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You can choose the materials and designs for your new roof when replacing your roof. And when it comes to valuable additions to a roof, an ice and water shield is indispensable.

An ice and water shield is a roof underlayment seamlessly integrated with your new roof. This waterproof barrier protects your roof and home from ice dams and moisture-related damage. By simply incorporating this waterproof barrier into your roofing system, you can significantly extend the lifespan and boost the performance of your new roof.

To help you understand ice and water shields better, we have prepared this brief guide to help you make the most of your roofing investment.

What are Ice and Water Shields?

For the uninitiated, this is a specialized roof underlayment designed to protect your home and roof from ice and water damage. It contains self-adhesive materials made of modified bitumen to create a robust, watertight barrier around the roof decking and shingles. This can prevent water or ice from seeping between the shingles or entering the attic space.

This type of underlayment serves as an efficient protection against extreme weather conditions. The best time to install one is at the time of roof replacement or when installing a new roof from scratch. Otherwise, your existing shingles would need to be removed, the shield installed, and then the shingles replaced by the contractors.

Ice and Water Shields: How Do They Work?

An ice and water shield protects your roof by preventing water intrusion in vulnerable areas. This self-adhesive underlayment is strategically applied in regions susceptible to the formation of ice dams and leaks. These areas generally include eaves, overhangs, valleys, chimneys, vent stacks, skylights, and dormers.

Roofing contractors cut the shield precisely and affix it onto your roof decking, creating a watertight bond. This type of underlayment naturally seals around nails and decking. This ensures superior leak protection and a secure foundation for roofing shingles.

Ice and Water Shield: How do they protect your roof?

High-quality shields are proven effective against wind-driven rain and the formation of ice dams. Due to their very nature, these shields provide robust protection to your roof, ensuring its safety and integrity.

Ice Dam Formation

Ice dam formations on your roof during winter can wreak havoc on your roofing structure. When snow or water accumulates on the roofing system for extended periods, it melts during the day and refreezes at night, leading to ice dam formation on the roof.

Fortunately, you can protect your roof from such damage by using ice and water shields. These shields act as a barrier, preventing ice dam formation and ensuring your roof remains resilient and secure throughout the colder months.

Wind-Driven Rain: A Roofing Challenge

Rainwater typically flows down your roof and gutters in a properly working drainage system. However, roofing structures must deal with a new challenge when strong winds accompany heavy rains.

Due to the combination of powerful winds and rain, water may seep beneath shingles. This can dramatically increase the risk of damage to your home's interior. Moreover, wind-driven rain can contribute to the formation of damaging ice dams during colder months.

Unfortunately, many insurance policies may not cover damage caused by wind-driven rain. So, to protect your home effectively, install an ice and water shield as a preventive measure when replacing your roof.

Alpha Roofing, your link, is a CertainTeed Corporation-certified roofing contractor. Our partnership with CertainTeed assures every roofing client at Alpha their new roof is backed by one of the largest roofing material manufacturers in the world.

Give Alpha Roofing a call at 318-373-5942. Our expert team is ready to serve you with the best professional attitude and expertise. We service areas in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA