Self-Adhering Roof Membrane (Peel and Stick): FL Guide (2026)

If you have gotten a roofing estimate in Pinellas County recently, you have probably seen a line item for "peel-and-stick underlayment" or "self-adhering membrane." If you got quotes from multiple contractors, you may have noticed that some include it on the entire roof while others include it only in specific areas. The difference in approach can mean thousands of dollars, so it is worth understanding what this material does, when Florida code requires it, and whether the premium for full-deck coverage makes sense for your home.

Self-adhering roof membrane goes by several names: peel-and-stick, ice and water shield, self-adhering underlayment, and secondary water barrier (SWR). In Florida, the product serves a critical function that has nothing to do with ice. It protects your home from wind-driven rain during hurricanes and severe storms by creating a waterproof barrier between the roof deck and the weather, even if the shingles, tiles, or metal panels above it are damaged or blown off entirely.

This guide covers the Florida Building Code requirements, the top products available in 2026, where and how self-adhering membrane should be installed, and the cost comparison with standard felt and synthetic underlayment for Pinellas County homeowners.

Why Florida Needs "Ice and Water Shield" (Hint: It Is Not About Ice)

The product category we call ice and water shield was invented in the 1970s by W.R. Grace (now GCP Applied Technologies) to prevent ice dam damage in northern climates. When snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the colder eaves, it creates a dam of ice that forces water backward under shingles. The self-adhering membrane placed at the eaves prevents this water from reaching the roof deck and leaking into the house.

Florida does not have ice dams. What Florida has is wind-driven rain, and the physics are remarkably similar. During a Category 2 or stronger hurricane, rain travels horizontally and even upward, driven by sustained winds exceeding 96 mph. This rain can penetrate under shingles, around flashings, and through any gap in the primary roofing system. If the underlying deck is protected only by standard felt paper or basic synthetic underlayment (which have nail holes, seams, and limited water resistance), water reaches the decking, enters the attic, and damages ceilings, walls, insulation, and personal property.

A self-adhering membrane solves this problem by:

• Bonding directly to the deck. Unlike felt or synthetic underlayment that is mechanically fastened (stapled or nailed), peel-and-stick membrane adheres continuously to the deck surface. There are no fastener holes in the membrane itself.
• Sealing around nail penetrations. When roofing nails penetrate through the membrane (as they must to fasten shingles or tiles), the rubberized asphalt compound deforms and seals tightly around each nail shaft. This self-sealing property is the defining feature of the product category.
• Providing a continuous waterproof layer. Properly overlapped seams between membrane strips create a continuous barrier with no exposed deck. Even if every shingle on the roof blows off, the membrane keeps water out.

After hurricanes Irma (2017), Michael (2018), and Ian (2022), post-storm inspections across Florida consistently showed that homes with full-deck self-adhering membranes suffered dramatically less interior water damage than homes with standard mechanically attached underlayment, even when both groups lost significant shingle coverage. The membrane is effectively your roof's last line of defense.

Florida Building Code Requirements for Secondary Water Barriers

The Florida Building Code (FBC) mandates secondary water barrier (SWR) protection on all new and replacement roofs. This requirement exists because Florida is the most hurricane-exposed state in the country, and protecting the roof deck from water intrusion during a storm is critical to preventing catastrophic interior damage.

The code provides two approved methods for achieving SWR compliance:

Method 1: Self-Adhering Membrane (Peel and Stick)

A self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen membrane applied to the entire roof deck surface. This method provides the highest level of protection because the membrane is fully adhered with no mechanical fastener holes. It is the preferred method for new construction in coastal areas and the mandatory method in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ).

Method 2: Enhanced Mechanically Attached Underlayment

A code-compliant synthetic or asphalt-saturated felt underlayment attached with an enhanced nailing pattern (typically closer nail spacing than standard installation). This method is acceptable in non-HVHZ areas including Pinellas County but provides less water resistance than a fully adhered membrane because the fastener holes create potential water entry points.

What Pinellas County Requires

Pinellas County is not within a designated HVHZ (those zones cover Miami-Dade and Broward counties). This means either Method 1 or Method 2 is acceptable for code compliance. However, the Florida Building Code still requires enhanced underlayment specifications that exceed what most other states mandate.

At minimum, Pinellas County requires:

• Self-adhering membrane at all valleys, eaves (first 24 inches minimum), penetrations (around pipes, vents, skylights), and any roof-to-wall intersections
• Code-compliant synthetic or felt underlayment on the remainder of the deck with enhanced nail spacing
• Drip edge at all eaves and rakes
• Proper overlap of underlayment courses (minimum 2-inch side laps, 4-inch end laps for most products)

These are the baseline requirements. Many Pinellas County homeowners, especially those on barrier islands or within a few miles of the Gulf coast, opt for full-deck self-adhering membrane that exceeds code minimum for the added protection and insurance benefits.

Top Self-Adhering Membrane Products for Florida (2026)

Three products dominate the Florida peel-and-stick market. All meet FBC requirements for secondary water barrier use. Here is how they compare:

GAF StormGuard

GAF offers two StormGuard variants: Film Surfaced and Mineral Surfaced. For Florida roofing, the Film Surfaced version is the primary choice because it provides a smooth surface that does not interfere with shingle adhesion and offers the best heat resistance of any GAF underlayment product.

StormGuard Film Surfaced uses a rubberized asphalt adhesive layer that bonds aggressively to plywood and OSB decking. It is designed to be left exposed for up to 180 days before the primary roofing material is installed, which provides flexibility for multi-phase projects or weather delays. The product is part of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System and qualifies for enhanced warranty coverage when used with other GAF components.

Key specs: 66.6 sq ft per roll (36 inches by 22.2 feet), self-sealing around nails, passes ASTM D1970 requirements, 180-day UV exposure rating, compatible with all GAF shingle and accessory products.

Owens Corning WeatherLock

The WeatherLock line includes several variants, with WeatherLock G (granulated surface) and WeatherLock Flex (smooth film surface) being the most commonly used in Florida. The product features a split-back release film that makes installation faster and easier, which is a practical advantage on large full-deck applications where the crew is handling thousands of square feet of membrane.

WeatherLock uses a proprietary blend of SBS polymer-modified asphalt for the adhesive layer. The SBS modification gives the membrane greater flexibility and elongation compared to standard rubberized asphalt products, which helps it conform to deck imperfections and maintain adhesion under Florida's extreme temperature cycling. The product carries a 180-day exposure rating.

Key specs: 65 sq ft per roll (36 inches by 21.7 feet), split-back release film, SBS-modified adhesive, passes ASTM D1970, 180-day UV exposure rating, compatible with all Owens Corning roofing systems.

GCP (Grace) Ice and Water Shield

The original. Grace (now part of GCP Applied Technologies) invented the self-adhering roofing membrane category with Ice and Water Shield in the 1970s. The product has the longest track record of any peel-and-stick membrane on the market and remains a benchmark for the category.

Ice and Water Shield uses a rubberized asphalt compound with an aggressive adhesive system that bonds to clean, dry decking surfaces. It has been tested and proven in every climate condition, from Minnesota ice dams to Florida hurricanes. The product's long history means that decades of real-world performance data support its reliability claims.

One consideration for Florida installations: Grace Ice and Water Shield can become very sticky in hot conditions, making it more challenging to handle on a Florida roof in summer compared to some newer products with more temperature-stable adhesives. Experienced crews account for this by working in early morning hours or adjusting their installation technique.

Key specs: 75 sq ft per roll (36 inches by 25 feet), rubberized asphalt adhesive, passes ASTM D1970, 30-day UV exposure rating (shorter than competitors), polyethylene film surface.

Product Comparison Table

Application Areas: Where Self-Adhering Membrane Goes on Your Roof

Even if you do not opt for full-deck coverage, Florida Building Code requires self-adhering membrane in specific high-risk areas of every roof. Here is where peel-and-stick goes and why each area matters:

Eaves (First 24 Inches Minimum)

The eave is where wind-driven rain hits first during a storm. Water that gets under the first course of shingles travels down the deck slope toward the eave edge. The self-adhering membrane along the eaves creates a sealed barrier that prevents this water from entering the soffit area and dripping into the exterior walls or attic.

Florida code requires a minimum of 24 inches of self-adhering membrane at the eaves, measured from the edge of the deck inward. Many contractors install 36 inches (one full roll width) for additional protection. On low-slope sections or areas with a history of wind-driven rain issues, extending the eave membrane further up the deck is a worthwhile investment.

Valleys

Roof valleys concentrate water from two converging roof planes into a single channel. During heavy Florida rainstorms, valleys carry enormous volumes of water at high velocity. Any defect in the valley flashing or underlayment creates an immediate leak pathway. Self-adhering membrane in the valley provides a sealed backup that protects the deck even if the metal valley flashing is displaced by wind or debris.

The standard practice is to install a 36-inch-wide strip of self-adhering membrane centered in the valley, extending at least 12 inches onto each roof plane. On steep or long valleys, wider coverage is recommended.

Penetrations

Every pipe, vent, exhaust fan, skylight, and HVAC curb that passes through the roof creates a penetration that requires waterproofing. These are among the most common leak sources on any roof. Self-adhering membrane installed around each penetration provides a sealed base layer under the flashing boot or curb, ensuring that water cannot reach the deck even if the primary flashing fails.

For pipe penetrations, the typical application involves a square piece of self-adhering membrane (at least 18 by 18 inches) centered on the pipe, with the membrane slit to fit over the pipe and sealed at the top. The metal or rubber flashing boot then installs over this membrane layer.

Roof-to-Wall Intersections

Where a roof plane meets a vertical wall (common on two-story homes, dormers, and additions), the junction creates a complex waterproofing challenge. Water running down the wall surface can enter behind the step flashing and reach the deck. Self-adhering membrane along the roof-to-wall intersection provides a sealed barrier that catches any water that bypasses the step flashing.

The standard application is a 12-inch-wide strip of self-adhering membrane installed along the full length of the intersection, with at least 4 inches extending up the wall surface and 8 inches onto the deck.

Rakes (Gable Edges)

The rakes (the sloped edges at the gables) are vulnerable to wind-driven rain that pushes water laterally under the edge shingles. While not always explicitly required by code, installing self-adhering membrane along the rakes (12 to 24 inches wide) is considered best practice in Pinellas County. Many contractors include rake membrane coverage as standard procedure.

Full-Deck SWR: When It Makes Sense for Pinellas County Homes

Full-deck self-adhering membrane means covering the entire roof deck surface with peel-and-stick, not just the code-required areas at eaves, valleys, and penetrations. This provides the maximum possible protection against wind-driven rain and is the same level of protection required in Miami-Dade and Broward HVHZ areas.

Full-deck coverage makes strong sense for:

• Barrier island homes. Properties on Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and other Gulf barrier islands face the most direct hurricane exposure in Pinellas County. Full-deck SWR provides the maximum protection these locations demand.
• Homes within 3 miles of the coast. Coastal wind speeds are higher than inland areas. Even homes not on barrier islands but within a few miles of the Gulf or Tampa Bay benefit from the added protection.
• Flood zone properties. If your property is in a FEMA flood zone, the combination of wind-driven rain from above and potential flood water from below makes maximum roof protection especially valuable.
• High-value homes. When the home's contents and interior finishes are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, the $1,500 to $4,000 premium for full-deck membrane is a modest investment in protecting that value.
• Insurance optimization. Some Florida insurance carriers provide better wind mitigation credits for full-deck self-adhering SWR compared to the minimum code-required enhanced mechanically attached underlayment. The premium savings over the life of the roof can partially or fully offset the added installation cost.

Cost Comparison: Self-Adhering Membrane vs Felt vs Synthetic

Understanding the cost difference between underlayment options helps you make an informed decision. Here is how the three main underlayment categories compare for a typical 2,000 square foot Pinellas County home:

The full-deck self-adhering option costs roughly $1,500 to $4,000 more than standard felt underlayment for a 2,500 square foot roof. That translates to roughly $0.60 to $1.60 per square foot of additional cost, spread across a roof that will last 25 to 30 years with dimensional shingles. On a per-year basis, the added protection costs approximately $50 to $160 per year.

When you factor in the potential insurance premium reduction (which varies by carrier but can be $100 to $500 per year for full-deck SWR), the net additional cost may be minimal or even positive over the life of the roof.

Installation Best Practices for Florida

Proper installation is essential for self-adhering membrane to perform as designed. Florida's heat, humidity, and dust conditions create specific challenges that experienced Pinellas County roofing crews know how to handle:

• Clean, dry deck surface. The membrane adhesive requires a clean, dry deck to bond properly. Any dust, debris, moisture, or deteriorated wood will compromise adhesion. The deck should be swept or blown clean immediately before membrane application.
• Primer when required. Some products require or recommend a primer coat on the deck surface, especially on OSB (oriented strand board) which can have a waxy surface that inhibits adhesion. Check the manufacturer's installation instructions for primer requirements.
• Temperature considerations. Most self-adhering membranes require an application temperature above 40 degrees F. This is rarely a concern in Florida. The more relevant issue is excessive heat: on a Florida summer day, the deck surface temperature can exceed 150 degrees F, which can make the membrane overly pliable and difficult to position accurately. Early morning installation (starting at 6:00 or 7:00 AM) helps manage this challenge.
• Overlap requirements. Side laps (horizontal overlaps) must be a minimum of 3 to 4 inches depending on the product. End laps (vertical overlaps where one roll ends and the next begins) require 6 inches minimum. In valleys and other high-flow areas, wider overlaps provide additional security.
• Roll the seams. After positioning, seams should be pressed firmly with a hand roller or J-roller to ensure full adhesion. Air bubbles and wrinkles compromise the waterproof barrier and should be worked out during installation.
• Do not leave exposed beyond UV rating. Each product has a maximum UV exposure time (30 to 180 days depending on the product). The primary roofing material must be installed within this window to prevent UV degradation of the membrane. In Florida's intense sun, shorter exposure is always better.

Common Mistakes That Compromise Performance

Even quality self-adhering membrane can fail if installation shortcuts are taken. Here are the most common mistakes Pinellas County roofers and inspectors encounter:

• Installing on wet or damp decking. Morning dew, overnight rain, or even high humidity can leave enough moisture on the deck surface to prevent proper adhesion. The membrane may appear to stick initially but can delaminate over time. Always verify the deck is completely dry before application.
• Insufficient overlap at seams. Skimpy overlaps save a small amount of material but create vulnerable seams that can leak under wind-driven rain pressure. Follow the manufacturer's minimum overlap specifications exactly.
• Wrinkles and fish mouths. Wrinkles in the membrane create channels that can direct water under the membrane. Fish mouths (small upward flaps at seam overlaps) create entry points for water. Both should be repaired during installation.
• Missing areas around penetrations. Rushing through complex areas like multiple pipe penetrations or HVAC curbs leads to gaps in coverage. Every penetration must have properly installed membrane with no exposed deck.
• Wrong side up. It sounds unlikely, but installing self-adhering membrane with the adhesive side facing up rather than down is a real mistake that happens on job sites. The release film should peel off the bottom of the membrane as it is laid adhesive-side down onto the deck.

Self-Adhering Membrane and Your Wind Mitigation Inspection

After your new roof is installed, a wind mitigation inspection documents the protective features of your roofing system for your insurance carrier. The type of secondary water barrier installed is one of the key items on the wind mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802).

The form includes a specific question about secondary water barrier type. A full-deck self-adhering membrane earns the highest classification, which typically generates the maximum available discount from your insurance carrier. The mechanically attached enhanced underlayment method earns a lower but still valuable classification.

To get credit for your self-adhering membrane, the inspector needs to verify the installation. This is easiest when the inspector visits during the installation process (before shingles are installed over the membrane). If the inspection happens after the roof is complete, the inspector may rely on the roofing contractor's documentation, photographs taken during installation, and the building permit inspection records.

Ask your contractor to photograph the membrane installation at multiple stages, including close-ups of the product label, full deck coverage before shingle installation, valley and eave details, and penetration waterproofing. These photos become your permanent documentation for insurance purposes.

Longevity: How Long Does Self-Adhering Membrane Last?

When properly installed and protected from UV exposure by the primary roofing material above it, a quality self-adhering membrane will last the full life of the roof system. The rubberized asphalt or SBS-modified asphalt compounds used in these products do not degrade under normal protected conditions.

This means that if you install a full-deck self-adhering membrane under dimensional shingles that last 25 to 30 years, the membrane will still be functional at the end of that service life. When the shingles are eventually replaced, the membrane will likely be replaced as well (because it bonds to the deck surface and is difficult to remove without replacement), but during its service life it provides continuous protection.

The only scenario where membrane life becomes a concern is extended UV exposure. If a storm removes shingles from a section of roof and the membrane is exposed to Florida sun for months before repairs, UV degradation will reduce the membrane's effectiveness. This is why products with longer UV exposure ratings (like GAF StormGuard's 180 days) provide a meaningful safety margin for post-storm situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self-adhering roof membrane?

A self-adhering roof membrane (peel-and-stick) is a waterproof sheet material that bonds directly to the roof deck without fasteners. It consists of rubberized asphalt or SBS polymer-modified bitumen that seals around nail penetrations, creating a watertight secondary water barrier. In Florida, it protects your home from wind-driven rain during hurricanes even if the primary roofing material is blown off.

Does Florida require a secondary water barrier?

Yes. The Florida Building Code requires secondary water barrier protection on all new and replacement roofs. In Pinellas County, you can use either a full-deck self-adhering membrane or enhanced mechanically attached underlayment to meet this requirement. In HVHZ areas (Miami-Dade and Broward), full-deck self-adhering membrane is mandatory.

How much does peel-and-stick underlayment cost in Pinellas County?

Self-adhering membrane material costs $0.75 to $2.00 per square foot. For a typical 2,000 square foot home, full-deck application adds $1,500 to $4,000 over standard synthetic underlayment. The per-year cost works out to $50 to $160 over a 25 to 30-year roof life, often partially offset by insurance premium reductions.

What is the best peel-and-stick membrane for Florida?

GAF StormGuard Film Surfaced offers the best combination of heat resistance and UV exposure time (180 days) for Florida. Owens Corning WeatherLock Flex provides easier installation with its split-back release film and SBS-modified flexibility. Grace Ice and Water Shield has the longest performance track record. All three meet Florida Building Code requirements.

Why does Florida need ice and water shield if there is no ice?

The technology that prevents ice dam damage in the north prevents wind-driven rain damage in Florida. During hurricanes, rain travels horizontally and upward under roofing materials. Self-adhering membrane bonds to the deck and seals around nail holes, keeping water out even when shingles or tiles are compromised. It is your roof's last line of defense during a storm.

Should I install full-deck peel-and-stick in Pinellas County?

Full-deck application is strongly recommended for barrier island homes, properties within 3 miles of the coast, flood zone locations, and high-value homes where interior damage would be costly. The $1,500 to $4,000 premium provides maximum storm protection and typically qualifies for the best available insurance wind mitigation credits, which can offset much of the added cost over time.