Can you staple ice and water shield?
Short answer. Generally no: self-adhered ice and water shield is designed to bond to the deck with its own adhesive, and staples through the exposed field put holes in a product meant to be waterproof. Some manufacturers allow or recommend fasteners along the top edge, in the strip the next course will cover, to keep it from sliding on steep slopes or in hot weather, so check the product's instructions.
Why staples are the wrong tool
- The membrane's job is to seal, including around the roofing nails that later pass through it. Extra staples in exposed areas add holes before the shingles even go on.
- Staples hold poorly in soft membrane and can tear out in wind.
- Stapling often hides the real problem: a deck that is dusty, damp or too cold for the adhesive to bond.
When fasteners are acceptable
- Top edge, covered by the next course. Some instructions allow nails or staples along the upper edge, inside the lap, to hold the sheet in place.
- Steep slopes and heat. On steep pitches, membrane can sag or slide in summer heat before roofing covers it; some manufacturers call for back-nailing in those cases.
- Cold weather. Below the minimum application temperature the adhesive may not bond, and some products allow temporary fastening until it warms. Waiting for a warmer day is usually the better fix.
Getting a good bond instead
- Sweep the deck clean and make sure it is dry.
- Install within the product's temperature range, often from the 40s up.
- Press or roll the membrane firmly, especially at the laps.
- Use the manufacturer's primer on dusty or porous surfaces where it is specified.
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