For Kansas City Homeowners
REQUIRED BY LAW - Everything you need to know about this mandatory roofing protection
Ice & water shield is REQUIRED BY LAW for all roofing projects in Kansas City. This is not optional - it's a legal requirement under the 2018 IRC building codes adopted by the city.
Important: Any contractor who suggests skipping ice & water shield is violating building codes. No reputable contractor should ever install a roof in Kansas City without proper ice barrier protection.
Ice & water shield (also called ice & water barrier or waterproof underlayment) is a special protective membrane that goes under your roof shingles. Think of it as a waterproof backup system for your roof.
Unlike regular roofing felt, ice & water shield is completely waterproof and self-sealing. When nails are driven through it during shingle installation, it automatically seals around the nail holes to prevent water leaks.
Kansas City has adopted the 2018 IRC building codes which REQUIRE ice barriers in areas subject to ice formation. Kansas City's climate conditions make ice barriers mandatory, not optional.
Code R905.1.2: Ice barriers must extend from roof edge to at least 24" beyond the interior wall line. While some warmer parts of the country don't require this protection, Kansas City's winter conditions make it absolutely necessary.
Kansas City experiences freezing temperatures and snow that create perfect conditions for ice dams. When snow melts and refreezes at your roof's edge, it forces water under shingles. This is why the city requires ice barriers by law.
Kansas City's severe thunderstorms and tornadoes create wind-driven rain that can penetrate under shingles. Building codes require ice & water shield because regular felt cannot provide adequate protection.
Kansas City building codes specifically require ice & water shield at eaves, valleys, and around roof penetrations. These aren't recommendations - they're legal requirements that must be followed.
Beyond preventing expensive water damage, proper ice & water shield installation ensures your roof meets building codes. Without it, your roof won't pass inspection and may void insurance coverage.
Required by 2018 IRC: Applied along the bottom edge of your roof, extending at least 24 inches beyond the interior wall line. This is not optional in Kansas City - it's a legal requirement for all roofing projects.
Valleys where two roof sections meet are high-risk areas for water penetration. Ice & water shield should extend at least 18 inches on each side of the valley centerline.
Around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and other roof penetrations where flashing is critical for preventing leaks.
On roof sections with slopes less than 4:12, ice & water shield may be required over the entire area for proper water protection.
Professional Tip: Your contractor will select the right type based on your roof material, climate, and local building codes. Don't try to save money by choosing the wrong type - it could void your warranty.
Ice & water shield requires virtually no maintenance once properly installed. It's designed to last the life of your roof system.
Warning: Never walk on your roof to inspect ice & water shield. Always hire a professional for roof inspections.
Get a professional assessment of your roof's ice & water shield needs.