Eave Protection

NOTICE TO READER: This is an information page only. To read the standards applicable to a particular Waterproofing or Water-shedding System, refer to the actual RoofStar Guarantee Standards located in Division D: Waterproofing Systems (Roofs), Division E: Water-shedding Systems or Division F: Grade-level Waterproofing.

Asphalt Shingles, Cedar Shakes & Shingles

Eave protection is used to protect the eave and valley areas of steep sloped roofs from ice dam damage. An ice dam usually forms when the interior heat of the building warms the snow on the roof, causing it to melt and run down to the eaves. Normally, the eaves are overhanging the building and not heated from the inside. This allows the water to freeze and form an ice dam. As the ice dam grows bigger, it forms a barrier, which prevents water from draining. The water backs up behind the dam and gradually forces its way under the shingles (or shakes, tiles, etc.), through the roof deck, and into the structure. The results can range from minor staining to severe water damage to the structural members.

Eave protection is designed to prevent the water from reaching the deck and leaking into the structure. Self-adhesive, rubberized asphalt composite sheet materials are now the standard for eave protection. Properly formulated and installed, these sheets have the potential for long life and great performance . The slope and climate conditions are considerations for selection; for RoofStar Guarantee Standards applicable to this topic, consult the RoofStar Guarantee Standards for Asphalt Shingles Roof Systems in this Manual.

Underlayment is used in the field areas of the roof (where eave protection is not required) to provide a secondary protection beneath the shingles during weather events that force water back up the slope underneath the shingles. Nail-applied materials qualify only as underlayment on roof slopes greater than 1:3 (4/12).

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Division B: Essential Elements

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