The roofing systems available on the market today are a testament to years of research, engineering, and innovation. They comprise an integrated array of roof components designed to enhance your roof’s performance against adverse weather conditions.
At the heart of every roofing system are three fundamental layers. While roof shingles may be the most visible element, other critical components, such as ventilation, insulation, ice and moisture barriers, underlayment, and ice and snow barriers, contribute significantly to your roof’s durability and functionality. A standout component among these is the ice and water underlayment, which creates a robust, waterproof seal, keeping moisture at bay and protecting your roof’s integrity.
Understanding how to prevent water from reaching your roof deck is crucial. Your roof serves a dual function. It not only shields you from the elements, like snow and rain, but also directs rainwater into the gutters. The water then flows away from the house’s foundation through downspouts or drains. The same principle applies to melted snow. However, standing water can pose a problem for roofs, potentially seeping under the shingles and into your home.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, certain conditions can lead to roof leaks. For instance, clogged gutters can trigger water issues, allowing overflowing water to permeate your foundation, or pool under shingles, which can then leak through fascias and interior walls. Additionally, water standing on your roof can seep into the shingles.
In an ideal world, you wouldn’t need to concern yourself with leaves or seeds clogging your gutters, or harsh wind and snow. However, that’s rarely the case. That’s where ice and water barriers come into play.
These barriers adhere directly to the roof decking, providing a watertight seal around nails. They safeguard your roof in key areas such as valleys, eaves, and any penetrations into the roof deck, like skylights and vents. In some circumstances, depending on your geographic location, it might be beneficial to install a waterproof barrier across the entire roof surface for added protection.
Ice dams can pose significant challenges during the winter, resulting from a combination of rooftop snow, heat loss from the attic, and freezing temperatures. To prevent their formation, ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. For instance, maintain the attic temperature similar to the outside temperature by mitigating any air leakage through the ceiling or insufficient insulation.
Ventilation is crucial for your attic. For optimal airflow, your attic should have a balanced soffit-and-ridge vent system. And if you’re unsure about the ventilation requirements of your roof, the Reggie Reed Roofing can be an excellent to assist you. Furthermore, a roofing contractor can help improve your attic’s ventilation.
Along with ventilation, attic insulation is also paramount. By air sealing your ceiling and insulating the attic, you can prevent heat transfer from the living area to the attic.
Ice dams can be a menace if you live in an area prone to heavy snowfalls or freezing temperatures. To defend your home against such threats, ice and water barriers are your best bet. These barriers not only prevent water infiltration around nails but also offer additional protection for valleys and roof openings. They are adhesive, hence no water can migrate under them.
Notably, ice and water barriers are installation-friendly, featuring a slip-resistant surface suitable for cold weather applications. Reggie Reed Roofing offers eight specially-designed ice and water barriers to cater to homeowners’ varied needs.
Did you know that if the average temperature in January is below 20 degrees F, your building code might necessitate a waterproofing membrane beneath the shingles at the eaves?
Preventing leaks often involves a trifecta of good insulation, proper ventilation, and the installation of an ice and water shield right under the shingles. Should you find yourself missing any of these components, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Reggie Reed Roofing contractor. They can inspect your roof and offer effective solutions to mitigate the impact of ice dams.
This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state-certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, the best Roofing Companies in Pinellas County. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. RR Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches, and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.
