prevent major problems.
Drainage improvements significantly reduce EPDM rubber roof blister formation. In Atlanta, correctly sized and positioned drains, scuppers, and downspouts are necessary to prevent ponding water. Adding tapered insulation to eliminate low spots where water collects can dramatically reduce moisture-related bubbling problems that plague many commercial roofs.
When installing new EPDM systems, material selection and application techniques make all the difference. Thicker membranes, 60-mil rather than 45-mil, provide greater puncture resistance and dimensional stability. Fully adhered rather than mechanical fastening or ballasted systems typically offer superior performance in preventing membrane tenting. Preparing the substrate, including thorough cleaning and priming, creates stronger initial bonds that resist separation even under thermal stress. With the right approach, EPDM roofing adhesion failures become far less likely throughout your roof’s service life.
When to Call an Atlanta Roofing Professional for EPDM Issues
Some EPDM membrane issues require immediate professional intervention to prevent catastrophic roofing failures. If bubbles exceed 4 inches in diameter, don’t attempt repairs yourself — these larger blisters indicate significant adhesion failure. Similarly, if you notice water stains on interior ceilings or walls beneath bubbled areas, water has already penetrated your roofing system and requires urgent professional attention to prevent structural damage.
Multiple bubbles appearing in clusters suggest systematic failure rather than isolated issues. Atlanta’s commercial building owners should also be concerned if bubbles reappear after attempted repairs, as this indicates underlying problems that DIY methods can’t resolve. Areas of the membrane that feel soft and spongy likely contain trapped moisture, which requires professional remediation to prevent mold growth and insulation damage.
When selecting a roofing contractor for EPDM issues, look for specialists with extensive commercial flat roof experience in the Atlanta area. Ask potential contractors about their specific EPDM certification credentials and request examples of similar repair projects they’ve completed. Qualified professionals should offer comprehensive assessments, including moisture scanning and core sampling, to identify the true extent of the problem. They should also provide written documentation of their findings and detailed repair proposals that address not just the visible bubbles but the root causes of your EPDM roofing adhesion failures.
Expert EPDM Membrane Repair Services in Atlanta
If there are roof bumps under your EPDM membrane, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Paramount Roofing & Consulting specializes in diagnosing and repairing EPDM rubber roof blisters, fixing membrane roof bubbles, and resolving EPDM roofing adhesion failures. Our team is equipped to handle both minor and severe cases, ensuring your commercial flat roof remains in top condition.
For expert advice and professional repair services, call Paramount Roofing & Consulting at (404) 309-8035 today. We’re here to help you prevent future EPDM membrane tenting and bubbling, keeping your roof secure and functional year-round.