Installing Roof Leak Barriers – Ice Dams and Valleys

In Ice Dam protection, install Leak Barriers 24″ inside of the warm wall anywhere the roof is subjected to ice dams or freeze-thaw cycles. When installing leak barriers in snow areas using wrapping fascia method (under drip edge method). Remove the gutter so the membrane can be wrapped down the fascia, cut into 10′-20′ lengths so to be easier to handle, install full width of membrane, turn down fascia 2″ minimum, roll back top half of membrane to remove release film, remove release film to install to the deck, seal the membrane using a roller, for safety reasons back nail every 18″ along selvage film, roll back the bottom half to remove the release film, remove release film to install to the deck and fascia, seal membrane again with a roller, extend laps 6″ minimum at any seams, again, hand roll these laps to seal.

Do not leave membrane exposed it is not designed to be exposed for long periods of time to the elements. Re-install the gutter; do not forget to re-attach all leader pipes. Install non-corroding metal drip edge, aluminum or galvanized steel. Nail drip edge every 8″-10″.

For full roof deck coverage, extreme ice and wind protection, full roof deck coverage is allowed, installing a leak barrier over an entire roofing deck is allowed on GAF-Elk Roofing Systems and GAF-Elk enhanced warranties. Because leak barriers are vapor retarders, ventilation precautions must be taken, they may result in moisture related problems with the roof deck and the structure in the attic.

For problems with installing valley metals: Valleys carry extreme amounts of water, they are a natural center for leaks and leak barriers will seal off these leaks. Valley metals move, buckle, and crack, the metals expand and contract all of even the best metals are subject to this movement. Metals corrode even the strongest metals are known to corrode.

Installing closed valleys with shingles and Leak Barriers results in awesome looking waterproof valleys. The benefits of closed valleys with Leak Barriers are to seal the roof deck, and to seal the roof nails to the roof securely. This results in more waterproof confidence and less labor, it is easier and quicker to install and results in a more waterproof roof. Not to mention a better, more finished look and feel to the roof itself. Finishing a valley with shingles leaves a roof with a cleaner look, when using metal; the metal will rust and discolor the roofing over time.

When installing leak barriers in valleys, cut Weather Watch or StormGuard roof deck protection into manageable working lengths, 6′-10′, place over the valley center line starting from the bottom up, extend past the eave of the roof area to entirely cover the eave and the valley. Remove split-back release film form one side and firmly press into place, making sure to press from the center line out to eliminate bubbles that may occur. If you need to reposition, do so now. Now, remove the split back film from the second side, again, firmly press into place removing all air bubbles. Extend this past the valley peak to fully seal and cover the leak prone transition area. Lap joints, if needed, if more than one length is needed to cover the valley. The use of valley metal is required by some building codes and when completing a valley in the open cut method.