Ice and water shield is one of the most important layers in any Surrey BC roofing system — yet most homeowners never know it’s there until something goes wrong. I-M Roofing installs industry-standard ice and water shield on every roofing project.
What Is Ice and Water Shield?
Ice and water shield (also called ice and water barrier or self-adhering membrane) is a rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane that self-seals around nails and staples. Unlike regular underlayment, it sticks directly to the roof deck and creates a watertight barrier that can’t be lifted by wind or saturated by pooling water.
Why Is Ice and Water Shield Critical in Surrey BC?
Surrey’s climate creates specific conditions where standard underlayment alone isn’t enough:
- Heavy rainfall — Surrey’s 1,400mm+ annual rainfall means roof edges are constantly under water pressure. Ice and water shield at eaves prevents water backup under shingles.
- Wind-driven rain — Pacific storms can force water horizontally under shingles. Self-adhering membrane seals those penetration points.
- Freeze-thaw cycles — Even rare Surrey freeze events create ice dams at eaves that force water backward. Ice and water shield is the last line of defence.
Where Ice and Water Shield Is Required in Surrey BC
BC Building Code requires ice and water shield in specific locations:
- Along all eave edges (minimum 0.9m from the exterior wall line)
- In all roof valleys
- Around all roof penetrations (chimneys, skylights, vents)
- Along rakes (eaves on gable ends) in high wind zones
I-M Roofing’s Underlayment Standards
On every Surrey re-roof, I-M Roofing installs ice and water shield at all eaves and valleys as a minimum, with synthetic underlayment across the remaining deck. We exceed BC Building Code minimums on exposed or complex roofs.
See also: Asphalt Shingle Roofing Surrey BC | Best Shingles for Surrey BC Climate | Re-Roofing Surrey BC
📞 Call 236-838-9577 for professional underlayment installation in Surrey BC
📍 I-M Roofing Ltd. — 15482 86A Ave, Newton, Surrey BC V3S 2R6
