Ice and Water Shield Roofing: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Home
Ice and Water Shield Roofing: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Home
Ice and water shield roofing is becoming increasingly popular as a way to protect homes from the elements. This type of roofing is applied as an additional layer of protection beneath the shingles, providing a waterproof barrier against ice dams, wind-driven rain, and other threats. If youre considering installing an ice and water shield on your roof, heres everything you need to know:
What is Ice and Water Shield Roofing?
Ice and water shield roofing is a self-adhering membrane that is applied to the roof deck before the shingles are installed. It is made of a modified bitumen or polymer-based material that is designed to resist water penetration and remain flexible in cold temperatures.
Benefits of Ice and Water Shield Roofing
Ice and water shield roofing offers a number of benefits, including:
* **Protects against ice dams:** Ice dams are a common problem in cold climates, where snow and ice can accumulate on the roof and prevent water from draining properly. This can lead to water damage to the roof, walls, and ceilings. Ice and water shield roofing helps to prevent ice dams by creating a barrier that water cannot penetrate.
* **Prevents wind-driven rain:** Wind-driven rain can also be a problem for homes, especially in coastal areas. High winds can drive rain through even the smallest cracks in the roof, causing water damage. Ice and water shield roofing helps to prevent wind-driven rain by sealing the roof deck and creating a waterproof barrier.
* **Protects against other threats:** Ice and water shield roofing can also protect your home from other threats, such as hail, snow, and debris. It helps to keep the roof deck dry and prevents moisture from penetrating the roof.
Installation of Ice and Water Shield Roofing
Ice and water shield roofing is installed by a professional roofer. The roofer will first clean the roof deck and apply a primer. The ice and water shield is then rolled out and adhered to the roof deck. The seams between the sheets of ice and water shield are then sealed with a special tape.
Cost of Ice and Water Shield Roofing
The cost of ice and water shield roofing varies depending on the size of your roof and the type of material used. However, it is generally a cost-effective way to protect your home from water damage.
Warranty Information
Ice and water shield roofing typically comes with a warranty of 10 to 20 years. This warranty protects against defects in the material or workmanship.
Insurance Benefits
Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners insurance premiums for homes with ice and water shield roofing. This is because ice and water shield roofing can help to reduce the risk of water damage, which can be a costly repair.
Stories From the Field
Here are a few stories from the field that illustrate the benefits of ice and water shield roofing:
* A homeowner in Minnesota had an ice and water shield installed on their roof before a winter storm. The storm brought heavy snow and ice, but the ice and water shield prevented any water damage to the roof.
* A homeowner in Florida had an ice and water shield installed on their roof before a hurricane. The hurricane brought high winds and heavy rain, but the ice and water shield prevented any water damage to the roof.
* A homeowner in California had an ice and water shield installed on their roof before a wildfire. The wildfire burned the shingles on the roof, but the ice and water shield prevented the fire from spreading to the roof deck.
Interesting Facts
Here are a few interesting facts about ice and water shield roofing:
* Ice and water shield roofing can help to increase the lifespan of your roof.
* Ice and water shield roofing is a fire-resistant material.
* Ice and water shield roofing is environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Ice and water shield roofing is a cost-effective way to protect your home from water damage. It is a durable and long-lasting material that can help to increase the lifespan of your roof. If you are considering installing a new roof, be sure to ask your contractor about ice and water shield roofing.
