04/25/2026
This roof is a good example of something most homeowners never get to see.
This is a 4/12 pitch and we are looking at it before tear-off.
That slope matters more than most people realize.
At this pitch, water does not shed as quickly as it does on steeper roofs. It moves slower and can linger longer, especially here in Washington with rain, debris, and shade.
Here is where the system underneath becomes critical.
Most roofing systems today use a combination of synthetic underlayment and ice and water barrier, each serving a different purpose.
Synthetic underlayment protects the roof deck and sheds water.
Ice and water barrier creates a waterproof seal and seals around every nail.
At a 4/12 pitch and below, we take it a step further and install ice and water barrier across the entire roof deck to create a fully waterproof secondary layer.
We build our roofing systems with that in mind.
Shingles are the first line of defense.
What is underneath them is what protects your home and decking when conditions are not perfect.
Most manufacturer systems are designed to work together. When components are minimized, you are not getting the full performance the system was built for.
Most roof failures are not caused by the shingles. They are caused by how the system is installed.
If you are not sure how your roof was built, it is worth taking a closer look.
Products Used
IKO Dynasty Shingles
IKO StormShield Ice and Water Barrier
IKIKO Roofing