Installing an ice and water barrier on your roof will keep your property dry and safe. This extra layer of protection is vital if you live in a wintry climate like Harford County, MD. Nonetheless, it also helps households in locations with less harsh weather.
There are several reasons why a home’s roof is important. That’s why it’s vital that your roof performs effectively, channeling ice and water into gutters and drainage systems. “However, extreme weather might cause water to leak between your shingles”, says a Hickory roofing contractor.Â
Therefore, you may be wondering what an ice and water barrier can accomplish for you and your property. Is an ice and water barrier required? Below, we’ve summarized all you need to know.
What is the difference between an Ice and Water Shield and a Water Shield?
An ice and water shield is a self-adhering membrane constructed of rubberized asphalt that is waterproof. It is positioned beneath your roof’s shingles and is intended to protect the roof deck from ice and water damage. This includes ice dam damage, snow melt damage, and rainstorm damage.
The peel-and-stick backing adheres to the roof deck, sealing water out around laps and nail punctures. These protectors have a modified bitumen film that adheres to the roof deck, providing a watertight barrier that prevents water from seeping through gaps and fissures.
Additionally, the slip-resistant top surface improves traction, which strengthens your home’s resistance to powerful winds and horizontally-propelled precipitation.
Is an Ice and Water Shield Required?
Ice and water protection is critical for your roof, particularly in Harford County. By installing an ice and water barrier, you may avoid regular roof repairs and extend the life of your roof.
This is due to the fact that a large portion of the state is above 7000 feet in altitude. However, ice and water barriers are not confined to high-altitude residences and buildings. Protecting a property from weather-related damage begins with the roofing system.
If you live in a region that does not see severe weather on a regular basis, you may believe you do not require this additional layer of protection. However, if left unchecked, all of the little defects to your roof can accumulate, resulting in more catastrophic damage.
Ice and Water Damage Hazards
What you may not realize is that leaks in roof system can spread throughout your home’s interior. Water that does not drain correctly can seep behind the shingles, into the attic, and deeper into the insulation, ceilings, walls, and other locations.
If your exterior or brickwork is constructed of natural stone or concrete, prolonged exposure to water will damage these materials. This can result in further water seeping through the fractures in your roof, walls, and perhaps your home’s basement.
In colder areas, ice dams and high snow loads may wreak havoc on your roof. It has the potential to dislodge gutters, loosen shingles, and allow water to seep into your home. When water enters a property, it may cause paint to peel off the walls, while warping and staining the ceilings and flooring, creating a perfect environment for mold growth.
So in addition to structural and cosmetic problems, water damage also encourages the growth of mold and mildew on eaves, sliding doors, and walls. Mold and mildew can aggravate existing health issues such as asthma, trigger new allergies, and increase the frequency of sinus infections.
Sometimes You Have to Spend to Save
Spending money on ice and water protection will ultimately save you money. While skipping the ice and water protection for your roof installation may save you money in the short term, it will almost certainly result in costly repairs down the road.Â
There is no better method to safeguard your property against leaks and water damage than to put an ice and water shield in your roofing system. The shields are long-lasting and excellent at keeping your home dry and in good condition. Given the potential cost of this home repair job, it is prudent to contact a professional roofer.
For example, roof damage will also affect your home’s insulation, requiring you to use the heating and cooling system more frequently, raising your household’s electricity expenditures.
With an ice and water shield, house owners may save the expense of having their roofs evaluated for repairs or damage on a regular basis. Roof upkeep might be prohibitively expensive. It may quickly become a dreaded chore on your to-do list. If placed properly, an ice and water barrier is a longer lasting solution. It will significantly minimize your maintenance efforts.
Trust Professional Roofers
Professionals with experience can decide the best methods for keeping your roof and house in tip-top shape. Therefore, if you’re still wondering if ice and water protection necessary, the answer is most certainly yes!
Tar Heel Installs New Roofs in Harford, MD.
Our team will continue to excel at providing an exceptional customer experience. We look forward to building more relationships in the Greater Baltimore area. Thank you for choosing Tar Heel Construction Group, LLC as your premier Hickory roofing contractor.
