Choosing the right ice and water shield is essential for protecting metal roofs from leaks, wind-driven rain, and ice dams. This guide reviews top self-adhering underlayments designed for high temperatures and demanding conditions. We cover performance features, installation considerations, and how they perform under stone-coated, copper, or zinc roof systems. Below is a quick product snapshot to help you compare options at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield Roof Underlayment HT (G77511) | Grace | High temperature resistance and strong adhesion |
| Grace Ice & Water Shield HT (1) | Grace | Self-adhered, UV exposure up to 120 days |
| HydroShield Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield HT Underlayment | HYDROSHIELD | Blue film for skid resistance, versatile for metals |
| FT Synthetics Platinum HT-B Self-Adhering Roofing Underlayment | FT Synthetics | 100% butyl for strong bond and nail seal |
| Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield 36 Inch x 66.6 Feet | Grace | Long roll for faster coverage and easy laps |
Note: This article presents objective product features and installation considerations to help homeowners and contractors select the best ice and water shield for metal roofing projects. Each section includes direct product links for reference and comparison.
Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield Roof Underlayment HT (G77511)
The Grace G77511 underlayment is designed for high-temperature environments, featuring a self-adhered rubberized asphalt and polyethylene film construction. It provides slip resistance and seals around fasteners, offering protection on sloped roofs commonly used with metal roofing systems. The membrane is suited for exposed roof parts and strong adhesion to the deck to minimize water intrusion around fasteners and penetrations.
Grace Ice & Water Shield HT (1)
This Grace HT product emphasizes high-temperature resistance and strong self-adhesion with a rubberized asphalt and polyethylene film composition. It is slip-resistant and seals around fasteners to protect under all sloped roofs. It also offers UV exposure tolerance for up to 120 days, enabling flexible installation windows without sacrificing performance.
HydroShield Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield HT Underlayment
HYDROSHIELD HT underlayment features a blue polyolefin skid-resistant film and high-temperature resistance. It self-seals around nails and fasteners for effective water protection and is suitable for metal roof installations including copper and zinc projects. The split-back release liner improves handling and speeds up application, making it a practical choice for both residential and commercial roofs.
FT Synthetics Platinum HT-B Self-Adhering Roofing Underlayment
FT Synthetics Platinum HT-B combines 100% butyl for an exceptional bond to plywood or OSB roof decks and is compatible with low-slope roofing materials such as EPDM and TPO. It is nail sealable and meets or exceeds ASTM D1970, offering durable performance in challenging environmental conditions for metal roof assemblies where an effective water barrier is required around fasteners and laps.
Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield 36″ x 66.6′ (200 Sq Ft) – Single Roll
This Grace single-roll option provides a long length to reduce seams and laps on larger roof sections. The rubberized asphalt layer seals around fasteners, and its water-tight laps enhance overall roof waterproofing. A ripcord split-release feature enables easier installation with faster adjustments and cleaner edge lines, supporting efficient metal roof work when covering exposed decks.
HydroShield Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield Underlayment Pallet of 30
This pallet option provides a bulk approach to covering larger projects with HYDROSHIELD HT underlayment. It emphasizes a blue film for improved grip and adhesion, high-temperature resistance, and self-sealing around nails and fasteners. It is suitable for metal roof applications on both residential and commercial structures, with a focus on long-term waterproofing performance around penetrations and laps.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing an ice and water shield for metal roofs include temperature tolerance, adhesion strength, and ease of installation. For high-temperature environments, look for self-adhering products with solvent-free butyl or rubberized asphalt formulations, which provide reliable bond to plywood or OSB decks. UV exposure tolerance is important if roofing work spans multiple days or has delays. Sloped roof compatibility matters, especially with copper, zinc, or steel systems, as some underlayments are optimized for metal substrates.
- Adhesion and sealant capability: Choose membranes that seal around fasteners to prevent leaks at nail penetrations.
- Material compatibility: Confirm compatibility with your roof deck and with metal roofing materials like copper, zinc, and steel.
- Durability and temperature rating: High-temperature HT formulations reduce blistering and edge tears in sun-soaked climates.
- UV exposure tolerance: If the roof will be exposed during installation, products with UV resistance help maintain performance.
- Application logistics: Split-back release liners and easy-to-handle film help speed installation on long roof runs.
When comparing products, consider project scale (single-roll vs. pallet), roof slope, and climate conditions. For larger metal roof projects, a bulk option like a pallet may reduce handling time, while individual rolls are often more flexible for smaller or complex roof designs. Identify one or two primary brands that consistently meet ASTM standards and provide warranty assurances to ensure long-term performance.