For DaVinci Composite Roofing, Remember the Membrane!
Autumn nights are just starting to offer cooler temperatures, but it’s already time to start thinking about how your roof will handle weather conditions this winter.
If you’re having a new roof installed during these comfortable months prior to the start of ice and snow season, and live in an area where your temperatures can fall below freezing in the winter, then remember to select a premium self-adhered membrane. This “protective layer” helps prevent the buildup of potentially damaging ice dams on your roof and overhang areas.
At DaVinci Roofscapes, we require self-adhered membrane be installed from the bottom edge to two feet above the exterior wall line on all eaves in areas where ice dams are possible. DaVinci requires a self-adhered membrane in all valleys regardless of temperature. For Bellaforté products DaVinci requires self-adhered membrane on all gables and all around roof projections Tim Carter with AsktheBuilder.com, who recently installed a DaVinci manufactured slate roof on his New Hampshire home, says he chose the Grace ice and water shield® product because it was a premium matchup for his new luxury roof from DaVinci.
Our recommendation is to review your options and select the self-adhered membrane that works best for your designer roof project — but don’t eliminate this necessary step. Ice dams can cause serious damage to a composite slate roof or simulated shake roofing, so you should take every step to avoid their creation.
Installing a premium self-adhered membrane is one good step toward eliminating this concern … and another step is to keep the attic well ventilated and insulated. The attic temperature should stay as close to the outside temperature as possible.
For more information on installing composite roofing products for cold weather areas, see Common Winter Weather Roof Woes.