Friday, March 29, 2024

Ice And Water Shield Under Shingles

Can I Use Drip Edge With Ice And Water Shield

Ice and Water shield underlayment in valleys

Yes. In fact, most manufacturers recommend using drip edge flashing as added protection for both the roof decking and the fascia board. To illustrate, roof decking generally extends beyond the edge of the rafters by approximately an inch to encourage rain or snow to fall straight into the gutter.

However, in practice, this protects neither the roof decking nor the fascia board to a large extent. Drip edge solves this problem by encasing both the lower edge of the decking and the upper edge of the fascia in metal, which is usually aluminum or galvanized steel.

Since ice and water shield is self-adhesive, it will stick to almost anything it touches. This allows the material to adhere to wood, metal, or even itself. When ice and water shield is used in conjunction with drip edge, the bond created protects the structure from the top of the roof all the way to the gutter. This design, along with flashing, is considered to provide the most complete protection of a typical residential roof system.

Where an ice and water shield is to be installed, it is important to install the tar paper, ice and water shield, and drip edge in the correct order. Since weve noted that the ice and water shield attaches directly to the roof decking, it will be installed first. Most professional roof installers will then install the tar paper over the ice and water shield, as this increases the total thickness of the underlayment.

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.

General Guidelines For Installing Ice And Water Shields For Your Roof

When using roof paper or rubber sheeting, always use self-sealing nails or staples to secure the material in place. Try not to puncture the top coat of either material.

If you have a lot of penetrations in your roof ice and water shield, its best to use a polymer modified bitumen membrane instead.

When using a rolled rubber product, try not to puncture or tear the material as you work your way along the roof edge.

When working on sloped roofs, always position yourself so youre walking downhill as this will allow the material to slip under your feet as its being installed.

If you have a severely pitched roof or a steep roof pitch with several ridges and valleys, it may be best to use a polymer modified bitumen membrane instead of ice and water shield materials.

A rubber card or sheet product can be difficult to install in these conditions and may result in damage to the membrane.

Sometimes ice and water shield materials dont always adhere well in colder climates. If youre working in extremely cold temperatures, use a heat gun or electric heater on the installation area prior to installing your material.

This will help warm up the roof deck and improve adhesion.

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Do You Put Underlayment Over Ice And Water Shield

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific installation requirements of the project. In general however, it is recommended to install underlayment over ice and water shield in order to provide additional protection against water infiltration.

Water and ice are barriers that adhere to one another using self-adhesive tape. A sheet of release film with a split back is similar to a peel-and-stick sheet of film. In fact, not all roofing underlayments are the same. A rolled material like felt paper or tar paper is commonly used by roofers to nail shingles under shingles. When it comes to protecting your roof in the event of blow-offs or wind-driven rain, synthetic felt is better because it does not pose the same problems as felt paper. When water flows backward and rain falls, it keeps your roof dry. If you need to protect the most vulnerable areas on your roof, an ice and water shield can be installed.

Chimneys Vents Skylights & Flashings

Vycor GRACE ICE &  WATER SHIELD® HT 36

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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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.

Synthetic Membranes As Ice And Water Shields

Most synthetic membranes are referred to as polymer modified bitumen membranes because theyre made by adding a special blend of polymers during the manufacturing process.

This makes the material more flexible, elastic, stronger and less susceptible to damage due to abrasion, environmental exposure or physical damage.

Most synthetic membranes are sold in rolls that are 12 wide and are pre-cut to specific lengths. A top coat is added during the manufacturing process so theres no need for an additional coating on installation.

While most manufacturers recommend using their products with ice and water shields, its not always necessary.

Polymer modified bitumen membranes work well without ice and water shield materials because theyre made with an aggressive adhesive to ensure a long lasting bond.

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Is It Difficult To Install An Ice And Water Shield In Hot Weather

It is challenging to install one in humid weather. As far as heat is concerned, your ice and water protector is extremely sticky and slip resistant on its own.

Hot weather and warmer temperatures will make it even more sticky, which can be a serious challenge in the installation process.

If you unroll this on your roof without first snapping the proper alignment, it will become crooked and mind you, you cant pull it back out. Or, if you do, it will almost always cause a wrinkle.

The best solution is to ask your roofing company if they have experience handling an ice and water protector in hot weather.

Remember, poor installation can lead to placing your home even more at risk from ice dams, so its better to ask the necessary questions before proceeding with the installation.

Should You Cover Your Entire Roof With Ice And Water Shields

Building The Farmhouse | Day 48

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.

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Felt Sheets As Ice And Water Shields

Felt is a natural, organic product made from compressed fibers of recycled cotton and synthetic fibers.

Manufacturers add an acrylic or asphalt based top coat to the product to enhance its durability and water resistance. In most cases felt paper is faced with aluminum or a polymer modified bitumen membrane.

Felt paper is typically sold in rolls that have been pre-cut into 12 wide strips which are fastened directly to the roof deck with nails or staples. The entire length of each strip is coated in a top coat and should be lapped over the bottom strip .

Benefits Of Weathermaster Ice & Water 216 Roof Underlayment

  • UV Protected Surface 45 Day Exposure
  • High Temperature Stability 240°F
  • Self-Adhesive Backing Seals Directly to The Deck
  • 55 Mil Thick, 38% Above Industry Requirement
  • Dual Modified Asphalt Provides Superior Granular Adhesion
  • Increased Granule Adhesion for Better Traction
  • Fiberglass Mat Provides Better Tear Resistance Than Saturated Felt Underlayment
  • Atlas Signature Select® Roofing System Eligible

When wind-blown rain and ice dams are an ever-present threat, WeatherMaster® Ice & Water 216 provides an extra layer of protection between the roof system and the elements.

Technical & Installation Details

For maximum protection and warranty coverage, install an Atlas Signature Select® Roofing System with components designed and backed by an Atlas Warranty.

1Atlas WeatherMaster® Ice & Water

UL Classified as a Prepared Roofing Accessory Florida Building Code Approved – FL 17322 UL Class A and Class C Fire Rating Miami-Dade County Product Control Approved, Miami-Dade County, Florida

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Can You Put Ice And Water Shield Over Shingles

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific roofing situation. However, in general, it is not recommended to put ice and water shield over shingles as it can potentially cause leaks.

Ice Shield Strips are rubberized strips that must be applied over bare sheathing to form a protective layer. It is recommended that shingles be removed three feet from the eaves. It is not necessary to remove shingles on other roofs with just one layer of shingles. Applying a layer of polyethylene plastic on the floor and driving pressure-treated 24 sleepers 16 inches apart is a cutting-edge technique for covering basement floors. There is no need to use plywood when installing hardwood strip flooring. Strapping a wall and installing shingles might also work, but by adding 1/4-inch to 1 1/2 inches, the wall will be made to fit.

Do I Need An Ice And Water Shield

Building Product: Leak Barriers (Ice and Water Shield)

Certain roof areas, like valleys, need ice and water shields. A roofing valley occurs when two slopes meet to form a valley in the roofing. Since water flows towards these areas, having an ice and water shield under the roof finish is necessary.

Another factor determining if you need an ice and water shield is your roofs pitch. Roofs with pitches of 2/12, 3/12, and 4/12 should have ice and water shields from one end to the other. Flatter roofs hold more water, making an ice and water shield necessary.

Also, consider the climate. Coding laws require homes above the US snowline to have an ice and water shield. The shield must run along the roofs edge to prevent ice from damming after a heavy snowstorm.

If you live in an area that faces heavy annual snowfall, plan on installing two rows of shield to your roofs eaves and peaks.

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Prevention Strategies For Ice Dams

Attic Ventilation

One of the primary causes of rooftop snowmelt is improper attic ventilation. The ideal is for the attic temperature to be the same as the exterior temperature.

What causes elevated attic temperatures?

Both air leakage through the ceiling and minimal or insufficient insulation can contribute to elevated attic temperatures.

Properly located ventilation with sufficient net free area can help direct the warmed air away from the attic minimizing snowmelt.

What is sufficient net free area?

Attics should have properly sized intake and exhaust vents positioned to provide balanced airflow. Vent sizes are expressed in net free vent area which accounts for any grilles, or filters to give you the actual open area for airflow for each vent.

Why is insufficient or lack of attic ventilation a problem?

Insufficient ventilation that allows the attic to get warm can cause snow to melt and equally as important, a lack of ventilation can allow condensation to form on the interior side of the roof deck leading to wood rot and potential for mold growth.

How can I make sure my attic is properly ventilated?

There are many ways to properly ventilate your attic, including:

A balanced soffit and ridge vent system is recommended, but other options can provide proper ventilation also.

Pro Tip: The Owens Corning Vent Calculator is a great tool to use to see if your home has enough roof ventilation and to determine the amount of ventilation you need.

Attic Insulation

Help Theres An Ice Dam On My Roof

If you live in a region with frequent heavy snowfalls and frigid winter temperatures, ice dams are a seasonal risk. Ice and water barriers are your best defense for preventing water leaks caused by ice dams.

Ice and water barriers are:

  • Self-Sealing, preventing water infiltration around nails
  • Waterproof, giving added protection to valleys and roof openings
  • Self-Adhesive, allowing no space for water migration

Ice and water barriers are also installation-friendly, offering a slip-resistant surface to workers and suitable for cold weather applications. Owens Corning has eight specially designed ice and water barriers sure to meet the needs of any homeowner.

Did You Know: If you live in an area with an average January temperature below 20 degrees F, your building code probably requires a waterproofing barrier underneath the shingles along the eaves.

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Does Ice And Water Shield Go Under Valley Metal

Valleys on roofs are more prone to wear and tear than other sections due to a larger amount of water that can accumulate there. The center of this valley is the line that runs from the roof to the ground. The valley below is lined with rolled metal covered in ice and water. Metal would naturally run through the ice and water shield found here!

What Is Ice & Water Shield

[ROOFING] ICE & WATER SHIELD® underlayment

Ice & water shield is a thick, sticky-back underlayment that will adhere to your roof deck and prevent water from seeping into your home if it gets under your shingles.

If an ice dam occurs on your roof and water backs up under the shingles it will seep down into your home through the nail holes holding the shingles on and into your attic. Once there it will saturate plywood, insulation, and drywall, which will lead to interior home repairs on your walls, ceilings, paint, and insulation.

Ice & water shield acts as a gasket around each of those nail holes, creating a water-tight barrier that wont let any leaks happen. If water does get under the shingles, it will stay on top of the ice & water shield and run off your roof where it belongs.

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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
  • 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.

Is Roofing Felt The Same As Ice And Water Shield

Ice and water shield is different from felt paper because its a rubberized membrane that sticks to itself and the wood roof sheathing. It creates a waterproof barrier to standing water if installed correctly. Roofing ice and water shield may look like traditional felt paper, but its vastly different in performance.

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What Is Shingle Underlayment

The purpose of the shingle underlayment is to provide an additional moisture-resistant layer to back up your roof shingles. For many years, felt-paper served as the leading type of shingle underlayment. As continual improvements in the building materials industry came about, synthetic underlayments emerged as the preeminent underlayment material used today. Though pricier than felt, synthetic underlayments are lighter in weight, better at lying flat and offer superior water resistance so much so that the high end synthetic underlayments can serve as temporary, short-term roof covers.

In a modern roof system, a professional contractor will actually install two different underlayments to maximize protection from the elements. The first underlayment is a waterproof ice and water membrane that is installed along the perimeter on the roof to protect a roof from ice damming – read more on ice dams HERE – as well as areas where roof planes meet to form valleys, which naturally channel high water flow in wet weather and other roof penetrations such as skylights, plumbing vents, roof to wall intersections, etc. The second underlayment is a tear and water resistant material that covers the remaining areas of the roof deck and also provides a high traction walking surface that increases safety for the contractors installing the roof.

Where Can I Use Ice And Water Shield

GCP Applied Technologies Grace Ice and Water Shield 36 in. x 75 ft ...

In theory, the entire roof deck can be protected with ice and water shield. In most situations, it is used to protect the most vulnerable areas of shingle, mechanically attached tiles, and even standing seam metal roofs.

In practice, most professional roofing installers just install it in these vulnerable areas, or because the building code requires it. Ice and water shield is commonly used on low pitch roofs, and anywhere water tends to move slowly off of the roof.

Standing or slowly moving water is the enemy of roof decking, so any roof pitch lower than 3/12 should have ice and water shield installed, at least in the most vulnerable areas.

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