Does Fargo Require Ice and Water Shield on a New Roof?

Yes. Fargo builds under the North Dakota State Building Code, which is based on the International Residential Code, and that code requires an ice barrier, better known as ice and water shield, at the eaves of a new roof in areas with a history of ice damming. The Fargo Moorhead metro qualifies without question. Dodd Roofing and Exteriors installs ice and water shield on every roof we replace in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and Horace, because a Red River Valley winter will find any shortcut in a hurry.

What is ice and water shield?

It is a self adhering rubberized membrane that bonds directly to the roof deck before shingles go on. Unlike standard felt or synthetic underlayment, it seals around every nail that passes through it. When an ice dam backs meltwater up under the shingles, this membrane is the layer that keeps that water out of your ceiling.

How far up the roof does it have to go?

Code requires the barrier to run from the lowest edge of the roof to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the house, measured horizontally. On homes with deep overhangs or low pitched roofs, that can mean two or even three courses of membrane. A careful installer also runs it in valleys and around chimneys, skylights, and vent penetrations, which is standard practice on every roof replacement we do.

Why do Fargo winters make it necessary?

Snow sits on FM metro roofs for months, and repeated freeze thaw cycles build ice ridges at the eaves. Once a ridge forms, meltwater pools behind it and works uphill under the shingles, where shingles alone were never designed to stop it. Our guide on how to prevent ice dams in Fargo explains how those ridges form and what keeps them small.

Does ice and water shield stop ice dams?

No. It protects the deck when a dam forms, but prevention happens inside the house through air sealing the attic floor, adding insulation, and balancing ventilation. If you see frost in your attic, the same air leaks feeding that frost are feeding your ice dams. Think of the membrane as a seatbelt, not a driving lesson.

How do you know if your current roof has it?

You cannot see it once shingles are on. Homes built or reroofed under permit in recent years almost certainly have it, since inspectors check for it. Older roofs, or roofs done without a permit, may not. If your home has a history of winter leaks or ice damming, schedule a roof inspection before the snow flies. Dodd Roofing and Exteriors serves the entire FM metro. Call (701) 831-0710 and we will take a look before winter locks in.

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