Is ice-and-water membrane recommended before solar install?
willymo
| Posted in Green Building Techniques on
I have a new roof going on before the solar install. Some installers have recommended the entire roof under the solar panels have ice+snow.
This is in RI, roof over a vented non conditioned attic.
Bill
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Replies
Bill,
It's another layer of insurance under the shingles. It is impermeable, but that makes no difference to an unvented roof. I'd say it's in the definitely not necessary, but recommended category.
The ice and water shield does help to seal around any roof penetrations from fasteners. That might be why the solar company wants it installed since they have a lot of brackets they have to screw to your roof.
Bill