Pittsburgh may be known for its fascinating history and delicious food, but it’s also infamous for its long, wet, snowy winters. Without proper protection, rain and snow can leak through your roof. If you want to prevent wet carpets, ruined ceilings, and potential mold growth, your Pittsburgh home needs an ice and water shield.
In this guide, the seasoned roofing experts at Gotcha Covered Contracting explain what an ice and water shield is, what it does, and why you need one.
Ready to install an ice and water shield right now? Call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147.
What Is an Ice and Water Shield?
An ice and water shield, also called “peel and stick,” is a waterproof membrane made of polymer-modified bitumen or polyethylene film. These self-adhering roofing shields feature aggressive rubberized asphalt adhesives that stick to the roof deck and form a watertight seal around nails.
Good ice and water protectors should have a moisture transmission rate of 0.5 perms. “Perms” is a measurement that describes how many grains of water can pass through the protector in 60 minutes under a specific level of water pressure.
Perks of Installing an Ice and Water Shield
Do you really need an ice and water shield? If you want to keep your home safe from Pittsburgh’s winter storms, the answer is a definite yes. Here’s why you should consider an ice and water protector for your home.
Protect Against Ice Dams
Ice dams may not look all that troublesome, but they can do serious damage to your home.
Ice dams form when ice forms on your roof and then melts due to the heat of your home. That melted ice then refreezes when it reaches the unheated soffits of your roof, and an ice dam forms.
When this happens, the ice dam can force water under your shingles and into the attic. Over time, that moisture can cause serious problems, such as:
- Damaged ceilings
- Mold growth
- Peeling paint
- Poor air quality
- Structural deterioration
- Risk of electrical issues
Ice and water shields protect against these risks by forming a watertight seal, preventing melted ice from making its way into your roof.
Safeguard Against Wind-Driven Rain
Pennsylvania gets its share of windy rainstorms. That wind can push rain beneath your shingles, which may cause leaks and water damage.
Some homeowners insurance policies don’t cover wind-driven rain. The American National Flood Insurance Program doesn’t cover it, either. If wind-driven rain damages your home, you might have to pay for repairs yourself.
To prevent this, it’s best to install an ice and water shield before the next big storm comes.
Ice and Water Shields Are Required in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania building code requires ice and water shields for certain structures.
According to the building code, an ice and water shield is required on “A” framed roofs from the eaves to a point two feet inside the wall line. The only exception is for non-habitable structures, such as sheds and detached garages.
A building inspector probably won’t show up one day and fine you for not having an ice and water shield installed. But if you one day try to sell your home and an inspection reveals that you don’t have an ice and water shield, you could run into trouble. Potential buyers will probably want you to install one before they purchase the property.
Get a Quote for an Ice and Water Shield From Gotcha Covered Contracting
If you’re building a new home, planning to sell your home, or want to upgrade your existing roof with an ice and water shield, give Gotcha Covered Contracting a call. Our veteran-owned company offers affordable rates to suit your budget and protect your roof from ice dams and wind-driven rain damage with a slip-resistant coated high-density cross-laminated polyethylene film.
To get a quote for an ice and water shield, call us at 724-581-8147.
