Ice and Water Shield

Ice and water shield is a rubberized asphalt membrane that adheres directly to the roof deck, creating a watertight seal beneath the shingles. Unlike traditional roofing underlayment, it seals around roofing nails, helping prevent water from reaching the roof deck if moisture gets beneath the shingles.

It is commonly installed along the eaves of the roof where ice dams are most likely to form. It is also installed in roof valleys and around roof penetrations, such as chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and other areas that are more susceptible to water intrusion.

When snow melts and refreezes along the roof edge, ice dams can develop. As melting water backs up behind the ice, it can work its way beneath the shingles. Ice and water shield creates a waterproof barrier that helps prevent this water from reaching the roof deck and entering your home.

Although it cannot prevent ice dams from forming, it provides valuable protection when they occur.

Where Is It Installed?

The Michigan Residential Code requires ice barrier protection along the eaves of the roof. Depending on the roof design and manufacturer requirements, additional ice and water shield may also be installed in other vulnerable areas.

Common installation locations include:

• Along the roof eaves

• In roof valleys

• Around chimneys

• Around skylights

• Around plumbing vents and other roof penetrations

• In other areas where additional waterproof protection is recommended

Proper installation is just as important as the product itself. Ice and water shield should be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and the Michigan Residential Code to provide continuous protection.

Typical Cost

Ice and water shield is typically included as part of a complete roof replacement rather than being priced as a separate item.

The total cost depends on the size and design of the roof, the amount of membrane required, and the number of areas requiring additional protection.

Although it represents a relatively small portion of the overall roofing investment, it provides some of the most valuable protection against water damage.

Benefits

• Creates a waterproof barrier beneath the shingles

• Seals around roofing nails

• Helps protect against damage caused by ice dams

• Reduces the risk of water intrusion

• Protects vulnerable areas of the roof

• Helps protect the roof deck from moisture damage

• Required by the Michigan Residential Code

• Improves the overall performance of the roofing system

Why It Matters in Michigan

Michigan's climate creates ideal conditions for ice dams due to heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. As snow melts and refreezes along the roof edge, water can back up beneath the shingles if the roof is not properly protected.

Ice and water shield provides an additional waterproof barrier in these vulnerable areas, helping protect the roof deck and the interior of your home from water damage. When combined with proper attic ventilation, insulation, underlayment, flashing, and quality shingles, it becomes an important part of a complete roofing system designed for Michigan's climate.

Our Recommendation

At VanderLaans, we install ice and water shield in accordance with the Michigan Residential Code and the roofing manufacturer's installation requirements. Proper installation helps protect the most vulnerable areas of your roof while supporting the long-term performance of the entire roofing system.

While homeowners never see it after the roof is completed, ice and water shield is one of the most important layers of protection beneath your shingles.

Did You Know?

Many homeowners assume shingles are completely waterproof. In reality, shingles are designed to shed water, but they are not intended to stop water that backs up beneath them. Ice and water shield provides a secondary waterproof barrier that helps protect your home when severe weather or ice dams allow water to get underneath the shingles.