Ice and water shield is a self-adhering roof underlayment designed to help protect vulnerable areas from water intrusion, including damage from ice dams and wind-driven rain. The right choice depends on your roof covering, slope, climate, installation conditions, and how much coverage you need. Below, we compare five options by their listed features and call out where the product information is limited. Always confirm compatibility with your roofing system and local building requirements before buying.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield | Bulk roofing projects | 36-inch-wide, 75-foot rolls; listing title specifies 35 rolls |
| HydroShield HT Ice and Water Shield | High-temperature applications | 36 by 65 inches? No—36 inches wide by 65 feet long; listed for metal roofs |
| HydroShield Ice and Water Shield, 1 Square | Shingle roofs and grip-focused installation | 33-foot roll covers 100 square feet; sand-based surface |
| Grace Vycor Ice and Water Shield HT | High-temperature roof areas | Self-adhering, seals around fasteners, and allows up to 120 days of UV exposure |
| Grace Ice and Water Shield Underlayment, 200 sq. ft. | Shoppers comparing Grace coverage options | Listed as 36 inches wide and 200 square feet; few other specifications provided |
Note: Product listing details and availability can change. Confirm the current package contents, dimensions, and compatibility before ordering.
Our Picks: Best Ice And Water Shield For Roofs reviews
1. Grace Self Adhering Ice and Water Shield: Best for Bulk Projects
This Grace underlayment is a self-adhering membrane intended to form a watertight layer beneath roofing. The listing describes a 36-inch-wide, 75-foot roll and names a 35-roll package, so it is aimed more at large jobs than a small repair. Check the package quantity carefully before ordering.
Its listed features include adhesion to the roof deck, a slip-resistant surface, and a split release liner designed to make application easier. It is described for use beneath asphalt shingles, mechanically attached tiles, and many standing-seam metal roofs. The product is also intended to help protect against ice dams and wind-driven rain, and the listing notes that it can be reroofed without sticking to the underside of the exposed roof covering.
One important drawback is that the supplied listing is marked unavailable, and a large multi-roll package may not suit a homeowner who needs only a small area covered. If this particular listing is not accessible, compare the other Grace options below or consider the available HydroShield HT listing.
Pros:
- Designed for several common roof-covering types
- Split release liner supports easier handling during application
- Slip-resistant surface is a useful installation feature
- Listing describes protection from ice dams and wind-driven rain
Cons:
- Listing title specifies a 35-roll package, which may be far more than a small project needs
- Marked unavailable in the supplied product data
Verdict: Consider this Grace membrane for a large project if the package size suits your needs and the listing is available, but look elsewhere for a single-roll purchase.
2. HydroShield HT Ice and Water Shield: Best for High-Temperature Use
HydroShield HT is a self-adhering underlayment listed for residential and commercial buildings. Its 36-inch-wide, 65-foot roll is described as covering 195 square feet. The product is marked for high-temperature resistance and is specifically described for use under metal roofs, including copper and zinc.
The blue polyolefin film has a skid-resistant surface, while the split-back liner is intended to make the material easier to handle. The membrane is also designed to seal around nails and other fasteners. The listing gives a service-temperature range from -40°F to 250°F, a 120-day UV exposure limit, and notes ASTM D1970, ICC listing, and UL classification.
Among these choices, this is the clearest fit if you need a high-temperature product and want a listing with specific standards and exposure details. Still, the membrane must match your roof system and installation plan; do not treat its broad temperature range as a substitute for checking the roofing manufacturer’s requirements.
Pros:
- Listed for high-temperature use and metal roofing, including copper and zinc
- Self-seals around nails and fasteners
- Provides 195 square feet of listed coverage per roll
- Includes stated UV exposure and service-temperature limits
Cons:
- May be more specialized than needed for a basic shingle-roof project
- Confirm roof-system compatibility and required installation details before buying
Verdict: This is the strongest match in this group for a high-temperature application, especially beneath a compatible metal roof.
3. HydroShield 1-Square Underlayment: Best for Shingle Roofs
This HydroShield membrane is described for shingle rooftops and comes in a 33-foot length that covers 100 square feet, or one roofing square. The listing also describes a longer 65-foot version, but this product title specifies the single-roll, one-square option. Check the selected size when ordering.
A sand-based surface is intended to provide foot grip during installation, and the split-back release liner is designed to help with handling. The membrane self-seals around nails and fasteners. Its stated UV exposure limit is 60 days, and the product is designed for roof slopes of 2:12 or greater. The listing cites ASTM D1970, ICC-ESR-1930, and several fire and regional approval details.
The grip-focused surface and clearly stated slope limit make this a practical option to assess for a shingle roof, but the shorter exposure window means you should plan the roofing work accordingly. The listing is marked unavailable in the supplied data, so check for current availability before planning around this exact roll.
Pros:
- One-square roll provides a clearly stated 100 square feet of coverage
- Sand-based surface is designed to improve foot grip
- Self-seals around nails and fasteners
- Lists a minimum roof slope and several product approvals
Cons:
- Listed UV exposure limit is 60 days, shorter than the HT options here
- Marked unavailable in the supplied product data
Verdict: Choose this size if you need a one-square roll for a compatible shingle roof and can work within its stated slope and exposure limits.
4. Grace Vycor HT: Best for High-Temperature Grace Protection
Grace Vycor HT is a self-adhering underlayment made with rubberized asphalt and polyethylene film. The listing describes it as suitable beneath sloped roofs and highlights high-temperature resistance, strong adhesion, and sealing around fasteners. It also notes a slip-resistant surface and up to 120 days of UV exposure.
The product title identifies a 75-foot, 225-square-foot roll, while the description lists available lengths of 66.6 and 75 feet. Because those details do not fully align, confirm the exact roll length and coverage shown in the selected listing before you calculate how many rolls to buy. The supplied product data also marks this listing unavailable.
Compared with the HydroShield HT, Vycor HT offers a Grace-branded alternative with a stated 120-day exposure limit, but the available details do not give the same service-temperature range or explicit metal-roof examples. If either point matters for your project, check the manufacturer’s current instructions and confirm compatibility before choosing.
Pros:
- Self-adhering membrane is designed to seal around fasteners
- Listed for high-temperature use beneath sloped roofs
- States up to 120 days of UV exposure
- Rubberized asphalt and polyethylene film construction
Cons:
- Listing descriptions differ on the available roll lengths
- Marked unavailable in the supplied product data
Verdict: Vycor HT is worth considering if you want a Grace high-temperature membrane, but verify the roll size and current listing details before ordering.
5. Grace 200-Square-Foot Underlayment: Best for Comparing Coverage Needs
This Grace listing provides less product detail than the other options. Its title identifies a 36-inch-wide roll with 200 square feet of coverage, but the supplied description does not specify the membrane type, temperature range, UV exposure limit, or compatible roof coverings.
That limited information makes it harder to judge whether this roll is right for a particular roof. Before purchasing, check the full listing and product packaging for application instructions, roof-covering compatibility, required exposure limits, and any local code needs. Do not assume that product details from another Grace membrane automatically apply to this one.
The 200-square-foot coverage figure may help you compare material quantities, but coverage alone is not enough to select a roof membrane. This listing is also marked unavailable in the supplied data, so it may not be a practical choice unless the offer becomes accessible.
Pros:
- Lists a 36-inch width and 200 square feet of coverage
- Grace-branded underlayment option
- Coverage figure is useful for estimating material needs
Cons:
- Supplied description does not include key performance or compatibility details
- Marked unavailable in the supplied product data
Verdict: Treat this as a coverage option to investigate further, not a confident pick, until you can verify its technical details and availability.
How to Choose Ice and Water Shield for Your Roof
Match the Membrane to Your Roof Covering
Start by checking which roofing materials the membrane is designed to go beneath. The products here vary: one Grace option lists asphalt shingles, mechanically attached tiles, and many standing-seam metal roofs, while HydroShield HT specifically mentions metal roofing, including copper and zinc. If the product description does not name your roof covering, confirm compatibility with the manufacturer before buying.
Check Temperature and Exposure Limits
Some membranes are intended for higher-temperature conditions, which can matter beneath certain roofing materials. Compare the stated service-temperature range when one is provided, and check the allowed UV exposure time if the underlayment may remain uncovered during construction. The listed products range from a 60-day to a 120-day UV exposure limit, so your work schedule and local conditions can affect which one is suitable.
Confirm Slope and Local Requirements
Roof slope can affect which underlayment is appropriate. One HydroShield product is specified for slopes of 2:12 or greater; do not assume that the same limit applies to the other membranes. Check the product instructions, roofing-system requirements, and local building rules for the areas where you plan to install it.
Calculate Coverage and Package Size
Compare the roll’s stated coverage with the amount of roof area you need to protect. Coverage figures are not always directly comparable, and a package can contain more rolls than a small project requires. Measure the planned installation area and allow for the layout and overlaps required by the manufacturer. For listings with conflicting length or coverage details, verify the exact selected size before ordering.
Consider Handling Features
Self-adhering membranes use a release liner that you remove as the material is placed. A split liner can make handling easier, while a slip-resistant or sand-based surface may help provide grip. These features can influence installation, but they do not replace safe roof-access practices or the manufacturer’s application instructions.
Look for Clear Technical Information
Useful details include compatible roof coverings, application limits, temperature range, UV exposure time, coverage, and relevant product standards or approvals. If a listing gives only basic dimensions, as with one Grace option here, seek the full technical sheet before deciding. Do not rely on another product from the same brand to fill in missing specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ice and water shield do?
It is a self-adhering roof underlayment intended to add a water-resistant layer beneath the roof covering. Products in this group are described as helping protect against water intrusion, including ice dams and wind-driven rain. Use it in the locations and manner specified by the roofing system and local requirements.
Can ice and water shield be used under metal roofing?
Some products are listed for metal roofs, but compatibility depends on the membrane and roofing material. HydroShield HT is specifically described for metal roofs, including copper and zinc. Confirm the membrane is approved for your specific roof system before installation.
How much coverage does one roll provide?
It varies by product and roll size. The listed HydroShield one-square option covers 100 square feet in its 33-foot length, while the HydroShield HT listing states 195 square feet. Check the selected product’s current packaging details, especially when a listing offers more than one size.
How long can the underlayment remain exposed?
Follow the exposure limit stated for the exact product. The supplied details list up to 60 days for one HydroShield option and up to 120 days for the two HT products. Exposure limits can vary, so check the current manufacturer instructions rather than assuming the same limit for every membrane.
Is a high-temperature membrane always necessary?
No. It depends on the roof covering, the expected conditions, and the requirements for your roofing system. If your project involves a metal roof or another high-temperature application, compare the product specifications and confirm suitability with the manufacturer or a qualified roofing professional.
Can I install ice and water shield on a low-slope roof?
Check the specific product’s slope requirements. The HydroShield one-square listing specifies a roof slope of 2:12 or greater. The other products may have different limits, so consult their instructions and local building requirements before proceeding.
Which option is the best overall choice?
Based on the supplied details, HydroShield HT is the clearest all-around choice when high-temperature performance and metal-roof compatibility matter, and its listing is the only one marked available in the supplied product data. For a shingle roof needing a smaller coverage area, the one-square HydroShield option has useful grip and slope details, but its listing is marked unavailable. Confirm availability and fit before making your final selection.
Final Recommendation
For a high-temperature application, start with HydroShield HT because its listed features include metal-roof compatibility, a stated temperature range, and a 120-day UV exposure limit. For a shingle roof, compare the one-square HydroShield membrane if its slope requirements and exposure window work for your project. Grace’s bulk and Vycor options may also fit specific needs, but confirm package size, technical details, and availability before buying. The best choice is the membrane that matches your roof covering, slope, work schedule, and local requirements—not simply the one with the largest coverage figure.
