The Truth:

Ice dam membranes do not prevent ice dam formations. They are intended to help prevent leaks by sealing around the fasteners that attach the roofing. When an ice dam forms, the membrane is expected to seal against water intrusion.

While membranes can assist in ice dam leak prevention, an experienced contractor will tell you they are not 100% effective. After a recent heavy ice dam condition in our neighborhood, a major roofing supplier admitted there were failures of membrane products from every ice dam membrane manufacturer which they sold.

Many factors contribute to membrane failures. They range from improper installation of the membrane or roofing, faulty products, and even the slightest movement of a shingle. Shingles displaced by ice movement can be easily replaced, but often there is damage to the membrane seal around the nails which is usually inaccessible and/or concealed.

Although the membrane is designed to seal around the shank of the nail, the wire used to bind coil gun nails (commonly used to attach shingles) tears the membrane and prohibits a secure seal.

 

This photo to the right shows where a two year old membrane failed and damaged a new vertical grain fir ceiling.