What is ice and water shield used for on Georgia roofs, where ice is rare?
Short answer. Despite the name, on most Georgia roofs ice and water shield is used less for ice than for water that moves slowly or gets pushed uphill: in valleys, around chimneys, skylights and pipes, at roof-to-wall joints, on low-slope sections and under metal roofing. It also guards eaves in the mountain areas where ice dams do form, and anywhere clogged gutters back water up.
The main uses
- Valleys. Two slopes send water into one channel, and pine straw and leaves slow it down. A full-width sheet beneath the valley is standard practice.
- Penetrations. Chimneys, skylights, pipes and exhaust vents are where leaks usually start; membrane under the flashing backs it up.
- Walls. Sidewalls and headwalls where a roof meets a vertical surface.
- Low slopes. Porch roofs and shallow transitions where water lingers.
- Wind-driven rain. Eaves and rakes exposed to storms that push water sideways and up under shingles.
- Under metal roofs. High-temperature versions serve as a secondary water barrier.
- Eaves in ice-prone areas. North Georgia mountain homes where snow melts and refreezes at the overhang.
- Gutter backup areas. Spots where clogged or undersized gutters push water back under the roof edge.
What it is not for
- A permanent exposed roof or long-term patch; it has a limited sun exposure window.
- Fixing bad flashing. It backs up flashing; it does not replace it.
- Covering a poorly ventilated attic's deck, where more membrane can trap moisture.
See ice and water shield in Georgia, roof flashing explained and pine needles and leaves on your roof.