New roof add-ons

I am planning to have a new roof installed on my home and want to know if it's worth the added expense to have a ice and water shield installed. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania about 40 miles above Philadelphia. While we do get snow and ice each year it's not much in comparison to other parts of the state. My current home does not have this shield installed and I haven't had any roof leaks do to water backing up. Can someone tell me if this is a worthwhile investment?
Mike

 

Have you ever had problems with ice dams? Snow in eastern PA can be anything from almost nothing to the weird storms like the one in 96 when we had over 30" in one shot. I need to replace the roof here this year and i plan to use that product so it covers up past the eves and in the one valley. I haven't had any ice dam problems since i reinsulated the attic 5 years ago.But i plan to cover my butt while the roof is off since i am planning on installing atleast 40yr dimensionals.

 

For the minor added expense, I would put it on. In most states and in almost all large cities, it is now code to install it. I my self have installed it on every roof for the past 10 years. In fact, I go one step further. I put ice & frost up every valley also. As a point of interest, in 1997, a customer called me with a bad roof problem. He had a hip roof, and it leaked. It had leaked for years, and he had had 3 different roofers work on his roof, but it still leaked.
I bet him $1000, that I could fix his roof the first time, and it would not leak for 4 years. He took me up on it. We stripped the roof, and covered the whole roof with ice and frost, then felt then shingles. After 4 years he paid me, and has been my best advertiser in a long time. Just one little story out of 30 years of building. Good Luck

 

Check with your local code enforcement office. I am certain that in you part of the country, code would require ice dam protection. Your homeowners insurance carrier may also have a requirement on this.

Most all refer to manufacturer recommendations as the minimum standard for installation of the membrane.
All major manuf's recommend installation at the eaves, valleys, hip, ridges, sidewalls and all penetrations as a normal complete installation.

Good Luck!

 

Water and Ice is the ultimate protection. It's a no brainer... spend the extra $$ and live with peace of mind that you did it right.