Often, ice and water damage can seem to appear out of nowhere. And, once the damage is done, it’s costly to correct. In this way, prevention is always better than cure.
One way to prevent the costly repairs of ice and water damage is to install leak barriers. Below, we discuss what leak barriers are and why they are such a great addition to your roof. So, keep reading to find out how best to protect your roof against the harsh winter elements.
What Are Leak Barriers?
Despite what you may think, your roof is made up of several layers. Some of these layers include roofing shingles and the roof deck.
Roofing shingles do a great job of protecting your roof. However, there are certain vulnerable areas that are prone to leaks. These include the areas around the chimney and skylight as well as the joints of valleys, eaves, and rakes.
As a result, in extremely cold and harsh winters, your roof will need extra protection against water and ice. You can install leak barriers or ice and water shields.
A leak barrier is a thin sheet of black sticky plastic usually placed under the shingles of a roof or around the vulnerable areas prone to leaks. Installation of a leak barrier creates a watertight seal that helps to combat leaks due to ice dams and wind-driven rain.
The installation of a leak barrier is fairly simple. The protective sheet is rolled onto the roof which then creates a seal. This roll-on technique ensures that the sheeting reaches every area of the roof.
What Do They Protect Against?
Moisture Stains
We often have no idea there’s a leak in our roof until it’s too late. When you leave a leak untreated for a long period, the water may begin to seep into the ceilings and walls on the inside of your house.
This can lead to moisture stains. It may also lead to paint lifting and peeling off the wall and ceiling, and damage to valuables in the house. As a result, not only will you need to repair a leak in the roof, but also the inside of your home. This is a costly exercise that you could prevent altogether with the installation of a leak barrier.
Potential Mold Growth
The growth of mold in your home is problematic for several reasons. Not only is mold costly to remove, but it is also extremely dangerous for the health of your family members.
If you do not protect your roof and it begins to leak, water may enter and affect the insulation of your walls, attic, and ceiling. The insulation retains the moisture and mold begins to grow. By installing leak barriers in your roof or even just around those vulnerable areas, you can rest assured of your family’s safety.
Higher Utility Bills
This may come as a surprise, but the initial money spent on installing leak barriers will end up saving you money in the long run. When your roof is affected by water and ice damage, and this water seeps into your insulation, your home will struggle to resist heat flow. In this way, your utility bill will increase as your home tries to regulate its temperature.
Roof System Degradation
Remember roofs are layered. One of those important layers is roof decking. Without leak barriers, you risk exposing your decking to water and ice. This could lead to total roof system degradation.
Over time, roof decking that is constantly exposed to moisture may start to rot as the protective lamination begins to lift. This leaves the decking exposed and vulnerable. When your roof decking gets damaged, it will put your entire roof system at risk. When ice and water damage compromises the decking, you may need an entire roof replacement.
So, it’s better to prevent damage from occurring in the first place with leak barriers.
Protect Your Roof Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Protect your roof today from ice and water damage by installing leak barriers. Leaks often go unnoticed and for this reason, what starts as a minor problem develops into an expensive repair. So, for your peace of mind and to ensure the safety of your family, contact your local roof specialists today!