Do I Need Ice and Water Shield on My Roof?
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, especially in areas like Collierville, TN, understanding the role of ice and water shields in roofing is crucial. Ice and water shield might not be the flashiest part of your roof, but it’s one of the most important layers in preventing costly leaks and long-term damage. Let’s dive into what it does, why it matters, and whether your home needs it.
What Is Ice and Water Shield?
Ice and water shield is a self-adhering, waterproof membrane that’s installed beneath the shingles on your roof. It forms a tight seal around nails and roof penetrations to prevent water from seeping into the roof deck. Unlike traditional roofing felt or underlayment, ice and water shield sticks directly to the decking, providing superior protection against moisture intrusion.
This membrane is particularly useful in areas that are prone to ice dams, heavy rain, or where water is likely to collect—like valleys, eaves, low-slope sections, and around chimneys and skylights.
Why Is It Important?
Even in Collierville, TN, where winters may not bring constant snow, we still experience occasional freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall. These conditions are more than enough to create problems for unprotected roofing systems. Ice and water shield offers several key benefits:
- Ice Dam Protection: When snow melts and refreezes at the eaves of your roof, it can cause water to back up underneath your shingles. This leads to leaks and interior water damage. Ice and water shield helps stop that water from penetrating the roof deck.
- Wind-Driven Rain Defense: During high winds and storms, rain can be forced under your shingles. This membrane acts as a second line of defense, blocking that water from soaking into your decking.
- Leak Prevention in Vulnerable Areas: Places like valleys, roof edges, and areas around flashing or penetrations are especially vulnerable to leaks. Ice and water shield adds critical protection to these weak points.
Is It Necessary for Your Roof?
While ice and water shield may not be legally required in every local building code, that doesn’t mean it’s unnecessary. In fact, more homeowners are choosing to add it voluntarily because of the long-term peace of mind it provides.
If you’re replacing your roof or building a new home in Collierville, here are a few scenarios where ice and water shield is highly recommended:
- Your home has low-slope or complex roof lines
- You’ve experienced leaks or ice dams in the past
- Your attic lacks proper ventilation
- You want to add extra protection during storm season
In short, investing in ice and water shield is a smart preventative measure that protects one of your most important investments—your home.
Types of Ice and Water Shields
Not all ice and water shields are created equal. At Restoration Roofing, we help you choose the best type based on your roof’s layout and material. Here are the common options:
- Granular Surface: A textured surface ideal for valleys and secondary areas of the roof.
- Smooth Surface: More flexible and easier to work with around edges, pipes, and other tight areas.
- High-Temperature Shield: Designed for metal roofing and areas with high sun exposure, it’s engineered to withstand higher levels of heat without breaking down.
Selecting the right product ensures maximum performance based on your roof’s specific challenges.
Installation Considerations
Installing ice and water shield properly is just as important as choosing to use it. Poor installation can lead to trapped moisture or inadequate coverage. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Placement Matters: Ice and water shield should be installed along eaves, valleys, rakes, around roof penetrations, and under flashing areas.
- Proper Overlap: Each sheet must overlap correctly to create a watertight seal.
- Ventilation is Key: Without proper attic ventilation, moisture can still build up beneath your roof. Ice and water shield protects from water above—but you still need ventilation to handle moisture from below.
At Restoration Roofing, our team is trained in best practices for both materials and methods. We never cut corners when it comes to protecting your home.
Why Choose Restoration Roofing for Ice and Water Shield in Collierville, TN?
We know how important it is to get the job done right. As a trusted Collierville roofing contractor, Restoration Roofing offers years of experience and a commitment to top-tier workmanship. Our family-owned company takes pride in offering honest guidance, high-quality materials, and a team that truly cares.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Clear communication from your project manager
- A thorough inspection to determine where ice and water shield is needed most
- Manufacturer-grade materials that meet or exceed industry standards
- Full cleanup and attention to detail
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Collierville and the Memphis area protect their roofs—and we’d be honored to help you too.
Call Today for a Free Roofing Inspection
Thinking about a roof replacement or want to make sure your home is protected before the next storm season hits? Let’s talk! Restoration Roofing offers free inspections and we’ll walk you through whether ice and water shield is a smart move for your roof.
Call us at (901) 854-3402 or visit restorationroofing.com to schedule your consultation. Give us a call at 901-854-3402 or fill out our Contact Us form and we will reach out to you with our next available inspection. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on finding the best roofing contractor for you.
Don’t leave your roof exposed—add the shield it deserves!
