Ice Water Shield Calculator

Determine ice and water shield membrane rolls needed for eaves, valleys, and penetrations based on roof geometry and local code requirements.

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Result

2 rolls

Ice and water shield rolls needed (incl. 10% waste).

Total area covered
396 sq ft
Eave area
360 sq ft
Valley area
0 sq ft
Roll coverage
225 sq ft/roll

Also in Roofing

Roof Protection

Sizing ice and water shield membrane for your roof

An ice and water shield calculator determines how many rolls of self-adhering membrane are needed to protect eaves, valleys, and roof penetrations from ice dam leaks and wind-driven rain. This guide explains code requirements and placement rules.

Where ice and water shield is required

Building codes in cold climates require ice and water shield along eaves extending at least 24 inches past the interior wall line. Valleys, skylights, chimneys, plumbing vents, and other penetrations also receive membrane protection. Some jurisdictions require full-deck coverage in certain wind zones.

Rolls are typically 36 inches wide and 75 feet long, covering about 200 square feet after accounting for the two-inch minimum overlap at seams.

Eave coverage = Eave perimeter x Required depth up slope

Required depth is usually 36 inches or enough to extend 24 inches past the interior wall line, whichever is greater.

Valley and penetration allowances

Valleys should be covered with a strip at least 36 inches wide centered on the valley line. Each roof penetration needs a square or rectangular piece large enough to extend 12 inches beyond the penetration on all sides.

Frequently asked questions

How far up the roof does ice and water shield need to go?

Most codes require it to extend at least 24 inches past the exterior wall line, measured up the roof slope. In practice this often means two courses of 36-inch membrane.

Can ice and water shield be used as the only underlayment?

It can serve as underlayment where applied, but most codes still require synthetic or felt underlayment over the rest of the roof deck.

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