How Does It Work
An ice and water shield is a fully-adhered roof underlayment, which in laymans terms means it sticks to your roof. Its not going to blow away in a strong wind or shift from the pressure of snow and ice.
Its also self-healing. That means, when your roofer nails the shingles on top of it, the membrane seals around each nail.
These two qualities work together to give you superior leak protection against harsh weather conditions.
Can You Ice And Water Shield A Whole Roof
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. Simply so, can you put ice and water shield over shingles?
Answer – Not in the handyman’s opinion. An Ice& Water Shield is a rubberized strip that must be applied over bare sheathing not only will it stick better on the bare sheathing, but it will present a more neat appearance. So, shingles should be removed three feet up from the eaves.
Also Know, do you need ice and water shield under metal roofing? The product should be a premium, high temperature ice and water shield for use with tile, metal, and other roofs with scrim reinforced top surface. It self-seals around nails and provides protection for roof areas prone to ice and water intrusion. The rakes on gable roofs also need treatment to the same standard.
Similarly, where do you put ice and water shield on roof?
Most commonly, roofing professionals install ice and water protector on eaves, rake edges, overhangs and valleys, as they are most vulnerable to ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Do shingles stick to grace ice and water shield?
coveringsGrace Ice& Water Shield protects under slate, tile, cedar shakes or metal, as well as under conventional asphalt shingles. Slip resistant surfaceGrace Ice& Water Shield has a slip resistant embossed surface to maximize traction and safety for applicators.
Are All Ice And Water Protectors Equal In Quality And Strength
Like every single product thats available in the market, each has its own set of qualities and undergoes varying manufacturing processes. There will be manufacturers that will tell you that their product is the cheapest in the market while having the best quality, but in reality, it may not always be true. In most cases, safety and quality come at a higher price tag, which means that youre not just investing in more durable materials, but youre also making sure that your roofs are safe from ice dams and are likely to avoid potential collapses later in their life. Nobody wants to constantly repair their roofs by using quality ice and water protectors, youre saving up energy for yourself and saving up money from potential replacements.
In the end, homeowners have to do their research first on whats the best quality ice and water protectors before buying. However, consulting a roofing Sullivan IL contractor should help you peruse the many available options and determine what is best for your property.
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The Risks Of Ice Dams
Ice dams are a serious issue for homeowners and roofing professionals in cold climates, or even where occasional snow may fall. Ice dams are formed by the continuous melting and freezing of snow due to heat escaping from the house, or from a backup of frozen slush from the rain gutters. The melted water flows under the snow and freezes as it reaches the unheated soffit area at the eaves, thus creating an ice dam. When this occurs, water can be forced under the shingles and into the attic, resulting in damage to the homes interior. Ice and water protector membranes are a time-tested and effective solution to help with this problem.
Ice and water protector is recommended for low-slope areas and valleys because these roof areas are particularly vulnerable. Homeowners are encouraged to check their local building code as some jurisdictions will have different requirements for use.
The Dangers Of Ice And Water Damage
We know that water and ice can damage your roof. What you might not know is that the resulting water damage can extend to the interior of your home. Water that does not drain properly can work its way under your shingles, into your attic, and further through your insulation, ceilings, walls, and other areas.
If your exterior or masonry is made from natural stone and concrete, too much water exposure will cause these materials to erode. This can cause water to further pass through the cracks on your roof, walls, and possibly the basement of your home.
In colder climates, the formation of ice dams and heavy snow loads can cause severe damage to your roof. It can break off your gutters, loosen shingles and cause water to leak into your home. When water enters the home, it can cause paint to peel off the walls while ceilings and floors can start to warp and stain, becoming very unsightly.
Water entering the home can not only cause several types of structural damage, but it can also lead to mold and mildew to grow on eaves, slidings, and walls. Mold and mildew can result in health problems such as asthma, sudden allergies, and an increase in sinus infections.
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How Does Felt Paper Allow Leaks
The overlapping seams of the felt paper can’t protect against water that flows BACKWARDS up the roof.
But felt paper has problems where it overlaps the sheet below and where the nails penetrate the felt. If water backs up under the roof as happens with ice damming, water can flow up and under the lap joints of felt paper.
Necessary Precautions When Installing Ice And Water Protectors
Homeowners should install their ice and water protectors before any underlayments are set. In case protectors are needed in direct parallel to a persons width, then you should apply the bottom first. You may have to consult your manufacturer on the witch of the side lap.
Ultimately, installation instructions will depend on the manufacturer. As such, it is always best to consult your manufacturer or read the instructions first before making plans.
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Cons Of Installing Ice And Water Shield On Your Roof
The only real negatives of covering your entire roof with ice & water shield are cost and potential ventilation problems . Ice & water shield acts as a vapor suppressor, so it not only keeps the water out, but also keeps the moisture in.
The good news is that this shouldnât be a concern if youâve got a well-ventilated attic. If you donât have a well-ventilated attic, then thatâs just one more reason you are dealing with ice dams. If youâre one of the extra-diligent homeowners who requests that your entire roof be covered in ice & water shield, make sure to ask your roofer whether youâve got adequate ventilation in your attic. Youâll want to avoid high humidity levels that may cause the underside of your roof deck to sweat. If your current ventilation is inadequate, have your roofer install some additional ventilation. Itâs usually inexpensive to do so, and worth the little extra trouble.
If thereâs good attic ventilation, good exhaust-venting in the kitchen and bathrooms, youâve sealed any air leaks into your attic, and youâve covered your entire roof with ice & water shield, then you should have a virtually leak-proof roof.
Is Ice And Water Shield Required By Code
We dont know the regulations in all states, but Minnesota building codes require roofers to install ice & water shield beginning at the edge of the overhang and ending at least 2-feet inside the nearest interior wall. Because most ice & water shield comes in rolls 3 feet wide, one pass typically isnât quite enough to cover the distance between the drip edge and 2 feet past the interior wall on most homes. Thatâs why the vast majority of roofs end up with a 6-foot swath of ice & water shield along their overhangs. But a real overachieving roofer will make a third pass, giving you a total of 9 feet of ice & water coverage.
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How Much Ice And Water Shield Do I Need To Install
First, consider how much product width youll need. On average, one protector is 3 feet wide.
Next, determine how much length you need to cover. As mentioned in the guidelines, 3 feet is a good standard. This will however, depend on your region and the roof slope.
Colder climates and lower slopes will require a higher standard compared to warmer climates. A good rule of thumb is to expect the highest level of ice dam formation.
Last but not least, check back with a roofing professional or your state what the required building codes are. Some states require a minimum width installation on your eaves and valleys.
Find A Grace Ice & Water Shield Distributor
GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD® is a versatile underlayment material that may be used on sloped roofs, under mechanically attached roof coverings such as asphalt shingles, slate, tile, cedar, and standing seam metal in many climate and assembly conditions .
GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD® is supplied in 3 ft wide rolls of varying lengths. Membrane strips are also available in 75 ft long rolls at widths of 6 in. , 9 in. , 12 in. and 18 in. . See the Product Data chart for product information.
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The 3 Types Of Ice And Water Shield
There are 3 types of ice and water shield: granular/sand surface, smooth, and high heat.
Granular or sand surface ice and water shield is used in roof valleys and is the thinnest of the 3 types. Even though its not as thick, it serves the same purpose and does the job well.
Smooth surface ice and water shield is used on low slope roofs. This type fits the situation I mentioned in the first section when a roof has a 2/12, 3/12, or 4/12 pitch.
High heat ice and water shield is made of cotton-like fibers thats used primarily on metal roofs. Because of the material its made of, it won’t stick to metal as it expands and contracts.
This prevents the metal panels from destroying the integrity of the ice and water shield. While high heat ice and water shield is used on metal, its also used with premium roof systems to add extra protection.
How Should Ice And Water Protector Be Installed On A Roof
- Ice and water protector needs to be installed directly onto the roof deck after you have placed the drip edge at the eave.
- You should install ice and water protector before other underlayments, including roof felt. Around roof features like dormers and chimneys, you should place ice and water protector below flashing.
- If two courses of IKOs ice and water protector are needed widthwise, you should apply the bottom course first. The second course should overlap the first course. The width of the side lap should be as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Installation instructions for ice and water protector products will vary by manufacturer, so always read the directions provided with the specific product youre using.
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Does Ice And Water Shield Prevent Ice Dams
No. Ice & water shieldwill not prevent ice dams. Youâd get it installed simply to minimize the chances of leaks if you do get an ice dam. You should still get an ice dam removed if itâs large enough that youâre concerned that the sheer weight of the ice dam will crush your roof.
Oh, and one thing that my inner Johnnie Cochran snarled at me to mention: Leaks theoretically can still occur even if youâve got your roof covered in ice & water shield. But especially if youâve got it covering your whole roof, the odds are minuscule at best.
Proper Ice Dam Removal in 26 Seconds
Don’t take our word for it:Read our testimonials and reviews.
What Is Ice And Water Protector Made Of
The key component of roof ice and water protector is polymer-modified bitumen . A common feature of most ice and water protectors is the advantage of self-sealing around roofing nails. This feature greatly reduces the possibility of leaks occurring when ice or storms force water underneath the shingles.
GoldShield, ArmourGard and StormShield® are all made with polymer-modified bitumen. IKOs ArmourGardTMand StormShield® have a tough, nonwoven, glass fiber mat. Sand and/or mineral matter is applied to the top to form a slip-resistant surface. GoldShieldTM uses a special slip-resistant polymer membrane for the top surface.
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What Is An Ice And Water Shield
Also referred to as an ice and water protector, an ice and water shield is a self-adhesive waterproofing roof underlayment that acts as a shield against water and ice damage.
Its also made of modified bitumen , which provides a watertight seal around the shingles and around roofing nail penetrations.
Which Material Are Best For Your Roof
Thats an interesting question. Lets see some common use cases.
You see, when it comes to dealing with traditional shingle roofing, it is a good idea to go with roofing felt, and especially something lightweight.
But with metal roofs, having an extra synthetic layer underneath can be a lifesaver. Metal roofs tend to trap a lot of excess heat, which is a problem when dealing with higher temperatures. This makes an already tasking workload even more annoying.
Also, UV exposure is a consideration when it comes to material quality. If a roof underlayment comes with proper UV exposure ratings, then thats going to be a decent option.
On a different note, the anti-skid feature is a major consideration. This feature can allow any professional to complete the work without any hiccups.
So, you may want to pay attention to the material choice. This may help you make the most of your hard-earned cash.
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Contractors And Architects Also Enjoy The Benefits Of The Blue 360sm Field Advantage Program
The Blue 360sm Field Advantage Program includes consultations with our field sales and technical service teams who help architects and contractors select the optimal underlayments to meet their specs. Our team also recommends compatible weatherproofing products from our extensive portfolio, such as weather and air barriers, flashing and below-grade waterproofing.
Our wide range of training seminars and materials includes:
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Classes taught in conjunction with the American Institute of Architects
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Videos on product selection and installation
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Contractors’ handbooks, interactive product guides, detail drawings and data sheets
Blue 360sm Field Advantage: Our team is your team.
Is There Really A Difference In The Different Brands Of Ice And Water Shield
The simple answer is yes but lets go into more detail. Most manufactures offer at least two types of Ice and water shield, standard
and Hi Temperature. Hi Temp Ice and Water is used in situations where the roof deck will become very hot such as a metal roof. It is also used in commercial applications where the interior of a building produces a lot of heat such as a large manufacturing facility.
Other Ice and Water shield have come on the market in recent years that promise greater performance and some have other features. GRACE was certainly the innovator in terms of a premium Ice and Water shield.
Others have copied what Grace has done creating a product that is especially sticky and performs well in a wide variety of situations. Other products include Granulated Ice and Water shield which is Ice and Water Shield that has granules impregnated on top of it that makes it easier to walk on. There is also fabric faced products available again promising less slippery surface for the roofing installer.
Ice and water the entire roof deck? While this is an extremely rare necessity it is sometime called for. Some shingle manufacturers require Ice and water shield on very low sloped decks between 2/12 and 4/12. Also, if you live in a climate such as the UP in Michigan and routinely get over a foot of snow standing on the roof you may want to consider it.
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Should You Cover Your Entire Roof With Ice And Water Shields
If the shield waterproofs your roof, it only makes sense to cover your entire roof, right?
Not necessarily.
Covering your entire roof may be overkill. In most cases, if you place the ice and water shield in vulnerable areas near eaves, valleys, low pitches, and along chimneys, for example youll be able to prevent most leaks without spending more money than necessary.
More importantly, if you cover your entire roof with the ice and water shield, youll create a vapor barrier that will keep your deck from being able to breathe. That will cause condensation, which can, in turn, create water damage.
That said, you can cover your entire roof with an ice and water shield, and it could help prevent leaks if you live in an area with extreme winds. But if you do, make sure you also add a ventilation system to your attic to prevent condensation.
Homestead Roofing Company: Ice And Water Shield Installation In Colorado
Ask Us Your Questions About Roof Repairs, Roof Replacements, and Insurance Claims
If you want to stop or prevent leaks in your home , ice and water shield should be your first line of defense. Ice and water shield ils the key component of the Homestead Roofing leak stopper system.
If you live in Colorado, it is also very likely that you are required to have ice and water shield on your roof. If you have more questions about ice and water shield ,reach out to our team. We’ll answer your questions or forward you to a representative who can schedule your ice and water shield installation.
Homestead Roofing Inc. serves homeowners in Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, Security, Widefield, Fountian, Teller County, El Paso County, and in Elbert County, Colorado.
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