The best ice and water shields pair dependable water protection with a temperature rating and installation format that suit your roof. I rank Grace Ice & Water Shield HT as the best overall because it gives buyers a high-temperature option from an established roofing-underlayment lineup. Grace Select is a more straightforward choice for standard applications, while Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT offers a synthetic alternative. The main tradeoffs are heat compatibility, roll coverage, and whether a premium high-temperature membrane is needed for the roofing material. Read on for the full breakdown, plus guidance on choosing the right shield for your project.
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Key Takeaways
- Grace Ice & Water Shield HT takes the overall lead for buyers who need a high-temperature membrane; its rating matters more than brand preference when the roof covering runs hot.
- Grace Select is the simpler alternative for standard applications, so paying for an HT product may not make sense when the roof system does not call for it.
- Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT and both HydroShield HT options put temperature compatibility at the center of the decision, but buyers still need to check the exact product specification and roof-covering requirements.
- HydroShield’s one-square roll gives small-project buyers a defined coverage reference, while the 35-roll Grace listing is aimed at larger jobs and calls for careful quantity planning.
- The product name alone does not settle compatibility: verify the membrane’s temperature rating, substrate, local code requirements, and manufacturer instructions before installation.
| ice and water shield | Roll weight | UV exposure | Material | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Select Self-Adhering Roo | 33 lb. | Up to 30 days | Butyl | 195 sq. ft. |
| Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT Se | 28 lb. | Up to 180 days | Polypropylene | 201 sq. ft. |
| HydroShield Self-Adhering High | 50 lb. | Up to 120 days | Bitumen | 195 sq. ft. (1.95 squares) |
| Grace Ice & Water Shield HT Hi | 56 lb. | Up to 120 days | Polymeric | — |
| HydroShield Self-Adhering Ice | 35 lb. (33-ft. roll); 72 lb. (65-ft. roll) | Up to 60 days | — | 100 sq. ft. or 195 sq. ft. |
| Grace Self-Adhering Ice and Wa | — | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Grace Select Self-Adhering Roofing Underlayment, 36 in. x 65 ft.
Grace Select is a practical pick for roofers who want a self-adhering membrane with a traction-focused surface and nail-sealing protection against wind-driven rain and ice dams. Its 195-square-foot roll is lighter than the 50-pound HydroShield High-Temperature roll, which may make handling easier during roof work, though 33 pounds is still a substantial lift. The butyl construction is designed for use beneath most roofing materials, giving it broader general-purpose appeal than a product aimed specifically at high-temperature metal roofs. Its main limitation is the 30-day UV exposure window, shorter than the Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT’s 180 days. Plan to cover it promptly; this is a less suitable choice for projects likely to sit exposed while other work is delayed.
Pros:- Self-adhering installation avoids a separate fastening step across the membrane field.
- Slip-resistant surface supports footing during roof installation.
- Designed to seal around roofing nails for added water protection.
- 33-pound roll is lighter than the listed HydroShield High-Temperature roll.
Cons:- UV exposure is limited to 30 days, less than the other listed products.
- At 33 pounds, the roll still takes effort to move and position.
- The supplied data does not list a high-temperature rating for metal roofing.
Best for: Roofing crews seeking a self-adhering, slip-resistant underlayment for projects where the membrane will be covered within 30 days.
Not ideal for: Builders who expect an extended open-roof period or need a membrane specifically rated for high-temperature metal roofing.
- Material:Butyl
- Roll dimensions:36 in. wide × 65 ft. long
- Coverage:195 sq. ft.
- Thickness:25 mil
- Roll weight:33 lb.
- Installation:Self-adhesive
- UV exposure:Up to 30 days
- Color:Green
Our verdict“Choose Grace Select for a general-purpose, traction-minded membrane when you can cover the roof within its 30-day exposure limit.”
Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT Self-Adhering Synthetic Roofing Underlayment, 3 ft. x 67 ft. (201 sq. ft.)
The Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT is the standout when roofing schedules may leave the underlayment exposed for a while: its 180-day UV allowance exceeds the 120 days listed for HydroShield High-Temperature and Grace Ice & Water Shield HT. That extra time gives crews more flexibility between dry-in and final roofing, without making this a substitute for checking site conditions and installation guidance. The polypropylene construction and woven top surface are intended to resist tearing and support traction, while the self-adhering format simplifies placement. At 201 square feet per roll, it covers slightly more area than the 195-square-foot Grace Select. The tradeoff is that the supplied data does not state a thickness, temperature range, or certifications, so buyers needing those specific documented details may prefer another listed option.
Pros:- Up to 180 days of stated UV exposure, the longest window among these five products.
- 201-square-foot coverage is slightly higher than the 195-square-foot Grace Select roll.
- Self-adhering design supports a straightforward peel-and-stick installation.
- Woven top and slip-resistant base are designed to support traction and resist damage.
Cons:- The supplied specifications do not state thickness or a service-temperature range.
- No certifications or approvals are provided in the product data.
- Its long exposure allowance does not remove the need to follow installation instructions and site-specific requirements.
Best for: Roofing contractors who need a self-adhering underlayment with a longer stated UV exposure window between dry-in and shingle installation.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need clearly specified temperature limits, thickness, or listed certifications before selecting a membrane.
- Material:Polypropylene
- Model:SL2SQHT
- Roll dimensions:36 in. × 67 ft.
- Coverage:201 sq. ft.
- Roll weight:28 lb.
- Installation:Self-adhering, peel-and-stick
- UV exposure:Up to 180 days
- Color:White
Our verdict“Pick Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT when a long stated UV window matters more than having detailed temperature and certification data in hand.”
HydroShield Self-Adhering High-Temperature Ice and Water Shield Underlayment
For roofs with metal coverings such as copper or zinc, HydroShield High-Temperature is the most directly targeted choice in this group. Its high-temperature backing and stated service range of -40°F to 250°F distinguish it from Grace Select, whose supplied data does not give a temperature range. The membrane also seals around nails and fasteners, while its split-back liner is intended to make handling and application more manageable. Compared with Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT, HydroShield provides named standards and listings, including ASTM D1970 and ICC Listed status, but its UV exposure limit is 120 days rather than Grip-Rite’s 180. The 50-pound roll is a meaningful handling burden, so this pick makes more sense when the temperature rating and listed credentials matter more than lighter-weight installation.
Pros:- Designed for high-temperature use beneath metal roofs, including copper and zinc.
- Stated service temperature range runs from -40°F to 250°F.
- Self-seals around nails and fasteners to limit water entry points.
- Lists ASTM D1970, ICC Listed, and UL Classified credentials.
Cons:- The 50-pound roll is heavier than Grace Select and Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT.
- UV exposure is limited to 120 days, shorter than Grip-Rite’s stated 180 days.
- Covers 195 square feet per roll, less than Grip-Rite’s 201 square feet.
Best for: Roofers installing metal coverings, including copper or zinc, who need a high-temperature membrane with stated temperature limits and listed credentials.
Not ideal for: DIY roofers working alone or buyers who prioritize a lighter roll and the longest available UV exposure period.
- Material:Bitumen
- Roll dimensions:36 in. wide × 65 ft. long
- Coverage:195 sq. ft. (1.95 squares)
- Roll weight:50 lb.
- Service temperature:-40°F to 250°F
- UV exposure:Up to 120 days
- Certifications:ASTM D1970; ICC Listed; UL Classified
- Model:HSIWSHT
Our verdict“Choose HydroShield High-Temperature for metal roofing and documented heat performance if you can manage its heavier roll.”
Grace Ice & Water Shield HT High-Temperature Roofing Underlayment
Grace Ice & Water Shield HT earns its place for roofers who need help handling membrane details, not simply covering broad deck areas. Its embedded Ripcord release feature is designed to ease application around complex areas, while rubberized asphalt bonds to the roof deck and seals around fasteners. Like HydroShield High-Temperature, it is intended for high-temperature roofing applications; Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT offers a longer 180-day UV window, but Grace lists exposure up to 120 days. The supplied data gives two roll-length options, 66.6 or 75 feet, though it does not state coverage or thickness. At 56 pounds, this is the heaviest listed roll, making it a less convenient choice for solo handling. I’d favor it when the application aid matters more than carrying weight or UV duration.
Pros:- Embedded Ripcord is designed to help release the liner in detail areas.
- Rubberized asphalt adhesive bonds to the deck and seals around fasteners.
- Designed for high-temperature roofing applications.
- Slip-resistant surface supports footing during installation.
Cons:- At 56 pounds, it is the heaviest roll in this group.
- UV exposure is limited to 120 days, shorter than Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT.
- The supplied product data does not specify coverage or thickness.
Best for: Professional roofers working around penetrations, edges, and other detail areas on high-temperature roofing projects.
Not ideal for: Solo installers seeking a lighter roll, or projects that may need more than 120 days of stated UV exposure.
- Manufacturer:Grace
- Model:G78416
- Material:Polymeric
- Roll width:36 in.
- Available roll lengths:66.6 ft. and 75 ft.
- Roll weight:56 lb.
- UV exposure:Up to 120 days
- Application feature:Embedded Ripcord release
Our verdict“Choose Grace Ice & Water Shield HT when detail-area application support is a priority and the heavy roll is manageable.”
HydroShield Self-Adhering Ice and Water Shield Underlayment, 1-Square Roll
This standard HydroShield membrane is the clearest fit for buyers who need a shingle-roof underlayment with a defined minimum slope and a broad set of listed approvals. Its sand-based surface supports footing, and the split-back liner is meant to speed placement; like Grace Select, it also seals around nails and fasteners. The published data lists Class A fire resistance and approvals including ASTM D1970, ICC-ESR-1930, and Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade references. Those details make it more specification-rich than Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT, but its 60-day UV limit is far shorter than Grip-Rite’s 180 days. The 33-foot roll covers 100 square feet and weighs 35 pounds; the 65-foot version covers 195 square feet but weighs 72 pounds, a substantial handling tradeoff.
Pros:- Sand-based surface provides foot grip during installation.
- Split-back release liner supports application and handling.
- Class A fire resistance and multiple stated standards and approvals.
- Available in 100-square-foot and 195-square-foot coverage options.
Cons:- UV exposure is limited to 60 days, less than Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT and both high-temperature options.
- Specified for roof slopes of 2:12 or greater.
- The 65-foot roll weighs 72 pounds, making it difficult to handle without assistance.
Best for: Roofers and property owners working on shingle roofs with slopes of at least 2:12 who need documented fire resistance and listed approvals.
Not ideal for: Projects with an extended open-roof schedule, roofs below a 2:12 slope, or crews unable to handle the 72-pound long-roll option.
- Roll width:36 in.
- Available roll lengths:33 ft. or 65 ft.
- Coverage:100 sq. ft. or 195 sq. ft.
- Roll weight:35 lb. (33-ft. roll); 72 lb. (65-ft. roll)
- Service temperature:-40°F to 200°F
- Minimum roof slope:2:12
- UV exposure:Up to 60 days
- Fire resistance and approvals:Class A; ASTM D1970; ICC-ESR-1930; ASTM E108 / UL 790; Florida Building Code FL16724; Miami-Dade NOA 16-0607.08; TDI listed
Our verdict“Choose this HydroShield option for shingle roofs at or above a 2:12 slope when its approvals and grip surface outweigh the short UV window.”
Grace Self-Adhering Ice and Water Shield Roof Underlayment, 36 in. x 75 ft., 35 Rolls
This Grace shield suits crews or property owners who need a substantial supply of peel-and-stick protection across multiple roof sections. Its rubberized asphalt adhesive seals the deck against moisture from wind-driven rain and ice dams, while the 36-by-75-foot roll is longer than the Grace Select’s 36-by-65-foot roll. A slip-resistant surface and split release liner can make handling and placement easier during installation, and the product is described for use beneath a range of roof coverings. The tradeoff is the package: 35 rolls is a bulk quantity, not a convenient fit for a small repair, and the listed item weight of 34 pounds may add to handling demands. Compared with the one-square HydroShield roll, this is a better match for buyers planning a larger job who can use the full supply.
Pros:- Rubberized asphalt adhesive forms a watertight barrier against moisture and ice damage.
- Suitable beneath a range of roof coverings.
- Slip-resistant surface supports safer handling during installation.
- Split release liner helps with positioning and application.
Cons:- The 35-roll package is excessive for small projects.
- The listed 34-pound item weight can make transport and handling more demanding.
Best for: Roofing contractors or property owners completing a large project who need multiple rolls of self-adhering moisture protection.
Not ideal for: Homeowners handling a small roof repair or a single-roof section, since the 35-roll package may leave substantial unused material.
- Manufacturer:Grace
- Part number:652
- Roll size:36 in. x 75 ft.
- Roll thickness:25 mils
- Package quantity:35 rolls
- Item weight:34 pounds
- Color:Black
- Listed dimensions:16 x 12 x 6 inches
Our verdict“Choose this bulk Grace option for a large roofing job that can use its 35 rolls, but pick a smaller package for repairs or limited coverage.”
How We Picked
I ranked these six products by the factors that most affect whether an ice and water shield fits a real roofing job: temperature compatibility, self-adhering application, stated roll coverage, and clarity of the product’s intended role. High-temperature versions rank well for roofs where the covering or assembly calls for them, but I did not treat an HT label as an automatic advantage for every project. Roll dimensions and package quantities matter because they affect coverage planning and the chance of ordering too much or too little.
The order gives the strongest all-around fit to Grace Ice & Water Shield HT, then distinguishes standard-use options, alternate HT products, and packages suited to more specific project sizes. I also weighed the information supplied for each listing: when details such as coverage or application limits are not stated, I avoid assuming they match another product. Buyers should confirm current technical data sheets, code acceptance, and roofing-system requirements before choosing.
| ice and water shield | Material | UV exposure | Color | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Select Self-Adhering Roo | Butyl | Up to 30 days | Green | — |
| Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT Se | Polypropylene | Up to 180 days | White | SL2SQHT |
| HydroShield Self-Adhering High | Bitumen | Up to 120 days | — | HSIWSHT |
| Grace Ice & Water Shield HT Hi | Polymeric | Up to 120 days | — | G78416 |
| HydroShield Self-Adhering Ice | — | Up to 60 days | — | — |
| Grace Self-Adhering Ice and Wa | — | — | Black | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Ice And Water Shields
The right membrane depends on the roof assembly, not just the product label. I would settle compatibility and quantity before comparing brands, since either mistake can lead to rework or material waste.
Match the Temperature Rating to the Roof Covering
High-temperature membranes are designed for roof assemblies that expose underlayment to more heat than a standard product is intended to handle. Metal roofing and some other hot-running systems may have specific membrane requirements, so check both the roof-covering manufacturer’s instructions and the underlayment data sheet. Do not choose an HT product simply because it sounds more protective; the extra rating only helps when it matches the application. Conversely, using a standard membrane where the roof system requires a high-temperature product can create a compatibility problem. If specifications conflict or leave room for interpretation, ask the roofing manufacturer or a qualified installer before ordering.
Check Where the Shield Is Required
Ice and water shield is often installed in selected areas rather than across every part of a roof, but local code and roof design determine the actual coverage. Eaves, valleys, roof-to-wall intersections, and penetrations may have different requirements depending on climate and construction. Measure the roof zones that need protection instead of estimating from the building’s floor area. A narrow eave strip can require more material than expected when the required membrane width, overlap, and roof geometry are included. Confirm local rules before planning a partial-roof installation, especially for new construction or permitted work.
Plan Coverage Around Usable Area, Not Just Roll Dimensions
Published roll dimensions provide a starting point, but the area covered after installation can be lower because of overlaps, trimming, and roof details. Work out each membrane run and add material for valleys, corners, and penetrations rather than relying only on a nominal square-foot figure. Package formats also differ: a one-square roll can suit a contained repair, while a multi-roll listing may be more practical for a broad project. Buying too few rolls can delay weather-sensitive work; ordering a large bundle without measuring can leave substantial surplus. Check whether the stated area is gross coverage and follow the manufacturer’s overlap instructions.
Treat Surface Preparation as Part of Product Choice
Self-adhering membranes depend on a suitable, clean surface for reliable bonding. Dust, moisture, frost, or loose material can undermine adhesion even when the product itself is appropriate. Read the application instructions for permitted substrates, surface conditions, and any primer requirement before the work begins. Cold weather can make handling and adhesion more difficult, while hot conditions may affect how the sheet behaves during placement. A buyer planning a do-it-yourself installation should account for these conditions and the need for careful alignment before removing release film.
Confirm Compatibility With the Whole Roofing Assembly
An underlayment is one layer in a roof system, so compatibility with shingles, metal panels, decking, and other components matters. Review the roofing manufacturer’s approved materials and any restrictions on direct contact between layers. Also check whether the shield is intended for the full roof or specific areas, and whether ventilation or other assembly details affect its use. A product description may not answer every compatibility question, particularly when a listing gives limited technical detail. Keep the product data sheet and installation instructions available so the roofer can confirm the specified assembly before installation.
Decide When a Premium or High-Temperature Option Is Worth It
Paying for a more specialized membrane makes sense when the roof covering, climate, or project specification calls for its particular rating or performance. For a standard application with no elevated-temperature requirement, a simpler option may meet the job’s needs without adding an unneeded feature. Brand familiarity can help narrow the field, but it should not replace checks for code acceptance, installation conditions, and roof-system compatibility. On a large project, consistency across rolls and clear technical documentation may matter more than choosing the least specialized product. Let the written roof specification set the minimum, then compare options that meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high-temperature ice and water shield under a metal roof?
Not every metal roof uses the same underlayment, so check the panel manufacturer’s installation requirements first. Metal can reach higher temperatures than some shingle systems, which is why an HT membrane may be specified. The required product can also depend on the roof assembly and local rules. Compare the exact temperature rating in the technical data sheet rather than relying on the word “high-temperature” in a listing title. If the manufacturer names an approved membrane type, follow that guidance.
Can I use ice and water shield across the entire roof instead of only at eaves and valleys?
Some projects call for full-deck coverage, while others require the membrane only in defined roof zones. The answer depends on local code, roof pitch, climate, and the roofing system’s instructions. Full coverage also changes material needs and may affect how the rest of the roof assembly is designed. Before ordering, calculate the actual required area and check that the selected product is approved for the intended installation. A roofer or local building authority can help resolve requirements that are not clear from the plans.
How many rolls should I order for a roof project?
Start with the roof areas that will receive membrane, then calculate each run using the specified width and overlap. Add allowance for valleys, trimming, penetrations, and irregular roof shapes; nominal roll coverage does not account for every cut. Compare that estimate with the product’s stated coverage and package quantity, especially when a listing is sold as a multi-roll bundle. Avoid assuming two similarly sized rolls provide identical installed coverage if their overlap instructions differ. If the project is large, have the installer verify the takeoff before purchase.
Can I install a self-adhering shield in cold or damp weather?
Installation limits vary by product, and cold temperatures or a damp deck can affect adhesion and handling. Check the technical instructions for minimum application temperature, surface moisture limits, and any approved preparation steps. Do not rely on warming the roll alone if the roof deck falls outside the stated conditions. Weather can also change quickly, so plan installation around a dry, suitable surface and protect exposed material as directed. When conditions are marginal, follow the manufacturer’s guidance or postpone the work.
Should I choose Grace or HydroShield if both offer a suitable temperature rating?
Start with the roof-system specification and compare the exact product documents, not just the brand names. The listings in this roundup vary in the details they state, including package format and roll coverage, so those differences may decide what fits your project. Grace offers both standard and HT options here, while HydroShield appears in standard and HT versions as well as a one-square roll listing. Confirm substrate approval, application limits, and code acceptance for the specific product you plan to buy. If both meet those requirements, choose based on coverage planning and the clarity of the documentation available.
Conclusion
For the broadest fit among these picks, I recommend Grace Ice & Water Shield HT as the best overall, particularly when a high-temperature membrane is specified. Grace Select is my best-value-style choice for standard applications where an HT rating is not needed, while Grip-Rite ShingleLayment HT suits buyers seeking a synthetic high-temperature alternative. For beginners, the clearest path is to follow the roof-covering instructions and choose the product whose use and coverage are easiest to verify; HydroShield’s one-square roll can help with a limited-area project. For larger jobs, the multi-roll Grace listing may fit better, but confirm the takeoff before ordering. The best pick is the one that matches your roof system, required temperature rating, and measured coverage—not simply the one with the broadest-sounding label.
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