Where Does Ice and Water Shield Go on a Roof to Prevent Leaks and Damage?
Where Does Ice and Water Shield Go on a Roof?
Ice and water shield, also known as “peel and stick,” should be applied on vulnerable areas of a roof to protect them from ice and water damage.
These areas include eaves, rake edges, overhangs, valleys, vent stacks, chimneys, dormers, skylights, and low-slope roofs.
In severe conditions, it may be necessary to install ice and water shield over the entire roof.
It should be installed directly onto the roof deck after placing the drip edge at the eave and before other underlayments.
When installing it around roof features, it should be placed below flashing.
The deck must be dry for proper adhesion, and it should not be installed in the rain.
Ice and water shield does not require permanent fasteners as it has self-adhesive backing.
The width and length of the shield depend on the expected level of ice dams and local building codes.
Key Points:
- Ice and water shield is applied on vulnerable areas of a roof to protect them from ice and water damage.
- These areas include eaves, rake edges, overhangs, valleys, vent stacks, chimneys, dormers, skylights, and low-slope roofs.
- In severe conditions, ice and water shield may need to be installed over the entire roof.
- The shield should be installed directly onto the roof deck after placing the drip edge at the eave and before other underlayments.
- When installing around roof features, the shield should be placed below flashing.
- Ice and water shield does not require permanent fasteners and has self-adhesive backing.
Did You Know?
1. Ice and water shield, a key component of roofing systems, is typically installed on the eaves and valleys of a roof to prevent water leaks and ice dam formation.
2. The material used in ice and water shield is composed of a durable rubberized asphalt blend, making it highly resistant to extreme weather conditions.
3. Ice and water shield is often self-adhering, meaning it does not require nails or fasteners for installation, allowing for a quicker and easier application process.
4. In addition to protecting against water infiltration, ice and water shield also acts as an additional layer of insulation, helping to reduce heat loss within the home.
5. While most commonly applied on roofs located in areas prone to heavy snow and ice, ice and water shield can also be beneficial in regions with significant rainfall or high winds, providing an extra level of protection from water damage.
Key Component Of Ice And Water Protector: Polymer-Modified Bitumen
One of the key components of ice and water protector, also known as “peel and stick,” is polymer-modified bitumen. This material is specifically designed to create a waterproof barrier on the roof. Polymer-modified bitumen is a type of asphalt that has been modified with polymer additives. This modification enhances the material’s flexibility and durability, making it an excellent choice for protecting vulnerable areas on the roof from ice and water damage.
The polymer-modified bitumen serves as the backbone of the ice and water protector’s effectiveness. Its unique properties allow it to withstand extreme temperatures and resist cracking, even in freezing conditions. This means that the ice and water protector can provide reliable protection for the roof throughout the winter months when ice dams and heavy snowfall could potentially lead to water infiltration.
- Polymer-modified bitumen creates a waterproof barrier on the roof
- Enhances flexibility and durability of the material
- Withstands extreme temperatures and resists cracking, even in freezing conditions
“Polymer-modified bitumen is the key component of ice and water protector. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for protecting vulnerable areas on the roof from ice and water damage.”
Areas Where Ice And Water Protector Should Be Applied
To effectively prevent leaks and damage caused by ice and water, ice and water protector should be applied on various areas of the roof. These vulnerable areas include:
- Eaves
- Rake edges
- Overhangs
- Valleys
- Vent stacks
- Chimneys
- Dormers
- Skylights
- Low-slope roofs
These locations are particularly prone to ice dams, where melted snow can accumulate and refreeze, causing water to seep through the roof and into the structure.
In regions where the risk of ice dams or wind-driven rain is severe, it may be recommended or even mandatory to install ice and water protector over the entire roof. This extra layer of protection ensures that no potential entry points for water exist, safeguarding the roof against any possible leaks or damage caused by ice and water.
- Ice and water protector should be applied on vulnerable areas of the roof:
- Eaves
- Rake edges
- Overhangs
- Valleys
- Vent stacks
- Chimneys
- Dormers
- Skylights
- Low-slope roofs
- Applying ice and water protector on these areas helps prevent leaks and damage caused by ice and water.
- In regions with severe risk of ice dams or wind-driven rain, it may be necessary to install ice and water protector over the entire roof.
- This extra layer of protection ensures no potential entry points for water exist, safeguarding the roof against leaks and damage caused by ice and water.
Recommendations For Installing Ice And Water Protector
When installing ice and water protector, it is important to follow certain recommendations to ensure its effectiveness and proper adhesion.
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Dry deck: First and foremost, the deck must be dry before installation. It is not recommended to install the ice and water protector in the rain, as moisture can hinder proper adhesion.
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Placement: Additionally, it is crucial to apply the ice and water protector directly onto the roof deck after placing the drip edge at the eave. The ice and water protector should be installed before other underlayments, including roof felt. This sequence allows for a comprehensive and layered approach to roof protection, with the ice and water protector serving as the primary barrier against moisture infiltration.
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Around roof features: When installing around roof features such as dormers and chimneys, it is advisable to place the ice and water protector below the flashing. This ensures that water is effectively directed away from these areas and does not penetrate the roof.
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Properly prepare the deck by ensuring it is dry before installation.
- Apply the ice and water protector directly onto the roof deck after placing the drip edge at the eave.
- Install the ice and water protector before other underlayments, such as roof felt.
- Place the ice and water protector below the flashing when installing around roof features.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific ice and water protector being used.
Proper Installation Procedure For Ice And Water Protector
To achieve maximum protection against leaks and damage, it is essential to follow the proper installation procedure for ice and water protector. If two courses of ice and water protector are needed widthwise, the bottom course should be applied first, followed by the second course overlapping the first course. This overlap provides an additional layer of protection and helps prevent any potential gaps where water could penetrate.
Most ice and water protector products are 3 feet wide, meaning that additional coverage may require multiple courses. It is important to carefully calculate the amount of material needed to ensure adequate coverage and protection for the roof.
Since ice and water protectors have self-adhesive backing, they do not require permanent fasteners. This feature simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need for additional tools or equipment. The self-adhesive backing ensures a secure bond between the ice and water protector and the roof deck, creating a reliable seal against moisture infiltration.
Factors To Consider When Using Ice And Water Protector
While ice and water protector offers excellent protection against ice dams and water damage, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to apply it to the entire roof. In most cases, targeted application on vulnerable areas is sufficient. Synthetic underlayment options may be more suitable for covering larger areas of the roof due to their cost-effectiveness.
The width of the ice and water protector needed depends on the expected level of ice dams and local building codes. It is important to take these factors into account when selecting the appropriate width of the ice and water protector, as insufficient coverage could compromise the roof’s protection against water infiltration.
Ultimately, proper installation and strategic placement of ice and water protector are crucial to ensure a leak-free and durable roofing system. By following the recommended guidelines and considering the specific requirements of the roof, homeowners can effectively safeguard their roofs against the damaging effects of ice and water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does ice and water shield go over the whole roof?
Yes, incorporating an ice and water shield over the entire roof can prove beneficial, particularly in regions prone to intense winds. By providing comprehensive coverage, this shield can effectively minimize the risk of leaks and safeguard your roof against potential damage caused by extreme weather conditions. Thus, if you reside in an area with frequent strong winds, considering the installation of an ice and water shield across your entire roof would be a prudent choice to ensure enhanced protection and peace of mind.
Why is the ice and water shield put on the roof?
The ice and water shield is applied to the roof to provide a protective layer against the potential dangers of ice dams and wind-driven rain. Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the roof’s lower edge, causing water to back up under the roof covering. The ice and water shield acts as a barrier, preventing this water from seeping into the roof system and potentially causing leaks and damage to the structure. Additionally, it also acts as a defense against wind-driven rain, which can enter through gaps in the roof covering. By providing a watertight seal, the ice and water shield helps safeguard the roofing system from potential water infiltration and ensures the overall durability and longevity of the roof.
What roof pitch requires ice and water shield?
Roof pitches of 2/12, 3/12, and 4/12 necessitate the use of an ice and water shield. These pitches are considered flatter, and as such, they hold more water, making the installation of an ice and water shield crucial for protection against potential water damage. Furthermore, considering the climate conditions, homes located above the US snowline are required by coding laws to have an ice and water shield to safeguard against snow-related issues.
Does ice and water shield go under metal roof?
Yes, ice and water shield should be installed under a metal roof. In the case of metal roofing, it is crucial to use a high-heat ice and water shield as the underlayment. This special type of shield features cotton-like fibers that allow for smooth expansion and contraction of the metal roof system without sticking to it. By placing the ice and water shield beneath the metal roof, it provides an additional layer of protection against potential leaks and water infiltration.