Make Your Roof Winter-Proof Using Ice And Water Shield

Winter comes with many things. It’s the time when all nature goes into a state of hibernation and seems to hide from the harsh weather. It is also a uniquely beautiful season and an opportunity to experience the glamour of the falling snowflakes. On the other hand, it can be quite a risky season not only because of the cold, but also because of the moisture that comes from thawing ice. One of the many considerations you need to make when ensuring that you have a winter-proof roof is to check if you have ice and water shield (IWS). This technology is aimed at eliminating many of your winter roofing worries and is part of modern roofing systems. The following post explains more about this:

Just what is ICE and water shield? It is a type of roof underlayment used in new construction and re-roofing projects. It is commonly used in leak-prone areas near eaves and in valleys. Also, it is frequently applied in problem areas like chimneys, skylights, dormers and vent pipes. Sometimes, for the ultimate in leak protection, this special membrane is installed across the entire roof.

• A properly installed ice and water shield protects against the following:
• Ice dams
• Wind-driven rain
• Flowing water
• Seepage Read more at Brax Roofing…

[caption id="attachment_7635" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Image Courtesy of Wikimedia[/caption] As the post above explains, the ice and water shield is placed below the roofing material to protect your roof and other fragile parts of the roof from leaks and seepage. You may be wondering how the shield protects your roof from damage and how it functions in order to ensure you have a winter-proof home. The following post explains the way ice and water shield enhances your roof’s ability to keep the elements out:

How does Ice and Water Shield work?

This water proofing underlayment is made of asphalt that is modified with plastic that prevents moisture from penetrating this protective barrier. Currently, this product comes on a roll that is approximately 3’ wide. Most underlayments are fastened, however ice and water shield is uniquely designed and it is the only underlayment that is not fastened. In fact this product has a factory applied adhesive. On the back side of this underlayment is a product similar to butcher paper that is part of the factory packaging. When ice and water shield is installed the roofer removes this wax like paper so the adhesive sealant adheres to the wood deck. Ice and water shield has to be installed directly to a clean and solid wood surface. Read more at Integrity Roofing and Painting…

[caption id="attachment_7636" align="aligncenter" width="424"] Winter Damaged Roof Shingles[/caption] IWS is designed and installed as part of your roof to enhance the working of your roof thus preventing moisture from going beyond the protective layer of the roof. For a better understanding of why it’s important, check out the following post that explains exactly what it does:

What Does IWS Do?

IWS is used in places that are prone to snow, ice buildup, and wind driven rain. The IWS seals around nails and adheres to the roof deck, eliminating voids that allow water to infiltrate the interior and cause damage. A common example is when large amounts of snow sit along the eave and create an ice dam, the snow above then melts into water and builds up behind the ice dam. The maximum amount of water buildup needed to reach nails is 5.5”. If no IWS is present when this happens, that water will start to leak in around those nails and cause interior damage. Read more at ARoofTech.com…

[caption id="attachment_7637" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Image Courtesy of Pixabay[/caption] Modern roofing companies incorporate IWS in their roofing systems. However, you may need to confirm with your roofing contractor whether your roof is fitted with ice and water shield. If you are looking for a professional company to do this for you in South Riding VA, don’t hesitate to call us today! Featured Image: Image Credit

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