How much does a roll of ice and water shield weigh?
Short answer. A full roll of standard smooth-surfaced ice and water shield usually weighs roughly 50 to 65 pounds; one widely used 40 mil membrane lists about 55 pounds for its 200 square foot roll and about 61 pounds for its 225 square foot roll. Thicker and granular-surfaced products weigh more per square foot, so check the label or data sheet for yours.
Why the weight matters
- Getting it on the roof. A 60 pound roll is awkward on a ladder. Crews usually have rolls delivered to the roof with the shingles or hoist them up.
- Roof load. The membrane adds well under a pound per square foot, so it does not change structural design. Shingle bundles are far heavier.
- Handling in heat. Heavy, sticky membrane is easier to manage in shorter cut pieces, especially on steep slopes.
- Shipping. Data sheets list roll weight for freight and handling.
Weight per square foot
Standard 40 mil membranes work out to roughly a quarter pound per square foot. Thicker high-temperature or granular-surfaced products are heavier. To compare products, divide the roll weight by its coverage, both printed on the data sheet.
Heavier is not automatically better
A heavier roll is not necessarily a better product for your roof. Look at ASTM D1970 compliance, the temperature rating, the exposure limit and the surface type for the job, whether that is a shingle valley or a hot metal roof. Granular surfaces suit shingle roofs and give crews traction; smooth film surfaces suit metal.
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