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What Is Ice And Water Shield On A Roof

Is Ice And Water Shield Required By Code

ROOFING ICE AND WATER SHIELD: WHAT YOUR ROOFER HIDES FROM YOU?

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.

What Goes On First Ice And Water Shield Or Roofing Felt

Most manufacturers of ice and water shield recommend that the material be installed first, directly onto the roof decking. This is due to the self-sealing feature of the material.

For example, if roofing felt or any other non-adhesive underlayment is installed under the ice and water shield, the space between the tar paper and the roof deck is still vulnerable to water infiltration.

Conversely, if the ice and water shield is installed first, moisture penetrating the surface of the tar paper or roofing material will still encounter the ice and water shield. This is one major benefit of the rubberized material ice and water shield is constructed from.

As mentioned previously, ice and water shield tends to grip fasteners such as staples, roofing tacks, and button cap nails. As these fasteners are all very common to a roofing installation, the chances of accidentally creating a leak are greatly reduced when ice and water shield are installed underneath.

Most water damage to a roof can be traced to either faulty drainage or a perforation somewhere along the path the water takes towards the gutters. Even a single loose roofing tack can cause damage over time if the hole is not sealed. Since most of us dont inspect our roofs as often as we should, installing an ice and water shield can be insurance against this eventuality.

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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What Is Ice And Water Shield

Ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane used to protect your roof from ice and water damage. Its main purpose is to protect your roof decking if water gets underneath your roofing material .

Its crucial to have ice and water shield installed on/around certain areas of your roof, like roof valleys, around penetrations, and on roofs that have a 2/12, 3/12, or 4/12 pitch. Because of its importance, every roof needs to have it.

Theres also a code if you live in an area above the snow line in the US. This code requires ice and water shield along the edges of your roof to prevent leaking from ice damming after a heavy snow or ice storm.

If you live in an area that sees heavy snow, youll most likely have 2 rows of ice and water shield along your roofs rakes and eaves per local codes.

Are There Different Kinds Of Ice And Water Shield

Every Roof Needs Ice and Water Shield

Many manufacturers offer a version of ice and water shield, but generally speaking, they all serve the same basic purpose. Most ice and water shields will be rubberized, which not only makes the material water resistant but very pliable as well.

Some versions will be a simple sheet of rubber, while others may contain asphalt and other materials to increase their useful life.

Regardless, the function of most ice and water shield is to increase the moisture resistance of the roof decking in areas vulnerable to damage. Specifically, one main use of ice and water shield is to prevent damage caused by an ice dam, which is accumulated ice and snow that prevents proper drainage of water from the roof surface.

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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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What Do Ice And Water Shields Do

An ice and water shield is a modified self adhered leak barrier. It comes in a sheet with split back release film similar to a self-stick or peel-and-stick. It seals itself around the nails used in shingling. This rubberized material that helps to prevent leaks due to:

  • Water damming in your gutters
  • Wind driven rain
  • Ice dams
  • Vulnerable areas of your roof at the eaves and rake edges
  • Chronic problem areas of your roof like skylights, dormers, vent pipes, chimneys, and other areas covered by flashing.

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How Long Can You Leave Ice And Water Shield Exposed

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. In this manner, can you put ice and water shield on entire roof?

You can insist on installing ice& water shielding throughout your entire roof, especially if you know your home is prone to ice dam leaks. Just be prepared for push-back from your roofer.

Also, do you nail down ice and water shield? Re: Question About Installing Grace Ice/water ShieldLess than 50 degrees and you need to staple your ice shield like felt. It is normally not necessary to mechanically fasten the ice shield in plus 50 tempratures.

People also ask, do you put ice and water shield over felt?

Laying felt and installing ice and water on top of the felt makes zero sense. Felt over the ice and water, yes.

What is the best ice and water shield?

“Grace Ice& Water Shield® has the best adhesion to the roof deck,” said one Wisconsin contractor who uses the roofing underlayment on job sites. “You will not have problems with ice damming, leaks, wind-driven rain anything like that.”

Chimneys Vents Skylights & Flashings

Fast Facts About GAF Roofing’s Ice & Water Shield

Installing an ice and water protector is essential in these areas specifically to protect your roof from wind-driven rain. Skylights, which penetrate the roof deck, will also require an ice and water protector.

Finally, its crucial to install it underneath the flashing or shingles to prevent these from entirely overlapping.

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What Does Felt Paper Do

Traditional felt paper does a decent job at stopping most leaks where water gets under shingles, tiles, metal or slate. It does this by using gravity.

Gravity allows the water to flow over the tar paper down to the edge of the roof. As long as the water doesn’t travel horizontally or along the shaft of a roofing nail, the water will not come in contact with the wood beneath the actual roofing material.

Do You Put Ice And Water Shield Over Felt

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People also ask, does felt go over ice and water shield?

Ice and water shield is different from felt paper because it’s a rubberized membrane that sticks to itself and the wood roof sheathing. It creates a waterproof barrier to standing water if installed correctly. Felt paper does not stick to anything.

Also, how far up should ice and water shield go? The minimum is typically 2 feet above the vertical projection of the inside of the exterior wall. In colder regions, a good practice is to cover the first 3 feet of roof over heated space with ice and water protector. All overhangs should also be covered.

Herein, does underlayment go over ice and water shield?

It is not absolutely necessary but it is extra protection over that area of the roof that could potentially have water backing up from roof edge ice dams, up and under the shingles. Many building codes now require this layer. The point on the roof where this line lands is the top end of the Ice and Water shield.

Does Ice and Water Shield go over the drip edge?

The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier or felt paper over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.

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What Is Roofing Ice Guard

A roofing ice guard is a thick, rubber membrane that is applied directly to the wooden deck of a roof prior to installing shingles but after installing the roof drip guard. It comes with a strong self-adhesive backing that is used for installation.

Beside this, do I need ice shield on my roof?

In areas where the risk of either ice dams or wind-driven rain is severe, it is sometimes recommended, or mandatory, to install ice and water protector over the entire roof, regardless of pitch.

Furthermore, how do you use ice and water shield? Membrane Installation. Apply GRACE ICE& WATER SHIELD® underlayment in fair weather when the air, roof deck, and membrane are at temperatures of 40°F or higher. Apply roof covering material at temperatures of 40°F or higher. Cut the membrane into 1015 ft lengths and reroll loosely.

Also question is, will ice and water shield stick to shingles?

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.

Does Ice and Water Shield go over the drip edge?

The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier or felt paper over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.

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Does Ice And Water Shield Prevent Ice Dams

What is Ice and Water Shield For Your Roof?

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

Dont take our word for it:Read our testimonials and reviews.

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What Is Ice And Water Shield On A Roof

When most homeowners think about a roof, they think about the shingles they see from the street. However, a roof is much more than that.

Your roof is a combination of different materials and components coming together to form a complete roof system. One of these crucial roofing components is ice and water shield.

Here at Bill Ragan Roofing, we want every homeowner to understand the materials that make up their roof. Because of this, well be covering the information you need to know about ice and water shield.

What Brand Offers The Nail Hole Guarantee

The one I used on my own home has this feature and it really works. It’s Grace Ice and Water Shield®.

I covered the ENTIRE roof of my New Hampshire house with Grace Ice and Water Shield. I never have to worry about a roof leak – EVER. CLICK THIS IMAGE NOW TO ORDER SOME AND HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

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Can You Put Ice And Water Shield On Entire Roof

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. In respect to this, should I put ice and water shield on my entire roof?

You can insist on installing ice& water shielding throughout your entire roof, especially if you know your home is prone to ice dam leaks. Just be prepared for push-back from your roofer.

Subsequently, question is, do you nail down ice and water shield? Re: Question About Installing Grace Ice/water ShieldLess than 50 degrees and you need to staple your ice shield like felt. It is normally not necessary to mechanically fasten the ice shield in plus 50 tempratures.

Simply so, can ice and water shield be installed over tar paper?

But if you call them, they will tell you a single layer of ice and water shield is acceptable, no underlayment required over it.

How far up should ice and water shield go?

The minimum is typically 2 feet above the vertical projection of the inside of the exterior wall. In colder regions, a good practice is to cover the first 3 feet of roof over heated space with ice and water protector. All overhangs should also be covered.

Why Do You Need It

Roofing ice and water shield – what not to do

When water gets under your shingles, if you dont have a moisture barrier, youre going to develop a leak. Here are a few ways that can happen.

Ice dam: In winter, accumulated snow can begin to melt on a warm, sunny day. When it does, it flows down your roof, toward the edge. But if temperatures drop before the snow has completely melted, the runoff will refreeze into ice.

When temperatures warm up again, this layer of ice can take longer to melt than the snow behind it. Instead of melting, it becomes a dam, holding back newly melted water, pushing it back up the slope of your roof and underneath your shingles.

Severe storms: Storm season can often bring tornadoes and hurricanes. In severe weather, strong winds may lift shingles, leaving an unprotected area where rain can easily seep in, or push rainwater beneath shingles, causing a leak.

In both of these situations, a waterproof barrier that adheres to the house will prevent water from leaking into your home. Instead, it will guide water downward, into the gutter.

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Ice And Water Shield For Roofs: A Complete Guide

What exactly is an ice and water shield for a roof? Ice and water shield describes a roofing component specifically designed to protect vulnerable areas of roof decking from water damage.

The material is traditionally more popular in northern states where winters are longer and often more severe.

Ice and water shield is usually sold in rolls with a self-adhesive backing, making it useful in protecting roof valleys, drip edges, and essentially anywhere additional protection is needed.

What Ingredients Are In Ice And Water Shield

Ice and water shield contains asphalt cement, a special stretchable membrane, and a fancy co-polymer called styrene butadene styrene .

The SBS component makes the product very sticky.

The ice and water shield roofing material is made with a rubberized asphalt mixture that solves these problems. Because the product has a very sticky backing, it not only adheres well to the wood roofing sheathing, but it also sticks well to the layer below when you overlap the pieces.

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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.

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