Your roof is your home’s most important layer of protection against moisture. When your roof fails to perform adequately, water can seep into your attic, eventually creating leaks in your ceiling, water damage, and a host of other issues.
If you want to add an extra defense against moisture, you may benefit from an ice and water shield on your roof. This roof underlayment can provide a tight seal to prevent water from seeping under your roof’s underlayment and into your attic. Read on to learn more about ice and water shields.
If you roof needs attention, contact our team at Aspect Roofing Co. for a free installation estimate. We provide roofing services in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and beyond! If you are thinking about installing a new roof, or replacing an old roof, schedule a time for us provide you with honest quote for service.
What Is an Ice and Water Shield?
An ice and water shield is a waterproofing roof underlayment that can protect your roof against leaks and moisture from ice dams and wind-driven rain. This underlayment is self-adhesive and consists of polymer-modified bitumen that creates a watertight seal on the roof deck.
Ice and water shields are important in areas that experience high snow accumulations and large amounts of wind-driven rain. These conditions can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roofing structure.
Ice and water shields can prevent water, snow, and ice from sitting on your roof, preventing ice dams from forming. They can also create a barrier to prevent water from seeping under your roof tiles.
Does Iowa Require Ice and Water Shields?
Areas with above-average snow accumulation often require ice and water shields in their building codes. The state of Iowa averages 30 inches of snow per year, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 28 inches. As a result, many cities throughout Iowa require ice and water shields.
You can contact our roofing company to determine whether an ice and water shield is required in your city.
Benefits of Ice and Water Shields
Ice and water shields are highly effective products for homeowners at risk of ice and water seeping under their roof tiles. Here are a few benefits of ice and water shields:
Adhere to Most Materials
Ice and water shields are self-adhesive and very sticky, allowing them to create a strong seal with most materials. You can feel confident that an ice and water shield will provide reliable protection for asphalt, fiberglass, tile, and metal roofing.
Self-Seal Around Roofing Nails
Your roofing company probably installed your roof material using nails. If these nails are not completely secure, they can produce gaps that allow moisture to seep through the roof.
However, ice and water shields self-seal around nails, creating stronger protection in these areas.
Other Considerations For Installing an Ice and Water Shield
Here are a few important factors to note as you consider installing an ice and water shield:
Ideal in Specific Roof Areas
Roofs with low slopes are at a greater risk of snow and ice buildup than higher slopes and typically benefit the most from full-coverage ice and water shields. However, most other roofs do not need an ice and water shield over the entire roof decking.
Instead, you can receive adequate protection by installing the shield around these areas:
- Eaves and roof edges
- Valleys
- Chimneys
- Vents
- Skylights
- Flashing
Must Install Before Other Underlayments and Shingles
Ice and water shields go under your roof’s underlayments and shingles. As a result, the best time to install these accessories is during the initial roof installation.
Some companies advertise ice and water shields that go over your existing roof tiles, but these products are typically not very reliable.
Challenging to Install in Hot Weather
Temperatures above 60 degrees can cause ice and water shields to become very sticky. As a result, installing these shields in hot weather can be challenging. If you’re looking to install an ice and water shield in the summer, be sure to work with a professional, experienced roofing company like Aspect Roofing Co.
Cannot Install in Rain
Your roof decking must be completely dry before you can install an ice and water shield. As a result, your roofing company cannot apply this shield in rainy conditions.
If you’re considering installing an ice and water shield as part of your new roof installation, contact Aspect Roofing Co. today at 319-382-0073. We provide outstanding roofing installation services throughout Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty and beyond!
