Expert: Brad Zacharia - 11/1/2009

Question
1-How do you affix outdoor carpet on top of ice and waterguard membrane, the latter has been applied to a nearly flat new plywood decking(deck size aproximately 16x24feet)? Space below the deck is desired as a dry storage area.

2-How problematic is the fact that ,due to continuos wet weather , the ice and water guard membrane has been applied over sections of plywood decking that was damp- wet?  The ice and waterguard membrane has been nailed in addition to its adhesive backing.  

Answer
Ice and Water Shield is not a finished roof. In fact, it deteriorates in the sun if left exposed.

Trying to attach carpeting is on your own. They do not make roofs where people can go party on them. You do so at your own risk. So there is no industry directions as to how to do it. Roofs are fragile and people inevitably destroy them when trying to live on them. Each nail that you placed in the ice and water shield is another potential leak. The plywood underneath would eventually dry out but I don't see you going very long without new leaks.

Brad