Continuing our series on understanding roofing underlayment, we will discuss the importance of ice and water shield for homes in the Wichita, KS area including McPherson, Hutchinson, and Newton.
What is ice and water shield underlayment?
Ice and water shield is a fully adhered underlayment to help resist wind driven rain and water back up due to ice damming. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow (and therefore, water) from draining off the roof. This water backs up behind the ice dam and can leak into your home, causing significant damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and more
Ice and water shield is usually composed of a rubber membrane and a slip-resistant coating, depending on the manufacturer. It is extremely versatile and can be installed on a variety of steep slope roofing products such as asphalt shingles like 3-tab, composition shingles, architectural shingles, tile, slate, metal panels, and standing seam roofing systems. It is generally 3 ft. wide and is distributed in 1–2 sq. rolls in this region.
What are benefits of ice and water shield?
- Seals around fasteners: Due to the rubberized membrane, it resists leakage.
- Adhesion to the decking: It firmly bonds to the decking of the roof without heat or special adhesive.
- Watertight lapping: All laps in the product make water tight bonds due to the adhesive backing and rubber membrane construction.
- Protects decking under all steep slope roofing products.
- Potentially re-roofable: Due to the rubberized nature of the product, it is potentially re-roofable and can be left in place after tear-off of a roof surface.
Ice and water shields can be required by local building codes
If you have a closed valley configuration on your roof, a product like this is required by local code. All closed valleys require a valley liner per municipal code to protect into the event of wind-driven or ice-driven water penetration. In Kansas, we are far enough south that code requirements of ice and water shield being installed on eaves, rakes, hips, and ridges do not apply. In the northern region of the United States, this is required per municipal codes.
Pay attention to underlayment in roofing estimates
This is one very specific item to review in all your proposals for roof replacement to ensure it is included to meet minimum code requirements or as an upgraded feature to your roof replacement. Even if you have metal valleys, this product can still be installed and will provide superior protection.
Looking for a new roof or need a roof inspection in the Wichita, KS area?
If you are seeking a roof replacement and would like a free inspection of your existing roof system (some exclusions apply), please do not hesitate to reach us at (316) 665-8482 or request a quote online.