Peel-and-Stick Membrane

Self-Adhering Waterproofing

Peel-and-stick membrane is a self-adhering waterproofing product used as underlayment in critical roof areas, bonding directly to the roof deck through a factory-applied adhesive backing without the need for heat, nails, or separate adhesive. The most common application is ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations where water intrusion risk is highest. Unlike felt or synthetic underlayment, peel-and-stick membrane seals around nail penetrations, providing a secondary waterproofing layer even after shingles are nailed through it.

On insurance claims, peel-and-stick is a line item that adjusters commonly miss or undercount.

Code Requirements Drive the Scope

Building codes in most jurisdictions require peel-and-stick membrane at specific locations. In cold climates, code typically requires it along eaves extending at least 24 inches past the interior wall line. Valleys, around chimneys, around skylights, and at wall-to-roof intersections are other code-required locations. When a roof is being replaced on an insurance claim, the replacement must meet current code, which means peel-and-stick must be installed at all code-required locations regardless of what was there before.

This is a supplement opportunity on many claims. If the original estimate includes only felt underlayment across the entire roof, the code-required peel-and-stick areas should be added as separate, higher-priced line items.

Estimating Peel-and-Stick

In Xactimate, peel-and-stick membrane is a separate line item from standard underlayment. Calculate the square footage required at each code-mandated location: eave coverage, valley coverage, penetration perimeters, and wall intersection coverage. The unit price is higher than felt or synthetic underlayment, so using the correct line item instead of lumping it in with standard underlayment ensures accurate pricing. Include the specific code reference that requires the product at each location.