Benefits of Ice & Weather Barrier For Your Roof

Unless you are a roofing contractor or at the very least a roof enthusiast, you’ve probably not given too much thought to water or ice barriers on your roof, but we can assure you they are not something to be overlooked. Surely outer layers of roofs (such as shingles) appear to be the hero, but a quality ice and water barrier in high risk areas, or across the whole roof are the silent companion to the rest of the roof.

Heavy rains and your roof. What should you know?

Roofs are there to protect your home from rain, but a number of things can go wrong including unnoticed damage, pooling or standing water in areas of your roof, even clogged gutters and high winds. When any or all of these things happen, rain water can sit on your roof for extended periods of time causing decay and water damage. In times like these, the extra protection of a waterproof membrane will pay off dividends and keep your home safe and dry.

In the winter time, your roof may give a dam.

Living in central Illinois, none of us are strangers to snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and biting winds, but what you may be less familiar with is the effect they can have on your home. As the snow falls, it starts off looking beautiful, but as it melts it is anything but. Rapid melting and refreezing of snow on your roof can cause ice dams resulting in trapped water and pooling at the base of the dam. This still water can quickly cause damage and even leaks to your home’s interior.

Can you be insulated from any of these problems?

In fact, that’s exactly what we would recommend as a first step. Ensuring your attic has proper ventilation and insulation can greatly reduce the speed that snow on your roof melts by reducing the amount of heat transferred from the interior of the home to the roof. Ideally, the temperature of your attic should be at or similar to the outdoors to help snow melt at an even pace and be removed quickly from your roof.

If the roof works, why do I need an extra layer?

Roofing is designed with one purpose in mind, and that is to direct water away from the surface of the roof and the home’s foundation, but mother nature can be persistent and changing weather conditions in central Illinois can put that job to the test. Waterproofing membranes are an extra layer of protection that go between the shingles and the roof deck to help minimize interior damage in the case of standing or excess water on your roof.

So what can you do about all of this?

Luckily, Copper Creek Contractors exists and we happen to know a thing or two about roofing. We can handle anything from soffits to shingles and every step in between. Don’t let changing weather catch you and your home by surprise. Contact us today for your free inspection!