Ice Dams Destroying Your Roof? Use Heat-Proof Ice Shield

Has your roof fallen victim to destructive ice dams? Are leaks and water damage left unattended threatening your home's structural integrity? Don't despair. We'll explore an innovative solution called high temp ice and water shield--a roofing underlayment engineered to withstand extreme cold weather threats.

This polymer-modified asphalt membrane seals vulnerable areas on your roof deck, providing a watertight barrier impenetrable by ice dams and wind-driven rain. Thanks to robust temperature resistance up to 250degF, it even protects under blazing hot metal panels. Jump ahead to understand why this underlayment outperforms alternatives.

Ice Dams: A Destructive and Dangerous Threat

Ice dams rank among the most hazardous cold climate threats to roofs. How do they wreak such havoc? During winter, heat escaping from attics melts snow accumulated on roof eaves. The water runs downslope under shingles until hitting a cold roof edge, where it refreezes. Over time, thick ice dams form.

As more melting snow tries exiting, ice dams trap water upslope. Eventually, the pooled water penetrates beneath shingles and penetrates vulnerable seams. Ice dams also exert tremendous force on gutters and roof framing as they grow. The result? Persistent leaks, structural damage, mold growth, and even ceiling collapse as drainage systems fail.

How ice dams form and the roof damage they cause

Ice dams require three ingredients to spawn their destructive effects: snow buildup, heat source, and vulnerable areas. First, snow accumulates on the roof, typically greatest at overhanging eaves. Heat from occupied, insufficiently insulated attics escapes through the ceiling and melts this snow. Finally, inadequate water protection allows the meltwater to infiltrate cracks at seams or edges.

As water refreezes at roof edges into ice dams, drainage systems clog. Trapped water has nowhere to go but up and under shingles. Even slight gaps along hip joints, valley flashings, dormer trim and plumbing vents allow water ingress. This infiltration causes decay, mold, and structural deterioration.

Areas most vulnerable to ice dam leaks

The perfect storm for ice dam leaks occurs at eaves, rakes, valleys, chimneys, skylights, and low-slope roof sections. Why? Eaves protrude beyond a building's heated space, so they lose heat rapidly and enable ice dams. Valleys, transitions, and penetrations also feature cracks invasive water exploits. Low-slope areas shed water slower, allowing pooling.

While ice dams hit vulnerable spots, water travels much further. Leaks often manifest far above the ice dam location. For example, ice builds 12 inches from the gutter line, but water soaks rafters 10 feet upslope! Just a small gap enables extensive damage.

Photos of actual ice dam destruction

Seeing ice dam destruction firsthand reveals their devastating capacity. Shingles lifted by water's freezing expansion create gaps for more melting snow to enter. Valleys fill with ice, overflow, and leak into attics. Ice dams rupture gutters or even tear downspouts off homes!

Even intact roof coverings succumb to tremendous ice dam pressure. Ice layers thicker than shingles themselves form. No roof covering or sealant alone sufficiently shields against such extreme forces.

Preventing Ice Dams with Effective Underlayment

Defending roof structures against ice dams requires a two-pronged strategy: 1) Improve attic insulation to reduce heat loss and 2) Install an ice dam underlayment as secondary protection.

This underlayment creates a watertight shield to back up vulnerable roof coverings against water intrusion. It self-adheres directly onto the roof deck itself in critical areas. Underlayment serves as insurance for when excessive ice dams or wind-drive rain overwhelms exterior materials.

What is ice and water shield underlayment?

Ice and water shield underlayment consists of a polymer-modified asphalt coated onto a fabric reinforcement layer. This pliable, adhesive membrane seals around roofing fasteners and joints to prevent water migration under shingles. Standard ice shield withstands surface temperatures up to 250degF intermittently.

Newer high temp underlayment withstands sustained high temperatures above 250degF, making it essential beneath metal roofing. It remains stable even when dark-colored metal panels absorb intense solar heat. Let's examine criteria vital for ice dam underlayments.

Key performance criteria for ice dam protection

Here are key attributes roofing underlayment must deliver for reliable ice dam prevention:

• Waterproof, bonded laps and adhesion to roof deck
• Heat and UV light resistance to prevent deterioration
• Flexible, tear-proof fabric that conforms to surfaces
• Slip-resistant overlay for safe foot traction
• Temperature stability up to at least 250degF

Hot metals challenge standard ice shields. Rubberized asphalt alternatives melt from intensified heat. Only high-performance, high temp products satisfy all criteria.

High temperature resistance importance

High temp resistance ensures durability beneath blazing roof systems like copper or galvanized steel sheeting capable of exceeding 170degF. Darker metal colors absorb more solar energy, boosting temperatures higher. Standard underlayment slips, softens, or leaves residue on hot metal from breakdown.

High temp underlayment remains reliably bonded through severe thermal cycling without flow, dripping, or loss of waterproofing. Thanks to robust polymers, intense heat neither cracks membranes nor causes water leakage. This underlayment lasts the full service life beneath metal panels, slate, or tile.

Introducing High Temp Ice and Water Shield

Specialized thermal resistant membranes like Protecto Supra Shield high temp ice and water guard offer trusted protection against ice dams and water. Built with advanced polymers and asphalt compound, they defend where other shields fail from extreme heat up to 250degF.

What makes it ideal for metal roofs and ice dams

Here's why innovative underlayment like Supra Shield stands out:

• Proprietary cold polymer-modification technology
• Reinforced with tear-resistant polyester mat
• Flexible self-sealing lap seals
• Superior traction coating for slip resistance
• Blocks water even exposed for 6 months

This high-performance membrane delivers trusted leakage protection under the hottest roofing materials and harshest freeze-thaw assaults.

Features like UV resistance and skid resistance

In addition to extreme heat tolerance, Supra Shield leverages these bonuses:

• UV ray protection following long-term outdoor exposure
• Skid-resistant surface for safe install without slides
• Seals completely around properly installed fasteners
• Watertight self-adhered overlap bonds

Combined resistance against all natural threats makes this underlayment a wise, long-lasting investment under expensive roof coverings.

Self-adhering membrane for reliable installation

Unlike loose-laid products, this underlayment features a strong self-adhesive backing. The built-in bonding agent fully adheres to the roof deck. Seams overlap each piece, integrated bonding sealing joints.

This means no leaks even if water penetrates exterior roof materials. Fully secured membranes provide reliable protection throughout decades of thermal expansion cycles.

Self-sealing installation removes dependence on perfect workmanship. The adhesion enables forgiveness for small gaps or imperfect seams typical at valleys, vents, skylights, and rakes.

Properties That Set This Underlayment Apart

Let's explore the physical properties enabling this membrane to outperform other leak barriers and even replace roofing felts.

Withstands temperatures up to 250degF

Most ice and water barriers melt or deteriorate when roof sheathing exceeds 170degF. That leaves no safety net on dark-coated metal buildings. Supra Shield thrives up to 250degF, perfect beneath steel or copper where temperatures spike above 200degF!

Oxidation resistance additives prevent membrane degradation. Continued extreme heat exposure won't cause cracks or pinholes that lead to leaks. Sturdy construction delivers water protection despite intense daily temperature fluctuations.

Polymer-modified asphalt composition

At this underlayment's core lies polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). Blending polymers with asphalt enhances critical attributes like heat tolerance, flexibility, adhesion, and waterproofing ability. SBS polymers prove most effective.

The chemical resistance SBS rubber polymer provides shapes PMA into an ideal water barrier. Combined with polyester reinforcement, it creates durable, self-sealing protection. This survives where inferior products fail.

Tear resistant polyester fabric surface

Beneath the PMA adhesive lies tough woven polyester. This reinforcing fabric matrix delivers remarkable tear strength able to withstand wind, foot traffic, thermal movement, and typical construction risks.

The fabric feels slippery before application. But its top coating creates a traction surface. Exceptional puncture resistance also prevents fastener membrane damage during installation.

UV stabilizers permit extended weathering exposure before attaching metal panels or shingles. This flexibility assists builders on complex jobs or large commercial projects.

Complete Leak Protection for Critical Roof Areas

Applied correctly, specialized underlayment delivers watertight performance that entry-level products can't match. Let's examine application best practices to leverage its benefits.

Application directly on roof deck as secondary barrier

Supra Shield installs directly onto the roof's plywood or OSB structural decking. Starting at the bottom edge, it unrolls upslope across the entire deck. A self-sealing adhesive strip overlays shingle-style for water migration resistance.

Leave protective film in place until ready to adhere. Overlapped seams create redundancy without relying on exterior roofing. This shields vulnerable spots missed by the primary covering.

Watertight overlap and sealing of membrane

The membrane's self-sealing adhesive provides a tight bond and seal with the substrate on application. Recommended minimum overlaps of 3 inches then integrate the barrier into a unified watertight surface.

Unique PMA chemistry enables hot welding overlaps for an impermeable union. This detail prevents leaks other looser products miss. Correct lapping techniques ensure optimal adhesion and performance.

Protection that complies with building codes

Protecto Supra Shield satisfies the most stringent leak protection codes. Building inspectors validate this qualifies as an acceptable ice barrier for regional standards. Homeowners gain peace of mind with code-compliant roof protection.

Metal roofs often require an underlayment rated for sustained high temperatures. This product reliably meets those needs for decades. Strict composition regulations also classify it as an environmentally-conscious solution.

Ice Shield Installation and Coverage Guidelines

Proper underlayment installation ensures you realize its full benefits. Let's examine critical application instructions for optimal ice dam protection.

Recommended roof areas to install underlayment

Focus application on leak-prone regions and ice dam hot spots. Priorities include:

• Eave overhangs
• Valleys
• Dormers
• Rakes
• Penetrations like vents and chimneys
• Low-slope sections

Also cover entire roof on homes with prior leak issues. This provides complete defense with fewer future concerns.

Minimum overlap requirements between courses

Proper membrane overlap seals the water barrier. Leave protective film in place, align the next roll, then remove film to expose adhesive. Regulations require:

• Horizontal overlap: 3 inches
• Vertical overlap: 6 inches
• End overlap: 6 inches

Careful seam welding then bonds layers into an impenetrable shield. Follow all guidelines to prevent leaks through poorly integrated areas.

Proper attachment for wind uplift resistance

While membranes self-adhere, code requires supplemental fasteners for wind resistance. Ring shank nails or screws with 2-inch diameter caps secure courses safely.

Space mechanical anchors as required by regional building codes. Supra Shield's remarkable tear strength and traction surface allows direct fastening without risk of membrane displacement.

Roofing Materials That Work Best with Underlayment

High temp underlayment performs beautifully beneath an array of roof coverings. Let's review compatible materials that benefit from its protective qualities.

Excellent performance under metal panels

Metal panels pose underlayment overheating risks in hot climates. Supra Shield embraces temperatures exceeding 205degF! This makes it ideal beneath steel panel and copper systems.

A versatile choice for architectural standing seam metal roofing, it resists deterioration from extreme temperature fluctuations. Thermal movement won't crack this membrane over decades thanks to built-in flexibility.

Also used with asphalt and wood shingle roofs

Don't limit this versatile membrane solely to metal buildings. Many install it beneath asphalt architectural shingles as enhanced insurance. Homes with wood shingles also gain an impenetrable underlayment shield.

Polymer modification creates tremendous pliability and elongation capacity compared to inferior products. This durability prevents tearing issues common with other rigid membranes.

Added insurance under expensive coverings

Tile, slate, and cedar shake roofs involve significant investment. Rather than gamble on questionable shield performance, owners increasingly opt for the reassurance of codes-approved Supra Shield underneath.

With some composites running $1500 per square installed, leaks prove devastating both financially and in home damage. One overlooked vulnerability or improperly integrated flashing spells ruin. This membrane mitigates such risks.

Getting the Right Ice Dam Underlayment Thickness

These specialized membranes ship in various thickness grades based on performance needs and regional climate demands. How does mil rating affect selection?

Differences in mil thickness by product

Mil refers to thickness in 1/1000 inch increments. For example, standard ice shield runs 30 to 40 mils thick. More robust membranes for commercial buildings or extreme weather use may exceed 90 mils.

Increasing mil rating boosts puncture resistance and durability but also affects membrane flexibility. Manufacturers balance these factors across product lines targeting different applications.

Enhanced durability with greater thickness

Greater mil thickness naturally improves membrane ruggedness through more waterproofing material. This extra coverage resists damage risks like fastener installation, foot traffic, and shifting elements.

With more material composition, thick membranes also better accommodate roof movement stresses. Expansion and contraction won't crack thick, flexible sheets as easily as thin alternatives.

How thickness affects application

Thicker products prove harder to accurately cut around penetrations and valleys. Greater weight also makes them more cumbersome to carry up ladders and onto rooftops. This fatigue leads to application errors.

On the other hand, thin underlayment tears more easily when fastened and offers less thermal protection. 20-mil products shouldn't be used when temperatures frequently exceed 170degF beneath coverings.

Select your membrane thickness based on climate, roofing materials used, and risk factors like foot traffic during installation or maintenance.

Comparing High Temp Shield vs. Alternatives

How does polymer-modified asphalt high temp membrane compare versus roofing felts or rubberized alternatives? Let's contrast the critical differences.