The Best Uses of Ice & Water Shield Roofing

Waterproofing

• Ice and water shield is a rubberized asphalt adhesive that is backed by a layer of cross-laminated polyethylene. The adhesive side is affixed to the roof and the polyethylene side faces up to provides waterproofing on roofs that are exposed to wind-driven rains. Ice and water shield is also best used as leak protection in the areas of your roof that are prone to leaks, such as valleys and around protrusions like chimneys. It helps to hold shingles in place as well by forming a seal around the nail that fastens the shingle to the roof. This prevents water from being blown under the shingle, and if moisture does get through, it won’t pass through the sealed nail hole to damage your roof deck.

Weather Guard

• Ice and water shield is an ideal underlayment in cold, snowy climates, and in regions where winters bring milder temperatures along with wind-driven rain. Ice and water shield is not used to prevent ice dams from forming, but because it is adhered directly to the roof deck and seals itself at each seam and nail hole, it prevents the moisture that results when this ice melts from leaking through to the roof deck where it can cause damage.

Seam Sealer

• Ice and water shield is an ideal seam-sealing material to use along gutter lines and flashings, or any areas of the roof where there is a seam or gap which could allow water to leak through. It is typically installed on sloped roofs with pitches of 6/12 or less, although it can be installed on roofs with a steeper pitch. It is not recommended as an underlayment or seam sealer on flat roofs.

Recommended Roof Materials

• Ice and water shield is under most residential sloped roofing materials including asphalt, slate, and tile shingles. It may be used under some metal roofing systems, but metal roofs that are welded between panels require that two layers of roofing felt be placed in the seam area to protect the membrane from damage. Although, it's important to note that in all other roofing applications, ice and water shield is not placed over or under roofing felt. If you're installing a metal roof, check with the manufacturer for special design requirements before applying ice and water shield beneath the metal.