Santa's Landing Pad: A Roofing BlogSanta's Landing Pad: A Roofing Blog


About Me

Santa's Landing Pad: A Roofing Blog

Why do you need a strong roof on your home? To support Santa's sleigh, of course! In a more realistic sense, however, a strong roof is important for your home's protection. It keeps the wind and rain outside, and it also insulates your home against the chill of winter and the heat of summer. Most people think of roofs as being made from shingles, but roofers can make a strong roof from slate, tile, metal, or an array of other materials, too. We hope that as you read this roofing blog, you gain a lot of knowledge about the profession and about roofs in general.

Categories

Latest Posts

Planning For Success: Major Steps Of A Roof Replacement Project
31 August 2023

As a homeowner, few words can evoke as much nail-b

Weathering The Storm: How To Prepare Your Roof For Extreme Weather Conditions
31 August 2023

Your roof is your home's first line of defense aga

Key Indicators: When to Consider Siding Replacement for Your Home
21 August 2023

Siding is more than just a cosmetic feature for yo

Recognizing the Signs: When to Consider Re-roofing Your Home
21 August 2023

Your home's roof is the first line of defense agai

When Might You Want To Replace Your Roof With Rolled Asphalt?
8 August 2023

Rolled asphalt roofing is definitely a unique roof

What To Know About The Ice And Water Shield When Installing A New Roof

Does your building need a new roof installed, and you are being told that you also need to install a new ice and water shield? Here is what you need to know about this important part of any commercial roof. 

What Does An Ice And Water Shield Do?

An ice and water shield is a type of material that adheres to the roof deck, and it acts as a waterproof membrane that is placed underneath the main roofing material in certain places. It's likely to be used in valleys, around places where there are objects sticking out of the roof, or when building codes require it due to the low pitch of the roof. Its job is to keep your roof deck dry in places where water has a high potential to get underneath the shingles, which stops water from getting into your home. 

What Are The Different Types Of Ice And Water Shields?

There are a couple of different types of ice and water shield that can be used on your roof. Roof valleys tend to use materials that have a granular surface, low slopes will use a thin material, and there is even a variation that is designed to withstand high heat when placed under metal or slate roofing material. What makes it so unique is that it won't stick to the roofing material it is installed beneath it, so it can actually expand safely without moving the roofing material installed above it. 

All of these materials have different prices. As they become more specialized, the material will be more expensive to purchase. The granular ice and water shield material is the cheapest option, followed by the smooth variation, and the high heat protection variation is the most expensive. 

Does Ice And Water Shield Protect A Building From Ice Dams?

If your region sees cold temperatures regularly, you'll likely be required by the building code to install an ice and water shield to prevent ice dams from forming. This is put in places like the eaves and rakes of the roof and gives your building the added protection that it needs from very cold weather. If ice does get underneath the shingles, you have that additional protective barrier that protects the roof deck. If you are in a warmer part of the country, you won't be required to add additional ice and water protection.

Your roofing contractor can let you know more about how an ice and water shield can benefit your building. Contact a local commercial roofing company to learn more.