Houston art studios to rent and the home of ArtLab summer art camp for kids. Thedra & Stephen Cullar-Ledford

Waterproof at Last

The tarpaper that the framers tacked onto the roof weeks ago didn’t last very long without protection, so we’ve had rainwater pouring through the building whenever a storm comes through. (I say “through” because the floor isn’t sealed tightly either, so the water really does just pass through on its way to the ground.)

I use GAF/ELK StormGuard to do roof waterproofing. I ordered “Ice and Water Shield” because that was what was recommended, and McCauley’s sent this, so I think it’s pretty much the same thing. In any case, it seems to be gooey tar/asphalt compound sandwiched between two sticky layers. The bottom sticky layer is the adhesive side that bonds to the roof. My 7-year has found that it can function well as human fly-paper today — it’s pretty strong. The other side has a clear film over it. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to remove that film, so I didn’t, figuring that more layers is better than fewer when you’re talking about a roof.

I paid about $65 per roll and needed two rolls per roof (times four roofs plus taxes came to just about $600.) I’m pleased with the results, and it stood up well to a heavy rain a few days ago. Now I just need to get the metal roofing to go over it.

One Response to “Waterproof at Last”

  1. Anonymous says:

    That stuff works

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