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Ice & Water Shield Professional Guide

For Roofing Contractors

Technical specifications, installation methods, and professional best practices

Technical Specifications & Standards

ASTM Standards

  • ASTM D1970: Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials
  • ASTM D6298: Peel Adhesion of Adhesive Bonds
  • ASTM D5147: Sampling and Testing Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials
  • ASTM D412: Tensile Properties of Vulcanized Rubber

Performance Requirements

  • Tensile Strength: Min 200 lbf/in (35 kN/m)
  • Elongation: Min 300%
  • Low Temperature: -40°F (-40°C) flexibility
  • Peel Adhesion: Min 12 lbf/in (2.1 kN/m)

ICC 2021 Code Requirements (R905.1.2)

Ice Barrier Requirement: In areas with history of ice forming along eaves (per Table R301.2), ice barriers are mandatory for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate, wood shingles and shakes.

Minimum Coverage Requirements:
  • • Standard: Extend minimum 24" inside exterior wall line
  • • Steep Roofs (≥8:12 slope): Extend minimum 36" up roof slope from eave edge
  • • Materials: Two layers cemented underlayment OR self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet
  • • Exception: Detached accessory structures without conditioned floor area

Local Variations: Always verify local code requirements as they may be more stringent than model codes.

Product Selection & Compatibility

Standard Applications

Asphalt Shingles

  • • Standard ice & water shield acceptable
  • • Granular surface preferred for walkability
  • • Temperature rating: up to 200°F

Cedar Shakes/Shingles

  • • Smooth surface to prevent adhesion
  • • Consider vapor permeability
  • • Allow for wood movement

High-Temperature Applications

Roof MaterialMax TempRequired Product
Light Metal Roofing200°FStandard I&W Shield
Dark Metal Roofing260°FHigh-Temp (HT) Version
EPDM/TPO Systems300°FButyl-Based Product

Installation Methods & Techniques

Deck Preparation

Critical: Proper deck preparation is essential for adhesion and performance.

  • • Remove all debris, nails, and protrusions
  • • Ensure deck is clean, dry, and smooth
  • • Temperature requirements: deck and ambient temp above 40°F
  • • For concrete/masonry: prime with ASTM D41 asphalt primer
  • • Check for loose or damaged sheathing

Application Methods

Roll-Out Method

Best for: Long straight runs

  • • Requires 2 workers
  • • Unroll keeping release film
  • • Peel and apply progressively
  • • Good for eave applications

Peel & Flop Method

Best for: Single worker

  • • Cut to manageable lengths
  • • Use split-release feature
  • • Apply one half at a time
  • • Ideal for valleys and details

Back-Roll Method

Best for: Long membranes

  • • Position first, then apply
  • • Cut release liner on roll
  • • Pull roll while applying
  • • Good adhesion control

Critical Installation Details

Lap Requirements

  • Side Laps: 3.5" minimum (smooth surface), 6" (granular)
  • End Laps: 6" minimum all products
  • Offset: End laps 6-8' from adjacent course laps
  • Sealing: Roll all laps with seam roller

Fastener Guidelines

  • Type: Plastic cap nails for extended exposure
  • Spacing: 12" o.c. in field, 6" o.c. at edges
  • Valleys: No fasteners within 6" of centerline
  • Temperature: Additional fasteners below 40°F

Specific Application Guidelines

🏠 Eave Protection

Code Requirements (ICC 2021)

  • • Extend 24" minimum beyond interior wall line
  • • Steep roofs (≥8:12): extend 36" up roof slope from eave
  • • Start at fascia edge, overlap drip edge
  • • Seal around all penetrations

Drip Edge Coordination

  • • Eave drip edge: under I&W shield
  • • Rake drip edge: over I&W shield
  • • Ensure proper water shedding
  • • Consider gutter ice backup protection

⚡ Valley Installation

Application Sequence

  1. Start at lowest point of valley
  2. Center 36" wide membrane on valley
  3. Use peel & flop method for positioning
  4. Press firmly into valley crease
  5. Overlap upper sections 6" minimum

Pro Tip: In valleys, work from center outward to avoid air bubbles and ensure proper adhesion to valley geometry.

🏗️ Low-Slope Applications

For slopes 2:12 to 4:12, ice & water shield provides critical protection against wind-driven rain backup.

Coverage Requirements

  • • Full deck coverage recommended
  • • Minimum: two courses from eave
  • • Consider vapor retarder implications
  • • Ensure adequate ventilation

Installation Notes

  • • Extra attention to lap sealing
  • • Roll all seams thoroughly
  • • Consider additional fasteners
  • • Monitor for ponding water

Quality Control & Inspection

Pre-Installation Checklist

Deck clean, dry, and smooth
Temperature above 40°F
Proper product for application
Tools and materials ready
Weather conditions suitable

Installation Inspection

Proper lap dimensions maintained
All laps sealed and rolled
No wrinkles or air bubbles
Fasteners properly placed
Penetrations properly sealed

Common Defects to Avoid

  • • Insufficient lap widths leading to potential leaks
  • • Wrinkles or bubbles that can telegraph through shingles
  • • Poor adhesion due to contaminated or cold surfaces
  • • Fastener damage from over-driving or wrong fastener type
  • • Improper sequencing causing water flow issues

Troubleshooting & Problem Solving

Cold Weather Issues

Problem: Poor Adhesion

Membrane won't stick in cold conditions

Solutions:
  • • Store material in heated area before use
  • • Use additional mechanical fasteners
  • • Apply primer to enhance adhesion
  • • Heat application area with heat gun

Problem: Membrane Cracking

Material becomes brittle and cracks

Solutions:
  • • Allow material to warm before handling
  • • Handle more carefully in cold conditions
  • • Consider postponing until warmer weather
  • • Use low-temperature rated products

Hot Weather Issues

Problem: Excessive Adhesion

Material sticks too aggressively, hard to position

Solutions:
  • • Keep material in shade/AC until use
  • • Plan application for cooler parts of day
  • • Use back-roll method for better control
  • • Have extra crew for faster application

Problem: Surface Damage

Walking on hot membrane damages surface

Solutions:
  • • Use walkway boards or plywood
  • • Apply protective covering immediately
  • • Schedule work for cooler conditions
  • • Use granular surface products

Professional Resources & References

Manufacturer Resources

Owens Corning

  • • Installation videos and guides
  • • Technical data sheets
  • • Contractor certification programs
  • • Technical support hotline

CertainTeed Grace

  • • RIPCORD installation techniques
  • • Application method videos
  • • Warranty registration systems
  • • Field representative support

Industry Standards

NRCA Guidelines

National Roofing Contractors Association installation standards and best practices

ASTM Standards

Material specifications and testing procedures for waterproof underlayments

Building Codes

IBC, IRC, and local code requirements for ice dam protection

Continuing Education: Stay current with manufacturer training programs and industry certifications to maintain expertise and warranty eligibility.

Professional Tools & Support

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