Leak barrier

Think of a leak barrier as a "second layer" of protection for your Roof Deck.  A backup plan, if you will, and also a protection against moisture build up.  Leak barriers are nearly always installed on top of the Drip Edge and Rake Edge metal along eaves trough and gable areas because of the risk these areas pose for leaks, ice build up, shingle deterioration and water back flow. 

If you've ever looked at your roof during winter, you'll notice how ice and snow builds up along the length of your eaves troughs and inside the roof valleys.  The Alberta Building Code requires a leak barrier to be installed on all eaves trough and valley areas of a Roof Systems because of issues related to such snow and ice build up.  As an optional upgrade, some high end roof systems even have leak barriers installed on top of the entire Roof Deck (as opposed to only along the eaves trough and valley areas) where the Roof Deck Protection would normally have been installed.

Virtually all roofs in Calgary have leak barriers installed, and many different types of leak barriers are available in today's market, each offering a different level of reliability, functionality and warrantee and produced by many different manufacturers.

Choosing an appropriate leak barrier and installing it properly is an important step in every Roof System.  Speak with your local Roof Hospital representative to learn more about leak barriers, how to choose the right one and how to choose a Professional Roofing Contractor to install it.