Understanding the differences between Grace Select and Grace Ice And Water Shield helps homeowners and remodelers select the best underlayment for performance, protection, and longevity. Both products come from Grace Construction Products, a leader in roofing systems, but they target different requirements. This article compares material makeup, installation methods, performance in various climates, and practical considerations like cost and code compatibility to help inform a confident choice.
Overview
Grace Select and Grace Ice And Water Shield are roofing underlayments designed to protect structures from moisture and weather intrusion, but they serve distinct purposes. Grace Ice And Water Shield is a self-adhesive, waterproof membrane favored for its superior moisture protection in critical areas such as eaves, roof valleys, and around penetrations. Grace Select, by contrast, is a high-performance synthetic underlayment that goes under the majority of the roof deck to provide a breathable, durable layer that resists tearing and allows some vapor diffusion. The choice often hinges on climate, roof design, and the level of protection required in vulnerable areas.
Material And Construction
Grace Ice And Water Shield combines a self-adhesive, rubberized asphalt layer with a polymer-modified film to create a highly waterproof barrier. It adheres directly to the roof deck, forming a seamless, watertight seal around fasteners and curves. Grace Select is a heavy-duty synthetic underlayment made from cross-laminated polypropylene fibers. It is designed to be water resistant but not fully waterproof, prioritizing durability, grip, and ease of installation for broad coverage across exposed roof decks. The self-sealing properties of Grace Ice And Water Shield are a distinct advantage in areas prone to ice damming, wind-driven rain, and dynamic roof loads.
Performance And Weather Resistance
The key performance distinction lies in waterproofing capability and climate suitability. Grace Ice And Water Shield excels in cold conditions and regions with significant moisture intrusion risk. Its adhesive bond remains intact in low temperatures, and it remains highly resistant to wind uplift at roof edges and transitions. Grace Select provides reliable protection during normal weather patterns and moderate exposure. It tolerates UV exposure and can be installed for longer exposure periods before shingling, depending on manufacturer guidelines. For extreme weather areas, many pro installers pair Grace Select with additional protective strategies in exposed zones.
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Installation Considerations
Installation steps reflect each product’s design. Grace Ice And Water Shield is rolled onto the deck and pressed to activate the adhesive, creating a continuous membrane around fasteners and along critical roof areas. It typically requires compatible flashing and corner pieces and is often used in eaves, rakes, valleys, and around skylights or chimneys. Grace Select is installed like a traditional synthetic underlayment; it unrolls with a mat grip for traction and is secured with fasteners or adhesive strips, depending on the project and local code. Proper alignment, overlaps, and fastener spacing follow product instructions, with particular attention to valley and edge details when Wind or Ice dam risk is high.
Code and Code Compliance
Both products meet broad industry standards and are widely accepted in U.S. building codes when used per manufacturer instructions. Grace Ice And Water Shield’s waterproof characteristics often align with code requirements for leak prevention in vulnerable roof regions, while Grace Select’s barrier properties support secondary protection and wind uplift resistance guidelines. Users should verify local code language and consult with a licensed roofer to ensure the chosen underlayment complies with manufacturer installation manuals and regional storm considerations.
Pros And Cons
- Grace Ice And Water Shield — Pros: superior waterproofing, excellent performance in cold weather, strong adhesion, effective at eaves and transitions; Cons: higher material cost, more specialized installation, limited breathability in comparison to synthetic underlayments.
- Grace Select — Pros: durable synthetic construction, good secondary protection, easier handling, broad applicability across roof areas; Cons: not fully waterproof, may require additional protection in high moisture zones.
Cost And Availability
Prices vary by product type, thickness, and regional supplier. Grace Ice And Water Shield generally commands a higher price per square foot due to its adhesive waterproofing properties and specialized application. Grace Select tends to be more economical for widespread use as a general underlayment. Availability is strong through roofing supply houses and contractor distributors across the United States, though local stock can vary. When budgeting, factor in labor time, warranty considerations, and any required flashing or accessories for the chosen system.
Practical Guidance For Selection
- Climate considerations: In regions with frequent freezing rain, ice dam risk, or heavy snowfall, Grace Ice And Water Shield’s waterproofing is advantageous on eaves and penetrations. In milder climates, Grace Select provides robust secondary protection with cost efficiency.
- Roof design: Complex roofs with many penetrations, valleys, or transitions may benefit from the reliable adhesion of Ice And Water Shield in high-risk areas.
- Installation window: If a project requires quick installation with wide coverage on standard roofs, Grace Select can streamline labor and reduce stoppages; for critical zones, supplement with Ice And Water Shield where necessary.
- Ventilation and breathability: Grace Select offers diffusion, which can help with moisture management under certain roofing systems, while Ice And Water Shield prioritizes waterproofing at vulnerable points.
Common Misconceptions
- All underlayments are the same; in reality, Waterproof membranes like Grace Ice And Water Shield provide far different protection than breathable synthetic underlayments.
- Higher price equals unnecessary expense; in high-risk areas, the extra cost can prevent costly leaks and ice dam damage.
- One size fits all; roof design, climate, and installation timing should drive the selection rather than a single product’s popularity.
Usage Scenarios And Recommendations
For new or re-roofing projects in cold, wet areas, start with Grace Ice And Water Shield on eaves, valleys, and around penetrations, and use Grace Select for remaining roof areas where a durable, breathable underlayment is beneficial. In warmer climates with low ice dam risk and straightforward roof lines, Grace Select alone often delivers excellent protection and cost efficiency, with adherence to installation guidelines and wind uplift requirements. Always follow the latest manufacturer guidance and local codes for flashing, nailing, and overlap requirements.
FAQ
- Can Grace Select be used alone on a roof? Yes, as a primary underlayment in many applications, but assess climate and roof design to determine if additional waterproofing is warranted in high-risk zones.
- Is Grace Ice And Water Shield necessary for all roofs? Not always; it is most beneficial in vulnerable areas such as eaves and valleys in regions facing freezing conditions or heavy precipitation.
- How do I choose between the two for a retrofit? Consider existing roof structure, roof pitch, climate, and budget; for critical areas, use Ice And Water Shield in combination with Grace Select for the rest of the deck.