Expert: Dan Merrill - 10/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am about to get a new roof. I have decided on a CL4 impact resistant roof since the insurance gives me a large break on the homeowners. Well I live in Arkasas (not much snow) and 3 out of 4 roofers put ice/water shield on ther estimates. The one that I am using sais I do not need it. He is also the only one to say I only need 15  pound felt ... the 30 pound would only start wrinkleling and giving me problems
Please advise
Thanks
Heike

ANSWER: The use of Ice & Water shield at the eaves and in the valleys is a code requirement in many areas of the U.S.

Even if it wasn't a code requirement in your area, it is a good idea to use it if you get any snow al all. It is relatively inexpensive & it works well.

15 pound felt is minimum code. 30 pound is used for "better" installations. I have never heard of 30 pound felt wrinkling and damaging your shingles.
Any felt product will wrinkle if rained on when it is exposed.
Once the felt is covered with shingles, it won't be exposed to rain, so it can't be an issue later.

Good luck,

Dan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your answer... Please help with an additional question. The guys are putting on the roof tomorrow. He is tearing off my 7 year old existing hail damaged roof. He said he will leave the 30# felt on the roof. Do you put the ice/water shield on top of that felt? Will it stick? Then he will put a 15# felt over that. ... and do you put the ice/water shield under the felt? does it have to be on the wood? Is it normal for them to leave the old felt on? This guy does not usually use the ice/water shield and really does not even know when in the process to put it on
Please let me know as soon as possible
Thanks
Heike

Answer
Sorry about the slow response, I didn't see the question.

If you ever get snow in your area, then Ice & Water shield is a good idea.

I have never heard of re-using felt paper. It is full of holes so it isn't useful for it's intended purpose. It should be removed completely.

Ice & Water shield is applied directly to the plywood or OSB roof deck. It is usually applied 1 or 2 rows at the eaves and 1 row centered in the valleys.

Again, sorry for the slow response.

Dan