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Why Skokie Roofs Need Ice & Water Shields – Skokie Smart Roofing

  • Nathan Dicks
  • Jul 9
  • 2 min read
A residential home in Skokie, Illinois during early winter. A roofer from Skokie Smart Roofing is installing an ice and water shield along the roof edge beneath the shingles. Icicles hang from the gutters, and snow patches are visible on the roof. The Skokie Smart Roofing logo appears in the top corner with the blog title “Why Skokie Roofs Need Ice & Water Shields” displayed in bold, professional text.

If you live in Skokie, IL, you already know how brutal winter can be. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and sudden thaws can wreak havoc on your home—especially your roof. That’s where ice and water shields come in.

That’s why today we’re diving into why Skokie roofs need ice & water shields – Skokie Smart Roofing has seen firsthand how this added protection prevents costly winter damage for local homeowners.

In this post, Skokie Smart Roofing breaks down why Skokie roofs need ice & water shields, how they work, and why they’re one of the smartest long-term protections for homes in our climate.


What Is an Ice & Water Shield?

An ice and water shield is a self-adhering waterproof membrane installed under your shingles, typically along roof edges, valleys, and around penetrations (like chimneys or skylights). It acts as a second line of defense, preventing water from seeping in even when ice dams form or shingles are blown off.


Why Skokie Roofs Need Ice & Water Shields – Skokie Smart Roofing Explains

Here in the Chicagoland area, our weather throws everything at your roof—sometimes all in one week. Here's why every Skokie roof should have an ice & water shield:


1. Protection Against Ice Dams

When snow on your roof melts and refreezes at the edges, it creates ice dams that trap water. That water can then back up under shingles and leak into your attic. Ice & water shields block that water from ever reaching the roof deck.


2. Guards Vulnerable Roof Areas

Valleys, eaves, and roof edges are the most vulnerable during winter storms. Installing shields in these areas adds a critical layer of leak protection where water is most likely to intrude.


3. Required by Code (Often for Good Reason)

Many building codes in Illinois require ice & water shields in areas with heavy snowfall. But even if it’s not mandatory, it’s a smart upgrade for long-term roof health—especially in older homes.


4. Saves You Thousands in Water Damage

Hidden leaks can damage insulation, drywall, electrical wiring, and more. A properly installed shield can prevent expensive repairs caused by winter weather.


5. Peace of Mind During Harsh Winters

It’s not just about preventing leaks—it’s about knowing your roof is ready to face snow, ice, and sleet without flinching.


Skokie Smart Roofing Recommends It for All Cold-Climate Roofs

We’ve seen it time and again: a home without an ice & water shield suffers roof damage that could’ve been completely avoided. At Skokie Smart Roofing, we always recommend this protective layer for:

  • New roof installations

  • Roof replacements

  • Repairs near valleys, skylights, and dormers

  • Homes with a history of ice dam issues


Let’s Winterproof Your Roof the Smart Way


At Skokie Smart Roofing, we install high-performance ice & water shields that blend seamlessly into your roof system—no shortcuts, no guesswork. Whether you’re upgrading or building new, we’ll make sure your home is winter-ready from the inside out.


📞 Call now or [schedule a roof protection inspection] before the snow hits.

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