Ice and Water Shield Installation for Shingle Roofs
Ice and Water Shield Installation for Shingle Roofs: What Every Columbus Homeowner Should Know
If you’re planning a roof replacement or repair, one critical detail often overlooked is the proper installation of ice and water shield. Done right, this product prevents leaks, costly water damage, and dangerous ice dams. Done wrong—or worse, skipped altogether—it can leave your home vulnerable.
So, let’s break it down in plain terms.
What Is Ice and Water Shield?
It’s a self-adhering, waterproof membrane installed under your shingles—specifically at critical points where leaks are most likely:
Eaves and overhangs
Valleys and roof transitions
Around chimneys, skylights, and vents
Low-slope roof sections (anything under 4/12 pitch)
In Columbus, we see harsh winters and plenty of freeze-thaw cycles. That’s exactly when this product goes to work, stopping ice dams and water intrusion before they become expensive repairs.
Why Is It So Important in Columbus, Ohio?
Ice Dams Are Real Here: Snow melts on warm roof sections and refreezes at the eaves, pushing water under your shingles. Without ice and water shield, that moisture can rot your roof deck and leak into your home.
Code Compliance: The Ohio Residential Code requires ice barrier membrane installation along eaves in areas prone to ice dams—which includes Franklin, Delaware, and Union counties.
Insurance Claims Protection: Proper installation can help you avoid denied claims when it comes to storm and water damage.
How Should Ice and Water Shield Be Installed?
At The Roof Champion of Columbus, we follow a strict, no-shortcuts approach:
Install at Eaves: Extend at least 24 inches inside the heated wall line—per code.
Valleys and Penetrations: Fully wrap valleys and seal tightly around all roof penetrations like vents and skylights.
Proper Overlaps: Overlap seams per manufacturer specs to ensure water cannot creep through.
High-Temp Membrane for Metal Details: If you have metal valleys or roofing sections, we use high-temperature rated membrane to prevent failure.
Homeowners often ask, "Do I really need this if I’m using architectural shingles?"
Yes. Shingles shed water—they’re not waterproof. Think of them as the first defense, not the only one.
Real Story: Why We Don’t Skip It
Last winter in Hilliard, we replaced a roof where the previous contractor skipped ice and water shield to cut costs. After a heavy snow, water poured into the living room. The drywall, insulation, and hardwood floors were ruined. Their insurance denied the claim due to improper installation.
We handled the replacement the right way—installed ice and water shield, documented everything for their new insurance provider, and now they’re fully protected.
Bottom Line: It’s Cheaper to Do It Right the First Time
Cutting corners on materials like ice and water shield is a gamble. You may not notice right away, but when it fails, the damage is far more expensive than doing the job properly upfront.
If you want peace of mind—and a roofing contractor who fights for you, not just the bottom line—give us a call.
📞 (614) 639-3422
🌐 www.roofchampcolumbus.com
