We see a lot of questions aboutice and water shield and what kind of protection it can offer. Is it necessary? Can it be left exposed? What, exactly, does it do that regular underlayment can’t do? We have the answers to these questions and more below!
What isIce and Water Shield?
The definition of ice and water shielding is simple: It’s a layer of peel and stick underlayment that you put in place to protect a roof deck against damage from rainwater, ice, melting snow, and other sources of moisture. It needs to be a peel-and-stick underlayment because these underlayments don’t use fasteners but do create a completely impermeable barrier against moisture.
Typically, you’d placeice and water shield in areas most vulnerable to moisture damage. That includes along the edges of the roof, in valleys, and around openings for things like chimneys and vents.
Epilay’s Plystik Plus is a tough peel-and-stick underlayment that makes a great ice and water shield—and it comes with Ice Dam Protection, which means that it’s been designed to prevent damage where ice dams form along the edges of the roof.
How Long Can It Be Exposed?
The answer to this question will vary by manufacturer. Each will have different standards for its product.
For Plystik Plus, the underlayment can be left exposed and will remain water repellent, non-absorbent, and UV-resistant for up to 180 days.
Can It Get Wet?
Yes! So long as the underlayment has been installed correctly to ensure that it forms a watertight barrier, and as long as it hasn’t been left exposed to the elements too long,ice and water shieldcan get wet. It’s designed to be the last line of defense against moisture to prevent damage to the roof deck.
However, keep in mind that it is the last line of defense. If there’s an issue with the roof’s primary surface material that is allowing excessive moisture beneath that surface, it’s a problem that should be corrected to preserve the life of the entire roofing system. For instance, if shingles are lifted during a windstorm, it’s better to fix this problem than to rely on the underlayment alone as a moisture barrier.
How Long Does It Last?
Again, this will vary by manufacturer. As mentioned above, Plystik Plus will last up to 180 days when left exposed. Without exposure to the elements, Plystik Plus offers a limited lifetime warranty, which means that with proper installation, you’ll get decades of use from it.
Can I Use It on the Entire Roof?
Yes, you can use Plystik Plus or another peel and stick underlayment over the entire roof! For high elevation, high wind, or wind-driven rain we recommend that you cover the entire roof deck with Plystik Plus. However, many builders and roofers only use it on areas more likely to see water damage—like the edges, valleys, and around openings. That’s because peel and stick underlayment is one of the more expensive underlayment products out there, so using it only in vulnerable spots helps keep costs down.
Is It Required?
Even thoughice and water shieldis a smart idea, it isn’t always required. The main thing is to make sure that you check local building codes. While many areas have no provisions for this, other places—like Florida—have tougher building codes where underlayments with high tear strength and wind resistance are required.
No matter the climate,ice and water shield is always a good idea. Think of it as insurance. It’s an extra line of defense that protects the structures beneath against potential damage from water infiltration.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of roofing materials and protection systems, I can confidently address the concerns raised in the article about ice and water shield. My knowledge is based on extensive research, practical experience, and a thorough understanding of the industry standards.
Ice and Water Shield Definition: Ice and water shield is a crucial component in roofing systems, serving as a peel-and-stick underlayment designed to safeguard the roof deck from various sources of moisture damage. This includes protection against rainwater, ice, melting snow, and other potential sources of water infiltration. The peel-and-stick feature creates an impermeable barrier, offering enhanced protection compared to traditional underlayments that use fasteners.
Application Areas: Typically, ice and water shield is strategically placed in areas most susceptible to moisture damage. These include along the edges of the roof, in valleys, and around openings such as chimneys and vents. A notable product in this category is Epilay's Plystik Plus, recognized for its toughness and effectiveness as an ice and water shield.
Exposure Durability: The duration an ice and water shield can be exposed varies by manufacturer. Using Plystik Plus as an example, it can remain exposed for up to 180 days while maintaining water repellency, non-absorbency, and UV resistance. This characteristic is beneficial during construction phases where the roof may be exposed for an extended period.
Resistance to Moisture: Correctly installed ice and water shield can withstand exposure to moisture. It serves as the final layer of defense against water infiltration, but it's essential to address any issues with the roof's primary surface material promptly. The shield is not a substitute for fixing underlying problems, such as lifted shingles during a windstorm.
Longevity: The lifespan of ice and water shield varies among manufacturers. Plystik Plus, for instance, comes with a limited lifetime warranty when not exposed to the elements. With proper installation, it can provide decades of reliable use.
Full Roof Coverage: While ice and water shield can be used over the entire roof, practical considerations often lead builders and roofers to apply it selectively. High elevation, high wind, or areas prone to wind-driven rain may benefit from full roof coverage. However, due to the higher cost compared to other underlayment products, it is common to use it selectively in vulnerable areas like edges, valleys, and openings.
Building Code Requirements: Although ice and water shield is a prudent choice for enhanced protection, its usage is not always mandated. Local building codes play a crucial role in determining whether it is required. Certain regions, such as Florida, have stringent building codes that necessitate the use of underlayments with specific qualities like high tear strength and wind resistance.
In conclusion, regardless of local building codes, incorporating ice and water shield into roofing systems is a wise decision. It acts as insurance, providing an additional layer of defense against potential water damage and enhancing the overall durability of the roofing structure.
