September 21, 2018

Roof Protection With an Ice and Water Shield

In order to have proper roofing protection, your home may need to have a waterproof shield installed on your roof. Click here to learn more!

Time to read:
2 Minutes
Written by
Nicholas Capobianco

iStock-117230091

Your roof is your home's primary defense against the elements. Rain, snow, and hail can batter your roof at different times of the year. For this reason, it's important to make sure that your roof is properly sealed to protect your home from water damage. Protecting your roof from water damage is especially important in areas that receive both rain and snow throughout the year. If you live in one of these areas, the best way to keep your roof leak-free is to have a waterproof shield installed beneath the outer layer of roofing material. Have your roof inspected today!

What is an Ice and Water Shield?

A water and ice guard is a layer of protective material that is installed under your home’s shingles. It provides a barrier against leaks from snow, ice dams, and wind-driven rain. While shingles offer some waterproofing, moisture can still get underneath them and cause damage to the sheathing and other support structures. Produced by a number of manufacturers, a water and ice shield is made of an impermeable-rubberized material that provides a tight seal against moisture. Unlike roofing felt, which can be damaged by nails and ice dams, the shield features a sticky back layer that adheres to the roof and resists leakage issues at the site of nail holes and other common water entry points.

How and Where Are Leak Barriers Installed?

Leak guards are rolled out in sheets and applied directly onto your roof’s sheathing. To install the guard, roofers remove the thin layer of backing to expose a sticky layer that adheres to your roof. Then, the guards are installed on the entire roof or in areas prone to leaks. Leak barriers are ideal for sealing the areas around chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents. They are also often used in valleys and at eaves and rake edges, which are some of the most leak-prone areas on a home. For extra protection, you can choose to have the leak guards installed over every square inch of your roof.

The Importance of a Shielded Roof 

When your roof starts leaking, you can end up with a lot of damage. In some cases, the leak is not readily apparent for weeks or even months. By the time you see stains showing up on your ceiling, you could already be looking at hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage. This is completely avoidable thanks to the latest innovations in roofing material and design. Today, homeowners can take advantage of leak barriers that are self-sealing and impermeable to even the harshest wet-weather conditions. Since its introduction in the 1980s, the rubberized water and ice shield has become the gold standard for creating a roof that is resistant to leaks.

Interested in Protecting your Home with an Ice and Water Shield?

Don’t leave your roof and home exposed to potential water damage. An ice and water shield is as mall investment for the value it provides. Roofr only hires the best roofing contractors who have both you and your home in mind.

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