Ice and water shield is a great investments for any home, but it’s especially important if you live in an area where the weather can be unpredictable. If you’re not sure whether or not your home needs this type of protection, then it’s a good idea to contact a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to assess your needs and recommend the best course of action.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how ice and water shield can protect your roof and why it’s such an important investment.
What is an ice and water shield roof?
Ice and water shield roof is a self-adhesive membrane that is applied to the roof decking before installing the shingles. The ice and water shield roof acts as a barrier, preventing water from seeping into the home or building. It is also effective at preventing ice dams from forming on the roof. When installed properly, an ice and water shield roof can help to extend the life of your roof and keep your home or building dry and comfortable.
Isolated areas of your roof, such as roof valleys, around penetrations, and on roofs with a 2/12, 3/12, or 4/12 pitch need to have an ice and water shield put in place. Because of its significance, every roof should have one.
Is ice and water shield necessary for my roof?
If you are installing a new roof, ice and water protector is not always required. Depending on the place you live, such as in many northern areas of the US and Canada, ice and water shield is necessary and mandated by building codes. In some southern states, building code authorities do not require ice and water protectors. However if it isn’t required, ice and water protector has a lot of benefits to help safeguard your roof.
When correctly installed and used with the appropriate materials, an ice and water protector membrane is a better option for leak prevention than a roof felt. Ice and water protector is part of a complex system that protects your roofing system, including shingles and underlayments.
How do you know if you need an ice and water shield roof?
One way to tell if you need an ice and water shield roof is by checking for ice dams. Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home, melts the snow on your roof, and the water runs down to the edge of your roof where it freezes again. This ice can then dam up the gutters, preventing proper drainage. As a result, water can back up under shingles and cause damage to your roof and home.
Another way to tell if you need an ice and water shield roof is by checking for leaks. If you notice any leaks in your ceiling or walls after heavy rain, it’s a sign that water is getting through your roof and into your home. Water damage can be costly to repair, so it’s important to catch any leaks early. An ice and water shield roof can help to prevent both ice dams and leaks, protecting your home from weather damage.
3 types of ice and water shield
Ice and water shields are available in three types: granular/sand surface, smooth, and high heat.
The thinnest of the three types is granular or sand surface ice and water shield, which is used in roof valleys. It does the same thing as the other two variants and does an excellent job.
On low slope roofs or flat roofs, a smooth ice and water shield is used. This type is appropriate when a roof has a 2/12, 3/12, or 4/12 pitch.
Cotton-like fibers make up the heat and water shield on metal roofs. Because it’s composed of a material that won’t adhere to metal when it expands and contracts, it won’t stick to metal.
How much does ice and water shield roof cost?
Roofing materials costs fluctuate considerably and vary by location. Because of this, it’s impossible to provide you with a precise price range for ice and water shield.
Granular ice and water shield begin at $50 per row of material, which is 3 feet by 33 feet. Smooth ice and water shield cost approximately $100 per square to install beneath a low slope roof (100 square feet of roof area).
A high-heat ice and water shield will set you back about $125 per square. While these numbers aren’t accurate, they do serve as a guideline for what to anticipate when it comes to installing ice and water shield on your roof.
Get ice and water shield installation today!
So, do you need an ice and water shield on your roof? The answer is most likely yes. This added layer of protection can help keep your home and family safe from the dangers of winter weather. If you’re in the market for a new roof in Seattle, be sure to ask your Seattle roofing contractor about adding an ice and water shield – it could save you a lot of trouble down the road. And if you’re already enjoying a brand-new roof this winter, don’t forget to have an ice and water shield installed! No one wants their hard work ruined by a single bout of bad weather. Give us a call today to get started on protecting your home with an ice and water shield!
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