If you live in Colorado, you may have heard of ice and water shield in the past. It's one of those parts of owning a home that not everyone talks about—but you may be required to have ice and water shield installed on your home! And even if you aren't, it could play a key role in keeping your home safe from damage.
What Is Ice & Water Shield?
Ice and water shield installation is an essential component of roofing systems. Ice and water shield helps to prevent leaks caused by ice dams and failed flashings.
Essentially, Ice and water shield is a leak barrier that’s installed underneath the shingles on your roof deck. Typically they come in the form of a three-foot-wide asphalt polymer sheet. The shield prevents moisture from entering your home and damaging the home underneath and leaking into your home.
Ice and water shield's elasticity is its primary benefit. Because ice and water shield is "rubberized" it seals around nail penetrations on the roof, thereby, preventing water from following the nail through your roof. It grips the protrusion and seals it off, which prevents water from leaking through.
Colorado Code Requires Ice and Water Shield On Roofs
Depending on where you live in Colorado, you may be required-- by code-- to have ice and water shield installed on your roof. It's for good reason: it keeps you safe and it prevents damage to your home.
In El Paso County, homes over 7,000 feet in elevation are required to have ice and water shield installed on all eaves (eaves are where your gutters are). The ice and water shield also needs to go up the roof and extend two feet past the interior wall line
In Elbert County, homes at all elevations must have ice and water shield installed. The ice and water shield is required two feet past the interior wall line
In Teller County, ice and water shield is required on homes at all elevations. The ice and water shield needs to be six feet past the interior line of the interior wall. Ice and water shield must also be installed on all valleys and pitch transitions on roofs
Why is ice and water shield required at certain elevations in Colorado?
Ice and water shield is required by code at some elevations in Colorado due to the cold climate. Higher elevations usually have colder climates, and these climates are where ice dams occur most frequently.
Homestead Roofing Company: Ice and Water Shield Installation In Colorado
Ask Us Your Questions About Roof Repairs, Roof Replacements, and Insurance Claims
If you want to stop or prevent leaks in your home (especially if you live in an older home), ice and water shield should be your first line of defense. Ice and water shield ils the key component of the Homestead Roofing leak stopper system.
If you live in Colorado, it is also very likely that you are required to have ice and water shield on your roof. If you have more questions about ice and water shield (or whether you may need it), reach out to our team. We'll answer your questions or forward you to a representative who can schedule your ice and water shield installation.
