Ice and Water Shield
These days a roof is not just shingles thrown on top of the house. Roofing contractors have learned a thing or two to help the homeowner:
· Increase the life of your roof
· Decrease the likelihood of you having interior leaks
Multiple layers are now applied to help insure the reliability of your roofing system. One of those layers is what’s called Ice and Water Shield. It is a waterproof membrane with adhesive backing that is ideally placed:
· In all valleys
· Around all penetrations
· Along all eaves & rakes
· Over the entire roof ( some roofing systems)
The particulars can vary depending on the roofing package you purchase. Make sure you ask your Roofing Sales Representative what would be best for your home and make sure to get the details included in your contract.
How Does It Protect Your Roof
When Ice and Water Shield is placed in the Valleys of your roof, it is applied like a sticker. It has a peel on the back of the surface and as you take that off, the strong adhesive located on the underside is literally glued to substrate of the valley.
This allows:
· Water to run off rather than sink in
· Helps redirect that water to your Guttering System
· Helps hold heat and air in your attic (decreases utility bills)
When overlayed along the edge with CertainTeed Roof Runner Synthetic Underlayment, it forms a double barrier for any water that would potentially get under your shingle or metal roof.
Ice and Water Concerns
1. No Ice and Water Shield in areas of high water and snow accumulation or runoff
· Valleys
· Around Pipes
· Around Vents
· Low-slope Sidewalls
All these areas receive higher amounts of water runoff and thus are subject to higher leaking risks. To mediate those risks, it is a good idea to have the waterproof protection that is provided by the waterproof barrier.
2. Improperly installed Ice and Water Shield
· Not enough coverage up the valley
· Not enough overlap around the pipe or vent it is encircling
· Nails in the middle of the barrier
· No overlap from the Synthetic Underlayment
It is a good idea to ask your roofing company to provide references of past customers and addresses of houses they have done, that you can drive by to look at. If you do have leaks in your ceiling around any of the aforementioned problem areas, it is a good idea to have some one come and inspect your roof.
3. Storm damage
Often during a storm it is the valleys, pipes, vents, and perimeter that suffer the most damage. If you recently had a bad storm, snow, ice, or high winds, it’s a good idea to look at the areas on your roof where water can accumulate. Check for damage or signs of water pooling in a particular place.
If you have doubts about whether or not your roof is stopping wind and water, call True Line Roofing and let’s set up your Complimentary Roof Inspection today! 270.978.0239
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