Guard Against Leaks: Top Shield Ice and Water Shield
Ice dams and water infiltration are major roofing headaches in cold climate areas. But premium ice and water barriers, like Top Shield's membrane, offer a reliable line of defense.
Read on to learn why Top Shield Ice and Water is a top-tier safeguard for homeowners prioritizing protection.
What Are Ice and Water Shields?
Before installing shingles, tiles, or metal panels, roofers often lay down a moisture barrier membrane called an ice and water shield. This self-adhering "underlayment" goes directly on your roof's plywood or OSB decking.
Ice and water shields work by sealing around protrusions like fasteners to prevent leakage. They also stick tightly to the roof surface, providing a gasket-like barrier along the most vulnerable areas, such as eaves, valleys, and attic spaces.
How Are They Different From Felt Paper?
Builders traditionally use a material known as felt paper as an intermediary buffer between your roof deck and exterior shingles. It offers basic water resistance.
Modern ice and water barriers take protection to another level entirely. Their polymer-modified membranes create an impenetrable moisture seal, preventing seepage from rain and melted snow.
Why Is an Ice and Water Shield Necessary?
In northern states, accumulated ice puts extra strain on roofing materials. When spring thaws come, refreezing meltwater can infiltrate unseen cracks. This causes rot, mold growth, and structural issues over time.
By installing advanced ice and water protection like Top Shield's, you shield vulnerable areas from this seasonal damage. Their adhesive barrier keeps attics, soffits, and fascia boards dry even when heavy ice dams form.
Building Codes Often Require It
Given their exceptional leak prevention capabilities, ice and water shields meet the roofing codes of most cold weather states. Your contractor will know the specific overhang requirements for your region.
By preemptively installing a premium ice and water barrier like Top Shield's, you check this crucial code compliance box. Their lab-tested product reliably seals the zones prescribed by regulators.
Why Top Shield Ice & Water Shield Stands Out
All ice and water membranes provide a degree of leak protection. But Top Shield sets itself apart with these optimized features:
- Modified bitumen material with unmatched UV, impact, and water resistance
- Mineral surface coating for increased traction and fastener adhesion
- Can be used on low slope or flat roof areas
- Self-adhesive backing for faster application
- Manufactured using sustainable, recycled materials
Superior Durability and Flexibility
Top Shield's polymer-enhanced membrane achieves an elite combination of durability, longevity, and flexibility. This heavy-duty material won't crack or dry out for decades, outlasting cheaper shields.
Yet it retains enough malleability to form a tight seal on 90-degree roof edges. Gravel coatings provide extra traction for safer installs.
The Benefits of Self-Adhesion
Top Shield engineered their ice and water barrier to stick fast without nails, primer, or surface prep. Just align membrane sheets horizontally, peel away the backing film, and firmly press to activate the butyl adhesive.
Water channels quickly to the roof edges while the durable membrane remains firmly in place. This self-adhering design offers a faster application plus reliable seals.
How Contractors Install Ice and Water Shield
Proper shield alignment ensures optimal leak protection. Always have an experienced roofer handle the installation:
- First install drip edge flashing along eaves and gables
- Align Top Shield membrane sheets horizontally from eave's edge
- Overlap each row by 3-6 inches using release film backing
- Apply pressure to all seams and protrusions
- Install primary roofing material (shingles, metal, etc) above
Key Areas to Fortify
Critical vulnerable zones below the main roofline deserve extra protection. Extend shield coverage at least 24 inches inside:
- Eaves and overhangs
- Valleys
- Dormers
- Skylights and vents
- Chimneys
For the best safeguards against ice dams and wind-driven rain, make sure contractors shield these weak points.
Roof Types Compatible With Top Shield
This versatile ice and water barrier works with most common roofing materials:
- Asphalt, composite, and high-end shingles
- Natural slate or synthetic slate
- Concrete, terracotta, and clay tiles
- Standing seam metal
- Corrugated and ribbed metal panels
Underneath whichever top-layer material you choose, Top Shield seals, insulates, and protects your roof deck.
An Ideal Pairing for Metal Roofs
The combination of Top Shield below standing seam metal roofing gives homeowners ultimate defense against the elements. Adhesive membranes and arched panels channel precipitation without gaps.
Homeowners gain enhanced hail protection plus sound absorption for reduced interior noise.
Other Top Shield Waterproofing Solutions
Beyond their highly rated ice and water shield, Top Shield manufactures complementary weather barriers:
- All-weather synthetic underlayment
- Rubberized asphalt membranes
- Liquid-applied flashings
- Waterproofing shingle underlayments
Their full line of moisture protection products have you covered from deck framing to cap sheets.
Liquid Waterproofing Alternatives
For tricky areas like wall-roof transitions and specialty applications, Top Shield offers liquid-applied barrier solutions. Brush or spray these thick mastics onto surfaces for seamless protection.
Though hassle-free, self-adhesive sheets still make installation much faster for full roof decks.
Is Top Shield Worth the Investment?
Upfront costs for premium Ice and Water shields often deter homeowners. But the long-term savings make them a wise investment:
- Avoids expensive interior repairs from water damage
- Slashes time-intensive leak troubleshooting
- Locks in insulation efficiency
- Extends overall roof life by up to 50%
For less than the price of a single roof replacement, Top Shield protection gives you decades of reliability.
Product Warranty Coverage
Top Shield stands behind every ice and water barrier they manufacture. When you have their membrane professionally installed, it comes backed by a 30-year material warranty.
This provides a tremendous safeguard as your roof ages. Top Shield promises their product will remain water tight in that long time frame.
Don't leave your home and valuables at risk from preventable ice dams and leakage. With superior manufacturing, warranty, plus leak protection, Top Shield Ice and Water shield keeps attics dry and roof decking secure.
Contact a Top Shield certified contractor today to shield your most vulnerable roof areas from water infiltration. Defend against leaks and extend the lifecycle of your asphalt, metal, tile, or slate roofing with proven barriers that work.