When considering a roof replacement or installation, homeowners often focus on the visible materials, such as shingles or tiles. However, beneath these materials lies a crucial component that ensures the longevity and safety of the entire roofing system: the ice and water shield. This protective barrier is essential for preventing water infiltration, mold, mildew, and rot.
What is an Ice and Water Shield?
An ice and water shield is a secondary barrier placed beneath most finished roofing products. Made from a combination of polymers and modified asphalt, this slightly spongy material is self-adhesive and designed to provide an added layer of protection against potential water damage. One of its primary functions is to seal tightly around nails and staples, ensuring that water doesn’t find its way into the underlayers of the roof.
Why Owens Corning WeatherLock® Stands Out
While there are various ice and water shields available in the market, Owens Corning’s WeatherLock® series has garnered attention for its superior performance. The standard product, WeatherLock® Mat Self-Sealing Waterproofing Barrier, is lightweight, ensuring minimal static load on the roof. It offers protection against potential water damage caused by shingle blow-offs, wind-driven rain, and the formation of ice dams.
For those seeking a more advanced solution, Owens Corning’s WeatherLock® Flex Flexible Self-Sealing Ice & Water Barrier is a modern alternative. This product boasts:
- Superior Pliability: Easily forms around roofing structures such as eaves, rakes, valleys, vents, chimneys, and skylights.
- Protection from Various Elements: Prevents water infiltration from freeze-thaw cycles, wind-driven rains, and regular water flow.
- Adherence in Cold Weather: Can be installed even in temperatures as low as 40ºF.
- Safety: Features a slip-resistant surface, making it safer for roofing contractors to install on steep-slope roofs.
- Optimal Sealing: Uses a mix of polymers and asphalt to provide a tight seal around nails and staples.
Guns N’ Hoses Roofing & Siding: Your Trusted Partner
At Guns N’ Hoses Roofing & Siding, we understand the importance of a robust and reliable roofing system. Whether you’re considering a metal roof in Flint, MI, or seeking roof repair in Flint, MI, our team of skilled roofing contractors in Flint, MI, is here to guide you. We prioritize the use of top-tier materials like the Owens Corning WeatherLock® series to ensure your home is protected from the elements for years to come.
In Conclusion
While the external materials of a roof are vital for aesthetics and basic protection, the underlying components, such as the ice and water shield, play a pivotal role in the roof’s overall performance. By investing in high-quality products and partnering with trusted professionals like Guns N’ Hoses Roofing & Siding, homeowners can ensure a roofing system that stands the test of time.