Ice and Water Shield
A self-adhered rubberized-asphalt membrane installed at roof eaves, valleys, and penetrations to block water intrusion from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Quick answer
Ice and Water Shield: A self-adhered rubberized-asphalt membrane installed at roof eaves, valleys, and penetrations to block water intrusion from ice dams and wind-driven rain. Typical cost: $60–$110 per 200 sq ft roll installed; $400–$1,200 added to a typical reroof..
Why it matters
It's the difference between a small leak and a $10,000 interior repair in snow country. Required by code in most cold-climate jurisdictions on the lowest 24 inches of every eave.
Typical cost
$60–$110 per 200 sq ft roll installed; $400–$1,200 added to a typical reroof.
Pros
- • Self-seals around nail penetrations
- • Mandatory leak protection at eaves and valleys
- • Cheap insurance against ice dams
Cons
- • Adds cost to reroof
- • Cannot be re-used once removed
Common uses
- • Eaves, valleys, around chimneys and skylights, low-slope sections
Alternatives
Synthetic underlayment (water-resistant but not ice-dam-rated)
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Frequently asked questions
- Is ice and water shield required?
- Required by IRC code on roofs in regions where ice dams occur — typically zones with January mean temp ≤ 25°F.
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