2023 Grace Ice and Water Shield Prices, Installation, Reviews

Grace Ice and Water Shield is renowned in the roofing industry for protecting roofs from water penetration, ice dams, and wind-driven rain.

Rubberized asphalt adhesive and high-density polyethylene film are the secrets behind its durability and performance.

Grace Ice and Water Shield comes in various sizes, so it can work for many buildings. The average cost range for this premium underlayment is $1,500 to $2,500, including materials and labor.

While it may be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, its track record of over 35 years and superior performance justify the cost.

Another benefit for roofers is that it can be applied to the entire roof, making for a robust protection layer that can be left exposed for up to 30 days.

What Is Grace Ice and Water Shield?

Grace Ice and Water Shield is a self-adhered roofing underlayment that protects the roof against water intrusion, icy dams, and wind-driven rain.

Thanks to a specialized composition, it’s far superior to traditional asphalt adhesives: a slip-resistant layer of high-density cross-laminated polyethylene film fortifies a rubberized asphalt adhesive base.

And for the tough tasks, like added wind resistance or fighting ice dams, there’s Ripcord split release – easy to apply and gives your roof deck lasting protection from water damage.

Average Total Cost of Grace Ice And Water Shield

The overall cost of Grace Ice and Water Shield will depend on your roof size and location. You’ll be buying this shield per roll, covering 108 square feet.

Cost Breakdown	Cost Range per Unit
Grace Ice and Water Shield (Per Roll)	$150-$200
Labor (Per Hour)	$45-$75
Total Cost for 2,000-Square-Foot Roof	$3,850-$5,300

It may cost anywhere between $150 to $200, with a median price of $175. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, you’ll need about 19 rolls.

However, you’ll also have to factor in labor fees and additional costs that come with roofing. In other words, prepare to spend a bit more than what you paid for the material itself.

In total, for a 2,000-square-foot roof, you can expect the total cost for materials and installation of Grace Ice and Water Shield to be in the range of $3,850 to $5,300.

Ice & Water Shield Cost Breakdown

Buying and installing the Grace Ice and Water Shield can be a hefty expense, but understanding how to calculate the total cost can help you budget for it.

The material alone costs roughly $150 to $200 per roll, and then the labor costs add on top of this price.

Depending on who you hire to do the job and the rates and cost of living in your area, their hourly rate can range from $45 to $75. Factor in some additional expenses for extras as well—it may end up running you a few hundred dollars more.

Did you know? The concept of roofing underlayments like Grace Ice and Water Shield has evolved over time.

Initially, roofing felt was made from natural materials like jute, rags, or wood chips. Modern underlayment uses synthetic materials that may not be as green but can provide better protection.

Additional Cost Factors

Additional costs may arise depending on circumstances, location, and local regulations. It’s best to consult a local contractor who is well-versed in the area and can carefully assess your roof.

Here is a rundown of possible additional considerations:

Roofs with many angles, valleys, skylights, or protrusions will take more time and expertise to install the underlayment properly. This complexity can increase labor costs and could also require more materials, adding to the price.

Depending on the roof type and the installation conditions, you might need special adhesives for a proper bond. These adhesives can add to the material costs.

If you’re installing Grace Ice and Water Shield as part of a replacement roof, you must remove the old one. Removal can be labor-intensive and could cost extra in disposal fees, adding to the overall cost.

Some regions have building codes that you must follow, which can affect what underlayment you can get, the method of installation, and other factors. Compliance with these codes might mean extra materials or specialized labor.

If you live somewhere prone to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or high winds, roofers might need to be extra cautious during installation.

They may need to reinforce the underlayment in certain areas, which would add to both labor and material costs.

The roofer’s experience and reputation can also influence the cost. Highly experienced contractors charge more for their services but could be better value for the money in terms of quality work and warranty.

You might need a permit to repair the roof, depending on local regulations. Permits come with a price tag that will add to the project’s budget.

If the roof is particularly high or difficult to reach, roofing contractors will need special equipment, such as scaffolding or lifts, adding to the labor costs.

The time of year can also affect the cost. Roofing contractors may charge more during peak seasons when there’s a high demand for their services.

Some contractors offer extended warranties or service packages that can add to the overall cost but could be a nice convenience worth taking into account.

Grace Ice and Water Shield Benefits and Drawbacks

Grace Ice and Water Shield is an exceptional roof protector against cold, harsh winters and other threats from the weather and has been so for 35 years.

It seals around fasteners, stays tucked tightly to the roof deck without needing special adhesives, and forms watertight overlaps without too many extra steps.

But, although it has many advantages, it’s not perfect. Installing it can be somewhat tricky as the paper backing can be hard to remove. In addition, you might find that the upfront cost of Grace Ice and Water Shield is higher than other comparable alternatives.

Pro Tip. Consider your roof’s slope when picking underlayment.

Underlayments like Grace Ice and Water Shield are meant for sloped roofs, so using them on a flat one won’t really work. Always consult with a professional to choose the right product for your roof.

What Is the Difference Between Grace Select and Grace Ice and Water Shield?

Grace Select is lighter than Grace Ice and Water Shield. Both products have exceptional waterproof capabilities, but Grace Select is intended for milder weather conditions in places that don’t call for absolute top-notch protection.

Grace Ice and Water Shield is more robustly protective and ideal for areas that experience harsher climates with high winds and heavy rains.

Both products will protect your roof, but you have to determine which one suits your house better.

Grace Ice and Water Shield vs. Owens Corning Weatherlock

Grace Ice and Water Shield give a solid protective layer, but it’s not only its strength that sets it apart.

Its exceptional sticking power makes a tighter seal around nails and screws more reliable than Owens Corning Weatherlock.

Owens Corning Weatherlock may be the way to go if you’re looking for budget-friendly protection, as it’s considerably more affordable and accessible. But if durability is the priority, Grace Ice and Water Shield has the edge over the competitor.

Grace Ice and Water Shield vs. GAF

GAF products have a reputation for excellent quality, and as a major manufacturer, they are pretty easy to find.
But Grace Ice and Water Shield still have a durability edge. This underlayment contains a rubberized asphalt layer along with a slip-resistant surface that works together to protect a roof more reliably than many competitors.

GAF has several underlayments and may have a greater selection. Still, Grace Ice and Water Shield’s reliability and past success make it popular for roofers who need dependable protection for various roofs.

Grace Ice and Water Shield vs. Blueskin

Blueskin’s self-adhered roofing underlayment is similar to Grace’s Ripcord split release feature-enhanced protection. It may be tempting to go with the former as it’s easier and faster to install.

But when considering long-term reliability against ice dams, Grace has the upper hand. Its protective ability is overall more dependable in the long run.

Grace Ice and Water Shield vs. Certainteed

Certainteed offers several types of underlayment, so you get more choices. However, Grace Ice and Water Shield’s sticky properties trump most others, and its resilience against attacks from fungus and bacteria makes it more durable.

This is a major advantage in places with extreme temperatures and humidity. Certainteed might offer more variety, but Grace’s quality is hard to match and beat, especially in areas with extreme weather.

Did you know? Roofing underlayment protects against water and ice – that much is clear, but it also plays a role in energy efficiency. It makes a barrier against wind and cold, maintaining a stable temperature inside the building and reducing winter heating costs.

Where to Buy Grace Ice and Water Shield?

You have several options to purchase Grace Ice and Water Shield. You can buy it from distributors that the manufacturer authorizes, physical home improvement stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon and Home Depot (but availability may vary depending on your region).

When purchasing, be sure you’re getting the real deal and that it meets all the standards the regulations in your area require.

Buying from one of these trusted dealers gives you peace of mind knowing that your product is authentic. You’re also more likely to get extra help with installation guidance or an extended warranty with a genuine product.

When to Use Grace Ice & Water Shield?

Use Ice and Water Shield if you have a typical residential sloped roof. It’s ideal under various roofing materials like asphalt shingles, slate, tile, cedar, and metal.

Its capabilities are the most noticeable with extreme temperature fluctuations. Ice dams in winter and wind-driven rain in other seasons are a threat to your roof, so these weather conditions reveal the strength of Grace Ice and Water Shield in action.

It shields against thermal shocks and protects the roof’s structural integrity.

This underlayment isn’t only for new construction. If your roof has already suffered weather damage and needs repairs, or if you plan on doing roof replacement, it’s equally suitable.

It easily fits with different roofing materials and architectural designs, so no matter what your house already has, this underlayment will probably suit it.

Where Do You Use Grace Ice and Water Shield?

You can use Grace Ice and Water Shield as an underlayment for sloped roofs in valleys, skylights, protrusions, and other flashing areas.

In other words, it’s useful in practically all areas of your roof. It’s versatile, so it’s suitable for various roof types and under diverse roofing materials.

Furthermore, this underlayment works for both residential and commercial buildings, provided they have a sloped roof. Being self-adhering, it installs quickly and securely with a watertight seal that should not let any moisture through.

It’s particularly beneficial in regions with heavy rainfall or snow, where water infiltration can significantly damage the building.

How Much Do You Overlap Ice & Water Shield?

Aim for an overlap of 3 to 4 inches for complete watertight protection. These overlapping dimensions create continuous coverage that prevents leakage and increases the overall lifespan of the roof and structure underneath it.

Particularly in areas highly susceptible to heavy precipitation or forceful gusts of wind, this overlapping technique keeps the underlayment stable and functioning correctly.

But it would be best if you considered the manufacturer’s recommendations. Heeding the advice of the manufacturer on overlaps will safeguard your warranty and defends your roof in the long term.

Pro Tip: Even if you’ve installed high-quality materials, you should still inspect your roof regularly. Over time, natural wear and tear can make it vulnerable. Have a professional roofer check it every few years to identify possible problems before they escalate.

Is It OK to Put Ice and Water Shield on the Entire Roof?

For those living in regions that face extreme weather, it is a good idea to line the entire roof with underlayment like Grace Ice and Water Shield.

It may not be the most economical, but this protective layer is beneficial in many ways. It provides extra insulation that helps to battle ice dams, reducing the likelihood of leaks and cracks.

A fully-covered roof is also better protected from temperature fluctuations in a way traditional underlayments cannot provide.

Installation may be more challenging and time-consuming, though, along with the cost. So while you can cover your whole roof with it, and it can be a good idea, your specific situation will dictate whether or not it is OK for you.

How Long Can You Leave Ice and Water Shield Exposed?

You can leave Grace Ice and Water Shield bare for up to 30 days. However, it would be best if you covered it as soon as you can.

Extended exposure can damage the components of the product, weakening its efficacy and lifespan. While its surface certainly can withstand the elements like direct sunlight and rough weather, you still want it in prime condition for optimal performance before the rest of the roof covers it.

If construction gets delayed, take time to inspect the exposed underlayment often to ensure it has not been adversely affected.

Is Grace Ice and Water Shield a Vapor Barrier?

Essentially, it is a vapor barrier. Grace Ice and Water Shield is a guard that prevents water from getting into the roofing layers.

It forms an impermeable layer that won’t let moisture penetrate. That applies to vapor, too. In places with high humidity, this vapor barrier makes the living space more comfortable and safer.

Without it, mold can grow, wooden structures can rot, and building boards can get weaker. This product defends against moisture migration and has other benefits, such as helping keep the roof structure intact for longer, which humidity can otherwise harm.

Its multifunctional properties make it sensible for different types of roofs in cold and hot climates or areas of high humidity.

Is Grace Ice & Water Shield Worth It?

Grace Ice & Water Shield is worth the price mainly for its outstanding quality, durability, and success record.

It can fit around fasteners and shape waterproof overlaps, so it’s an invaluable upgrade to a roofing job. The best part is that it works for nearly any roof with a slope.

The upfront cost may be higher than some other alternatives, but the long-term benefits and reassurance make it worth every penny for many buyers.

Unlike standard felt underlayments, Grace Ice and Water Shield supplies amplified protection against leaking, ice dams, and wind-driven rain. Self-adherence makes a tight bond with the roof deck, keeping it safe from failure.

Did you know? Some regions have building codes and regulations for roofing underlayment. These codes might dictate the type, thickness, or installation.

Always consult with a local contractor or building authority to comply with local regulations and get the best performance at the same time.

Shield Your Roof

Grace Ice and Water Shield is the gold standard of slanted roof underlayment. It can weather practically any storm, from harsh winters to sweltering summers.

Although the underlayment is comparable to other leading roofing products in many ways, it stands out as one of the best, worth it for its unrivaled quality and protection.