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Building Science-to-Sales Translator

Water Managed Roof Assembly = Roof Water Barrier System

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Technical Description

The roof is the home's primary defense against water intrusion from rain, snow, and ice. Water that seeps into the house through the roof can quickly ruin insulation, create conditions for mold growth and pest invasion, and even set into motion structural rot. Valleys and penetrations through the roof decking are some of the most vulnerable areas for water intrusion. To keep out water, the roofer will install a peel-and-stick membrane in all roof valleys and wherever the roof abuts a wall. Metal flashing is usually installed over the peel-and-stick membrane at wall intersections. Flashing is also installed around chimneys, vent stacks, and any other roof penetrations. Ice and water shield is installed along the edges of the roof. Some builders install peel-and-stick or a paint-on damp-proofing over the whole roof. Others will use roofing felt over the remainder of the roof.

Roof Water Barrier System
Sales Message

Roof water barrier systems help drain water away from the entire roof assembly. What this means to you is peace-of-mind knowing your home has a comprehensive set of measures that minimize the risk of water damage in your home. Wouldn’t you agree every home should have full water protection?

Disclaimer

This content is a work created with funding provided by the United States Department of Energy under Contract no DE-AC05-076RL01830 for the operation of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The information and guidance provided by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the content are intended solely for educational purposes only and do not constitute formal training or certification. It is provided with the explicit understanding that neither the United States Government nor the United States Department of Energy, nor the Contractor, nor any or their employees, nor any jurisdiction or organization that has cooperated in the development of these materials, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness or any information, apparatus, product, software, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof, or Battelle Memorial Institute. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. Viewers assumes full responsibility for all actions that they may take from information provided in this content including ensuring the safety, code compliance, and proper functionality of any products they choose to install. Installation and use of such products should be performed in accordance with local regulations and manufacturer instructions.