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An ice and water shield is a key component of most roofing systems. Just what is ICE and water shield? It is a type of roof underlayment used in new construction and re-roofing projects. It is commonly used in leak-prone areas near eaves and in valleys. Also, it is frequently applied in problem areas like chimneys, skylights, dormers and vent pipes. Sometimes, for the ultimate in leak protection, this special membrane is installed across the entire roof.

A properly installed ice and water shield protects against the following:

• Ice dams
• Wind-driven rain
• Flowing water
• Seepage

Ice Dams - A Special Challenge

Recent severe winters made many Maryland property owners acutely aware of the problems posed by ice dams. Significant snow loads, combined with heat rising from living spaces, cause ice dams to form. Freezing and thawing cycles also add to the problem. Rising heat melts snow on the roof, but when the water reaches the edge of the roof, the heat source stops and the water freezes.

As this cycle repeats, ice dams can build up. Just as a lake forms behind a dam across a river, pools of water can gather behind ice dams. This standing water may migrate under roofing materials where it can cause dry rot, mold and/or mildew. The water may also migrate into the attic before staining and damaging ceilings and walls.

Installation of an effective ice and water shield is a proactive measure that can prevent expensive repairs and provide peace-of-mind.

Sometimes, severe winds in thunderstorms can create enough lift to allow heavy rain to work its way under shingles. From there, moisture can migrate down the roof until it reaches vulnerable areas. Also, heavy rain can increase flowing water to the point that it exploits vulnerable spots, especially those found in aging or improperly installed roofs.

The advantages of a high-quality ice and water shield are many:

• Provides a good seal around nails and roof protrusions
• Resists drying and cracking at very high and very low temperatures
• Peel-and-stick membrane for easy, quick installation that cuts labor costs
• Consistent performance under widely varying conditions
• Provides a smooth underlayment that often results in a flatter roof
• Addresses the special needs of low-pitch roofs

Installation Details

In partial ice and water shield installations, existing roofing materials are removed along eaves, rake edges, valleys and other problem areas, right down to the roof deck. The self-adhering ice and water shield is then applied directly to the roof deck, and the shingles are then replaced in these areas. To ensure that one gets the full waterproofing potential out of such a product, expert installation by qualifiedroofers is important.

Leak Protection Under Metal and Shingle Roofs

Ice and water shields are a valuable addition under a wide variety of metal and shingle roofs. GAFoffers two kinds of ice and water shields - StormGuard and WeatherWatch.

StormGuard is a film-surfaced membrane that is appropriate for use under both metal and shingle roofs. It is a Good Housekeeping Seal recipient, and it is a component of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System.

WeatherWatch is a mineral-surfaced barrier that is appropriate for use under shingle roofs. It features a fiberglass-reinforced layer that resists buckling and wrinkling under shingle roofs, promoting a flatter roof. It's been awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal as well, and it is also a part of GAF's Lifetime Roofing System.

Hope this help! 

Modern roofs can last three decades or more, depending on the materials used and the expertise and commitment to excellence of the contractor. Older roofs, however, aren’t quite as eternal. If you have lived in your home for a number of years and have never experienced a problem with your roof, consider yourself lucky.

However, that luck won’t last, and because of it, you may not immediately recognize a problem with your roof that might require a repair or even a new roof. Here are some signs that your roof needs attention, and if you do suspect a problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional to diagnose it and provide an estimate:

Leaks and Sunlight

Water seeping into your house is an obvious sign of a roof problem, but sometimes that leak is difficult to find, particularly if it never gets beyond your attic. Look at the attic from the inside to look for evidence of a leak and do so during the daytime—if slivers of sunlight are visible, your roof has holes that should be fixed.

Damaged Shingles

Shingles that are cracked, curling upward, cupping in the middle, or buckling or are damaged in any other way are a sign of a roof in distress. Most shingle damage, if not caused by wind, is an indication that water has seeped underneath the roof and is destroying it from underneath. A damaged shingle here and there might not be cause for alarm and can easily be replaced, but enough of them might be an indicator that you need a new roof.

What Does it Cost to Replace Your Roof? Find Out Here >

Missing Shingles

Shingles can blow off during storms; if the roof is solid, you hire a contractor to replace them and move on. However, if you are losing shingles during relatively calmer conditions, something else other than a breeze might be at play. Don’t let missing shingles go unreplaced: Call a professional to fix the problem and determine the state of your roof.

Granules in the Gutter

The granules you see on asphalt shingles serve an important purpose: shielding the roof from the effects of the sun. On a new roof, excess granules may fall off the shingles—this is nothing to be concerned about. For an old roof, however, losing these granules might be a sign that the shingles are at the end (or beyond the end) of their lifespan. The sun will then beat upon your unprotected shingles and shorten the roof’s life even more. If your roof is more than 15 years old and you are seeing granules in the gutter, you may be inching closer to a replacement.

Failing Flashing

Flashing is the material that seals and protects the seams around roof features such as chimneys,skylights, and vents. If you are noticing cracking around the flashing and/or are experiencing leaks on the inside of these structures, a repair is definitely in order.

Drooping and Sagging

If your roof is visibly drooping, sagging, or depressed, a replacement roof is likely imminent. Moreover, these are also signs of potential structural damage—boards and decking in the attic might be rotting as well. Call a roofer right away to assess the damage.

The Passage of Time

Back to the conversation about luck earlier in this post: If you are not the original owner of your home but have resided in it for more than 20 years without a roof problem, you should, at the very least, be wary that the roof is on the back end of its practical life. Issues and damage can be present even in older roofs that otherwise look fine to the untrained eye. Pay careful attention to your experienced roof and consider annual inspections by a professional to help determine if there are concerns you just aren’t seeing. Also, if you live in a subdivision and your neighbors start replacing their roofs, be ready—yours might be just around the corner.

What current concerns do you have about your roof?

If you are looking to boost your home's curb appeal while also improving energy efficiency, you should consider getting new siding. When you want to go with a quality product that you know will last, James Hardie Siding, should be a serious consideration.

Why Get New Siding?

If you find that your home's current siding is worn out, tattered, cracked, or damaged by termites, getting new siding is the perfect solution. Not only will it make your house look great, but it will increase your home's value, making it a sound investment. In fact, replacing your siding was recently ranked the 2nd best remodeling option to increase home value. It will freshen up the look of your house, making it stand out from others in the neighborhood, boosting appeal to prospective buyers. You can even choose a modern siding color, such as dark gray.

New siding will help you save money year-round due to the increased energy efficency profile of new materials. High quality siding will help regulate the temperature of your home, reducing heating and cooling costs, no matter the weather.

You would be suprised to learn how much the material of your siding can change the entire look of your home. If you want to feel proud of the quality of your home's exterior, fiber cement James Hardie siding is for you.

Benefits of James Hardie Siding

In addition to the above benefits,  James Hardie siding boasts many advantages over traditional siding because it's made with fiber cement. This material is bug resistant, fire resistant and outlasts standard vinyl siding by decades. It's as close as it gets to a zero maintenance home exterior. Amazingly, James Hardie has been in buisness since the 1800's, so you can be assured of the company's product quality and timeless appeal.

James Hardie siding will give your home a high quality appearance, while also being durable and sustainable, making it eco-friendly. Being fire resistant, fiber cement siding also offers an extra layer of protection should there ever be a fire near your home. However, one of the most cited reasons why people choose fiber cement is that it will not rot like traditional siding when exposed to humidity and precipitation, making it perfect for the DC area. Furthermore, James Hardie developed the HardieZone® System, which tailors the composition of your fiber siding to your climate zone. The DC area is a part of HardieZone® 5, ensuring the best protection against hail, extreme temperature changes and humidity. This advanced system will allow your siding to resist the elements to protect against mold, swelling and cracking. 

Finally, James Hardie siding comes in a variety of attractive colors, thicknesses, densities, and designs. You'll be able to choose a beautiful, customized look for your home. This can include using various plank designs to create intrigue or accentuate different areas of your home with different styles. So if you're looking for a beautiful and strong material for your home's exterior, look no further than James Hardie.

Working with James Hardie Certified Installers

Once you've come to see the advantages that James Hardie siding offers, it's time to start thinking about the details of a potential installation. To ensure that you get quality work done to make the most of this product, you need to work with a James Hardie Certified Installer, such asBRAX Roofing. 

On any type of siding project, it's important to leave the work to professionals, which will ensure that everything is measured correctly, properly installed, and does not include any gaps. Especially when you are going for a customized design, it's essential to use professionals who will work with you to ensure 100% satisfaction.

Professionals can also give you advice and insight on what style, thickness, and design would look good with your home. If you cannot decide on a style, they will be able to steer you in the right direction of what would fit with your home, and what combinations would look good if you choose to go with more than one style

It all depends on the type of window, that being said many newer winodws come with warranties that would incluide replaceing a damaged sash free of charge. However a safe estimate for a standerd vinyll window sash replacemant will cost around $175.00