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Roof Eaves Sealed with Self-Adhering Membrane in Cold Climates

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    In 2009 IECC CZ 5 and higher, install self-sealing bituminous membrane or equivalent over sheathing at eaves from the edge of the roof line to > 2 ft. up roof deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall.
    Scope

    In cold climates (2012 IECC Climate Zones 5 and higher), install a protective membrane along the roof eaves to help protect the edge of the roof from ice dam formation.

    • Use a self-sealing bituminous membrane with a peel-and-stick adhesive backing or a similar product.
    • Install the membrane from the eaves to at least two feet in from the interior plane of the wall.
    • The lower edge of the membrane should cover the top edge of the metal drip edge.
    • On roofs with a slope that is equal to or greater than 8 units vertical in 12 units horizontal, install 3 or more feet of ice and water shield from the eave edge up along the slope edge (IRC 2015). 

    This membrane is not required by ENERGY STAR in cold-dry climates or in warm climates (IECC 1-4). 

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home programENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    Cold climates present a special challenge to a home's roof. During the cold months when snow and freezing rain fall, a thawing-freezing process can occur that could lead to the formation of ice dams. Ice dams can occur during certain conditions, such as when snow accumulates on the roof, then melts although the air temperature is at or below freezing. This melting can occur because of poor insulation or air leaks in the ceiling which allow heat from the home to escape into the attic and warm the underside of the roof.  Warmth from sunlight on exposed dark roof surfaces can also contribute to this snow melt. The melted snow flows down to the roof eaves and refreezes in the cold air. Some of this water will drip off the edge and freeze in the form of icicles, but water can also freeze above the edge of the roof and form ledges or dams that continually build up and begin to block the liquid water flowing down from above. Once the process starts, ice can rapidly dam up to the point where several gallons of water are being held back. In severe cases, ice dams have caused roof collapses. In less severe cases but sometimes just as damaging, the accumulating water can back up between the shingles then saturate and penetrate the roof underlayment and begin leaking into the attic. (See the Training tab for a video about ice dam formation.)  

    Prevention is the best cure. Good air sealing of the ceiling plane and/or roof deck, adequate attic insulation, and ventilation of the attic (or roof assembly if over an unvented attic) can reduce or mitigate the heat transfer to the roof deck and subsequent snow melt and ice dam formation. It is especially important to maintain adequate insulation over the exterior wall top plates (for example by designing roof trusses with raised heels, and/or insulating this area with polyiso rigid foam or spray foam) and to maintain air flow from soffit vents (through the use of insulation baffles). 

    To protect the roof from ice dam damage, install a self-adhered, self-sealing bituminous membrane over the roof deck along the eaves (see Figure 1). The membrane should extend up from the eaves to two feet above the inside edge of the exterior wall plane. Bituminous membrane is a heavy, flexible material that has been impregnated with a petroleum-based solution like tar to make it waterproof. Most products are sold in long rolls; many come with a "peel-and-stick" adhesive backing. Bituminous membrane is self-sealing in the sense that it will remain somewhat soft and will seal around nails driven through it, for example to hold shingles.

    Placement of the self-sealing bituminous membrane.
    Figure 1. To protect roofs from ice dam damage, install self-sealing bituminous membrane along the roof eaves and extending up the roof deck at least 2 feet beyond the interior plane of the exterior wall. (Source: EPA Indoor airPLUS.)

     

    Although most ice dams are likely to occur within 2 feet up the roofing deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall, some builders will choose to go further up the roof deck, especially in locations where there may be high snow loads or extended periods of snow cover. Some builders choose to cover the entire roof deck with self-adhering self-sealing membrane especially in high-snow or high-wind areas. Builders in warm-climate hurricane-prone areas may also choose to cover their roofs with self-adhering membrane for storm protection.

    How to Install Self-Sealing Bituminous Membranes along Eaves

    1. Clean the roof deck (typically plywood) from the edge of the eaves to at least two feet up the roofing deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall where the material will be applied. Make sure the area is free of loose nails and wires, debris, dust, oil, or water to ensure the membrane will adhere properly.

    2. Install eave drip edge.

    3. Measure the length of the eave to be covered.

    4. Cut the self-sealing bituminous membrane to length. For extremely long eaves, cut the material in shorter, more manageable lengths and apply, starting at the lower point and working up, overlapping the membrane sections by 6 inches in shingle-like fashion. Some peel-and-stick membranes come with a split backing above the adhesive, allowing you to peel and fasten first one half than the other. If using this type of product, align and adhere the lower half first.

    5. Secure the material in place with a heavy roller The material must lay flat with no gaps, creases, or folds.

    6. Install the underlayment directly over the membrane. Install rake drip edge (See Figure 2). Continue with roof construction.

    Installation of the self-sealing bituminous membrane in relation to the drip edge and roof underlayment.
    Figure 2. Install the self-sealing bituminous membrane over the eave drip edge, then install roofing underlayment, then rake edge. (Source: EPA Indoor airPLUS.)

     

    How to Install Self-Sealing Bituminous Membranes along Eaves for Ice Dam Protection

    In cold climates (IECC climate zones 5 and higher), the self-sealing bituminous membrane must be installed at least 2 feet beyond the interior plane of the exterior wall. In simple terms, this means that the membrane must be installed all the way from the edge of the roof deck over the eave and up the roof over the attic space at least 2 feet. To successfully do this, use the following overall installation guidance:

    1. Determine how far up the roof deck from the eave edge the self-sealing bituminous membrane should be installed. To do this, measure from the exterior wall inward 2 feet and add the estimated wall depth including interior and exterior sheathing, framing, drywall, and siding. Next simply mark the roof deck directly above your measurement and ensure the membrane is installed to at least that point on the roof deck.

    2. Calculate, based on membrane roll width, how many courses of membrane need to be installed.

    3. Install the membrane starting at the eave edge and working up the roof deck. Courses should overlap per manufacturer's recommendation.

    Installation note: Make sure the self-sealing bituminous membrane extends over the metal drip edge. This will ensure that water will not find access at the very edge of the eave.
     

    Exception:  Self-adhesive bituminous membranes do not need to be applied in dry climates as defined in IECC Figure 301.1. Refer to the IECC climate zone map shown on the Climate tab to determine "Dry Climates," and consult code officials when local climate conditions might dictate the need for protection from ice dams.

    Success
    Ensuring Success

    To ensure that the area above the eave is well sealed, the area must be cleaned prior to installation of the self-adhering bituminous membrane. Once applied, the membrane must be rolled flat so that no folds or creases are present.

    Climate
    Climate

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.
    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)

     

    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.
    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

    High Snow Load Areas

    In high snow load regions (Figure 3), consider installing peel-and-stick membrane further up the roof than code-required minimums (e.g., 2 feet). Consider installing membrane on all roof deck surfaces expected to experience heavy or sustained snow load. Additional attention should be paid to attic air sealing, insulation, and venting in high snow load areas to reduce the risk of ice dam formation.

    Design Snow Loads Map for the United States, adapted from ASCE 7-10, Figure 7-1
    Figure 3. Design Snow Loads Map for the United States, adapted from ASCE 7-10, Figure 7-1 (Source: Medeek Design 2015).

     

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Right – A protective membrane has been installed in the valleys and at the eaves of this roof before installing underlayment.
    Right – A protective membrane has been installed in the valleys and at the eaves of this roof before installing underlayment.
    Image
    Right – If drip edge flashing is installed over fully adhered roof membrane at eaves, use flashing cement to seal the upper edge of the flashing
    Right – If drip edge flashing is installed over fully adhered roof membrane at eaves, use flashing cement to seal the upper edge of the flashing
    Image
    Unvented roof assembly at eave retrofitted with rigid foam, spray foam, and a fully adhered membrane seal at the top of wall-to-roof transition
    Unvented roof assembly at eave retrofitted with rigid foam, spray foam, and a fully adhered membrane seal at the top of wall-to-roof transition
    Image
    In 2009 IECC CZ 5 and higher, install self-sealing bituminous membrane or equivalent over sheathing at eaves from the edge of the roof line to > 2 ft. up roof deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall.
    In 2009 IECC CZ 5 and higher, install self-sealing bituminous membrane or equivalent over sheathing at eaves from the edge of the roof line to > 2 ft. up roof deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall.
    Image
    Right – A fully adhered roof membrane provides thorough water and wind protection in this mountain top location.
    Right – A fully adhered roof membrane provides thorough water and wind protection in this mountain top location.
    Videos
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    National Water Management System Builder Requirements

    3. Water-Managed Building Materials.
    3.4 In 2009 IECC Climate Zones 5 & higher, self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous membrane over sheathing at eaves from the edge of the roof line to > 2 ft. up roof deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall.4, 16

    Footnote 4) Not required in Dry (B) climates as shown in 2009 IECC Figure 301.1 and Table 301.1.

    Footnote 16) As an alternative, any applicable option in 2009 IRC Section R905.2.8.2 is permitted to be used to meet Item 3.3 and any option in 2009 IRC Section R905.2.7.1 is permitted to be used to meet Item 3.4. EPA recommends, but does not require, that products meet ASTM D1970. In addition, any option in 2009 IRC Section R905.13 is permitted to be used to meet either Item 3.3 or 3.4.

    Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in your state.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.

     

    2009, 2012, 20152018, and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

    Section R905.1.2 (Section R905.2.7.1 in 2012 and 2009) specifies ice barrier requirements for geographic areas where there has been a history of ice dams. Requirements apply to asphalt shingle roofs, metal roof singles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes. An exception is included for detached accessory structures not containing conditioned floor area.

    Section R905.7.1.1 (Section R905.8.1.1 in 2009) states that in areas where the average daily temperature in January is 25°F (-4°C) or less, solid sheathing is required on that portion of the roof requiring the application of an ice barrier.

    Section R908.3 (Section R907.3 in 2009) states that roof replacement shall include the removal of existing layers of roof coverings down to the roof deck except where the existing roof assembly includes an ice barrier membrane in which case the existing ice barrier membrane shall be permitted to remain in place and covered with an additional layer of ice barrier membrane.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

    Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

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    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Water Management System Builder Checklist.
    Author(s)
    University of Minnesota
    Organization(s)
    NorthernSTAR,
    NSTAR
    Publication Date
    Description
    This case study describes costs associated with the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    Heavy Membrane Valley/Eave = Roof Water Barrier

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    Valleys and penetrations through the roof decking are some of the areas of the roof most vulnerable to leaks. A peel-and-stick bituminous membrane is installed for protection at these critical locations, including all roof valleys, roof-to-wall transitions, and roof edges to minimize ice dam damage in cold climates. Metal or plastic flashing is usually installed along with the membrane at wall intersections. Flashing is also installed around chimneys, vent stacks, and any other roof penetrations. Some builders install peel-and-stick membrane or a paint-on damp-proofing over the whole roof.

    Roof Water Barrier
    Sales Message

    Roof water barriers help drain water away below the roofing. 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?

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