Secondary Water Barrier for Roofing: Why It Matters in Florida

What Is a Secondary Water Barrier?

A secondary water barrier — most commonly Ice & Water Shield applied to the roof deck beneath shingles — is a critical component of any quality Florida roofing system, providing the second line of defense when shingles are damaged by storms.

Why Full-Deck Coverage Matters

Florida’s building code requires a secondary water barrier on all new roofs, but the standard minimum is not sufficient for maximum hurricane protection. Gold Seal Roofing installs Ice & Water Shield across the entire roof deck, providing comprehensive protection that goes well beyond the industry minimum.

Self-Adhering vs. Felt Underlayment

Traditional felt paper meets minimum code but does not create a true waterproof seal around fastener penetrations. Self-adhering modified bitumen membranes create a rubber-like seal around every nail throughout the entire roof system — the critical difference in severe storm events.

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