The Power of Ice and Water vs. the Roof

HOW ICE & WATER DAMAGE ROOFS

Weather can wreak serious havoc on homes as ice and water pose a significant risk to roofs. There are two primary causes of roof damage associated with ice and water.

1. The first is ice dams: When snow melts, it flows down the roof and refreezes at the edges, creating a dam that holds water on the roof and forces it under the shingles.
2. Second is wind-driven rain: Strong winds can drive water up and under shingles.

In either situation, water can leak under the shingles and around roof penetrations and seep into cracks, causing mold growth, wood rot, and other costly damage.

PROPER ROOF LAYERS PROTECT AGAINST ICE AND WATER DAMAGE

A well-constructed home provides a vital barrier, shielding us from the harsh elements outside. It’s helpful to think of your roof's layers like the clothes you wear every season. The inner layer is like a warm undershirt, keeping you cozy in winter. The waterproof layer is like a jacket that blocks water from rain, snow, or ice. Finally, the outer layer is like a sturdy coat, protecting everything under it from heavy rain and snow. Just as you wear different layers to stay warm and dry, your roof needs layers too.

At Klaus Roofing Systems, we’ve developed a roofing system specifically designed to address roof penetrations and prevent leaks caused by rain or melting ice. We aim to help you enhance your roof's lifespan while protecting your home from potential water damage. In this blog, you'll learn how a Klaus Roofing System can defend your home against destructive ice and water with a purposefully designed system of protective layers.

5 ESSENTIAL PROTECTIVE STEPS OF A KLAUS ROOFING SYSTEM INSTALLATION

There's a regular roofing installation, and then there's The Klaus Roofing Way. Our roofing process involves exclusive products and steps designed to protect the roof against leaks, wind-driven rain, and ice dams.

• Fortify your roof deck by replacing rotted or damaged roof decking and back-nailing the roof deck.
• Apply KRS Sealoron XT fully adhered, self-gasketing membrane
• Tape roof deck seams with KRS Sealoron XT Roof Deck Tape
• Apply Velora One synthetic underlayment over the roof deck
• Install premium metal drip & rake edge
• Install purpose-made starter shingles
• Install IKO High Performance shingle and cap shingles.

PROPER PROTECTION STARTS UNDER THE SHINGLES

Klaus Roofing Systems Roofers use a specially designed system of roofing products below the shingles to help keep water out. Together, these products significantly reduce the chance of roof leaks.

Our leak-proof roof decking system includes three essential components:

1. Sealoron XT is a premium grade Ice & Water barrier, a fully adhered, self-gasketing membrane that can withstand extreme temperatures. Its self-adhesive properties are strategically placed in valleys, along eaves, and around other roof penetrations, protecting the home’s vulnerable areas from ice and water infiltration. This product ensures a tight seal around the nails during shingle installation, preventing water from seeping into the underlying structure.

1. Sealoron XT Deck Tape is a waterproof air and vapor barrier. Klaus Roofing Systems roofers can apply the slip-resistant tape even in temperatures as low as -20°F. It effectively seals the seams on the plywood roof deck, providing extra protection for the most at-risk areas. Without this tape, water could penetrate through unsealed gaps in the wood, leading to mold growth and potential leaks in your attic.
2. Velora ONE is an ultra-tough synthetic roof underlayment. It provides an additional defense against severe weather as a durable barrier between your roof deck and the shingles. This product prevents damage from wind-driven rain and water vapor, safeguarding the underlying wood from potential harm.

QUALITY SHINGLES AND NAILS PREVENT TEARING AND LIFTING

After the high-performance roof decking system comes the shingles. A Klaus Roofing System is designed with heavy-duty, long-lasting shingles. Each shingle has a unique reinforcement strip on the underside that prevents nails from tearing when strong winds lift, as they can do on other shingles on the market. Nails hold the shingles to the roof, so Klaus Roofing Systems pays careful attention to what nails we use, as well as how and where they are placed.

EXTRA PROTECTIVE MEASURES PROVIDE TOTAL LEAK PROTECTION

At Klaus Roofing Systems, we pay attention to the details to ensure long-lasting protection against water damage. Once the roof shingles are installed, additional steps are taken to protect the valleys, pipe penetration vents, skylights, hips and ridges, ridge vents, and flashing around chimneys; all parts of the roof where leaks can occur.

Some of the unique leak-proof features of a Klaus Roofing System:

• Perma-Boot is a permanent roof vent leak repair and prevention solution made from UV-protected, high-impact plastic. Unlike traditional rubber gasket roof boots that can degrade over time due to sun exposure and high temperatures, our Perma-Boot is gasket-less. It creates a reliable seal around plumbing vent pipes to prevent leaks.

• Chimney flashing consists of metal sheets that cover the area where the chimney meets the roof, forming a waterproof seal to prevent leaks and damage. Beneath the flashing is the ice and water membrane, providing an additional protective layer. Without these products in place, water can seep through the joints and infiltrate your home.
• Ridge vents are installed at the roof's peak, preventing residual heat and moisture from getting trapped in the attic. During the summer, Ridge Vents allow hot air to escape from the attic, while in winter, they work with proper attic insulation to maintain a cold roof surface, helping to prevent dangerous ice dams from forming.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WATER DAMAGE WITH A HIGH-PERFORMANCE ROOF!

Ice and water can penetrate any roof area and lead to leaks without proper protection. Why not take steps to prevent leaks? Our roofing system effectively reduces the risks of rain and ice, giving you peace of mind. Plus, many roof installation projects can be completed in just one day, reducing the chance of adverse weather while the roof is exposed.

If you’re experiencing leaks due to rain or ice or want to proactively protect your home with the highest-quality new roof, don’t wait! Request a free roofing estimate today and your local Klaus Roofing Systems dealer will schedule your roof inspection at the earliest availability.