Ice and Water Shield

This page was last reviewed by Rick M., SunnyMac Senior Field Manager in August 2025.

Critical Protection Against Roof Leaks, Ice Dams & Water Intrusion

An ice and water shield is a specialized underlayment installed beneath your roof’s shingles to provide an added layer of waterproof protection. This high-performance barrier is essential for safeguarding your home from water damage caused by ice dams, wind-driven rain, clogged gutters, and melting snow.

SunnyMac includes ice and water shield installation as a standard component of our roof replacement services in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We use only premium products that meet or exceed local building codes, ensuring your roof performs in all weather conditions.

Without an ice and water shield, water can back up under your shingles—especially in colder climates—and penetrate the roof deck. Even homes in temperate zones are vulnerable to gutter overflows and standing water caused by heavy rainfall or debris buildup. This barrier provides the peace of mind that your roof is protected from the elements 365 days a year.

Ice and Water Shield Installation

Seamless Adhesion. Complete Protection.

Installation begins with surface preparation. The ice and water shield is then rolled out along the eaves, valleys, and other vulnerable roof areas. The underside has a self-adhering membrane activated by pressure and temperature, bonding tightly to the surface.

This adhesive layer forms a watertight seal, even around nail penetrations, to guard against moisture intrusion. Unlike traditional felt underlayments, ice and water shield offers superior flexibility, sealing properties, and long-term durability.

Types of Ice and Water Shield

Different Products for Different Conditions

There are several types of ice and water shield, each designed for specific roofing conditions:

• Granular Surface Shield: Commonly used and more affordable, but less flexible. Suitable for standard residential applications.
• Smooth Surface Shield: Easier to work with and provides better adhesion. Ideal for complex rooflines and under metal roofing.
• High-Temperature Shield: Designed for metal roofs or areas with high heat exposure. It resists degradation under extreme temperatures.

While some older shield types have fallen out of favor due to brittleness or poor adhesion over time, SunnyMac uses only modern, high-performance products chosen to match your roofing system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does ice and water shield last?

Most high-quality ice and water shield products last 20 to 30 years, depending on environmental conditions and roof design.

Will ice and water shield stick to cold surfaces?

It’s best installed at temperatures above 40°F. Colder conditions can reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive, which is why we schedule installations during optimal weather or use special cold-weather variants when needed.

How thick is ice and water shield?

Most ice and water shield underlayment are around 40 mils thick (about 1 mm). This thickness offers durability and puncture resistance while remaining flexible enough to seal around nails and fasteners.