What is Ice and Water Shield?
Ice and Water Shield is a self-adhering waterproof roofing underlayment. It’s made from rubberized asphalt and is installed directly onto clean roof decking to create a watertight seal. This product is specifically designed to protect the most vulnerable areas of a roof where leaks are most likely to happen.
Unlike traditional underlayment, which only sheds water, ice and water shield seals around nails and roofing fasteners. That seal stops water intrusion even when driven beneath the shingles by wind, snow, or ice.
Why It Wasn’t on Your Old Roof
If your current roof is more than 15 years old, chances are it doesn’t have ice and water shield. That’s because Maryland didn’t require it by building code until the late 2000s.
For many of our clients, this is a new component of the roofing system—and a significant upgrade. It’s one of the most important differences between older roofs and modern, code-compliant systems.
Where Ice and Water Shield Is Installed
We install ice and water shield in critical areas of your roof:
- At the eaves, where ice dams can cause water to back up
- In valleys, where water from multiple slopes funnels together
- Around roof penetrations like chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes
- In low-slope areas, where water drains more slowly
These areas are the most leak-prone on any roof, which makes the barrier essential.
Why It Matters in Maryland
Here in the Mid-Atlantic, we experience all four seasons—including snow, heavy rain, heat, and freeze-thaw cycles. That climate creates high-risk conditions for moisture intrusion.
Ice and water shield protects your home in both extreme cold and extreme heat. In the winter, it prevents water damage caused by melting snow and ice damming. In spring and summer, it helps manage heavy rain and high water flow in valleys.
Types of Ice and Water Shield
Not all ice and water shield products are the same. We choose the right type based on your roof design and materials:
- Standard: For most shingle applications and basic protection zones
- High-temperature: Designed for use under metal roofs or high-heat areas
- Granular-surfaced: Adds traction and durability for safer installation
Is Ice and Water Shield Required by Code?
Yes. In Maryland, ice and water shield is required by code at the eaves of any heated structure. It's especially important for homes with roof pitches under 4:12, where the risk of water backup increases.
We always follow and exceed local code, ensuring your home is fully protected—both functionally and legally.
What We Do at Matter Construction
At Matter Construction, we install ice and water shield on every roof replacement—no upgrades, no upsells. It’s standard in our roofing system because it’s essential to long-term performance.
We believe protection should start underneath the shingles. That’s why we start every roof the same way: tear-off, inspect the deck, and install ice and water shield as the first line of defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of ice and water shield in roofing?
Ice and water shield creates a watertight barrier in vulnerable areas like eaves and valleys. It helps prevent leaks caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams.
Is ice and water shield required by building code?
Yes. In Maryland and many other states, it’s required at the eaves of heated structures to prevent damage from ice damming.
Where is ice and water shield installed on a roof?
It’s typically installed at the eaves, in valleys, and around roof penetrations like chimneys and skylights—anywhere water is likely to concentrate.
What is the difference between ice and water shield and regular underlayment?
Traditional underlayment sheds water, but ice and water shield seals around nails and fasteners, providing superior protection against leaks.
Do all new roofs include ice and water shield?
Not always. Some contractors treat it as an upgrade. At Matter Construction, we install it as a standard part of every roof replacement.