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Is ice and water shield required on roofs in Minnesota?

Short answer

Yes. The Minnesota Residential Code requires an ice barrier underlayment on asphalt shingle roofs, running from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the house (IRC R905.1.2 as adopted in Minn. R. chapter 1309).

Why does Minnesota require it?

Ice dams. Heat escaping through the attic melts snow, the water refreezes at the cold eave, and meltwater backs up under the shingles. The ice barrier is a self-adhering membrane that seals around nails so that backed-up water doesn't reach the deck and ceiling.

Does it fix ice dams on its own?

No. It protects the roof when ice dams form, but attic insulation and ventilation are what reduce them. We check both during an inspection.

Getting ice dams? Request a roof inspection and we'll check your eaves.Book a free inspection

What we document on every storm inspection

The Repair King Storm Damage Documentation Standard. You keep the report whether or not you hire us.

  • Street view and every elevation photographed
  • Every roof slope photographed, with close-ups of each damaged area
  • Soft metals (vents, caps, gutters, AC fins) checked for dents
  • Shingle brand, line and exposure identified; availability checked
  • Hand-lift brittleness check on the existing shingles, when relevant
  • Attic and decking checked for type, gaps, rot and past leaks
  • Storm date and hail size at your address from NOAA reports
  • Everything put into one report you keep, whether or not you hire us
Curled cedar shakes above the gutter line on a roof near Lake Minnetonka

Related questions

Sources

This is general information about Minnesota law and building code, not insurance or legal advice. How it applies to your home depends on your policy and your situation; your insurance agent or an attorney can tell you. Minnesota law doesn't allow roofing contractors to negotiate claims for homeowners, so Repair King's role is inspection, documentation and the construction work.

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