
Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Drip Edge
- Can cover gaps on roofings. ...
- Protect the corners of your home and roof. ...
- Help prolong the roof’s lifespan. ...
- Protect against cold seasons. ...
- Drip edges improve the gutter’s performance. ...
- Drip edges provide additional structural support. ...
- Act as additional protection if shingles get damaged. ...
What does a drip edge do?
What Does Drip Edge Do?
- Drip Edge Keeps Mold at Bay. Roof mold algae (Gloeocapsa Magma) is a form of fungus that can grow on the roof of a home with too much exposure to ...
- It Reduces the Chance of Wood Rot. ...
- It Provides a Barrier Against Intrusive Wildlife. ...
- Prevents Wind Damage. ...
- Extends the Life of Your Property. ...
- Overall Added Roof Protection. ...
How to install drip edge the proper way?
Materials Required
- Drip edge
- Ice and water shield
- Roofing felt
- Roofing nails
- Staples
How much does it cost to install a drip edge?
This is a job best left to the roofing pros. However, if you choose to install drip edge yourself, you will save about $45 to $75 per hour on labor. This will leave you with a materials cost of $3 to $10 per 10 linear feet of drip edge. You will also need a tape measure, hammer, pencil, ladder, small roofing nails, and tin snips.
How do you install a drip edge?
- Step Four: When you reach a corner where an eave and rake edge meet, you need to make a cut to ensure a proper fit. ...
- Step Five: Cut the entire drip edge by your second mark, so that it only hangs past the edge by an inch. ...
- Step Six: Install the drip edge as normal. ...

Do you really need a drip edge?
Without a drip edge, water may end up beneath the shingles and may cause damage to various parts of the home. Though your home may not have originally had a drip edge installed, drip edges are now required by most building codes across North America to protect homes from damage.
Where is drip edge needed?
The drip edge should be installed on top of the underlayment at all rakes, and below or on top of the underlayment at the eaves. At the eaves, when installing the drip edge on top the underlayment, a 4-inch wide layer of asphalt roof cement (complying with the ASTM D4586, Type I or Type II) is required.
When did drip edge become required?
Drip edges have been required by the International Residential Code since the 2012 revision. Most states in the U.S. have adopted the IRC, which means that drip edges are required for most buildings in those states.
Do gutters need to be under drip edge?
It is recommended that gutters are placed under or 'behind' the drip edge of your roof. A drip edge refers to a component that hangs over the roof and has an outward projecting lower edge.
What is drip edge?
The design of drip edges allows it to completely cover any gaps that lay between the fascia and your roof. This keeps water, especially wind-driven water, from your roof foundation. It also keeps out insects and small animals that could harm your decking, roof, or get into your attic.
What is a hemmed drip edge?
Hemmed drip edge or D-Metal: A hemmed drip edge also called D-metal or T-Style, have an opened hemmed edge at the bottom of the flashing that folds backward toward the house. It uses capillary action to keep water moving downward and ultimately keeping water away from the fascia more effectively.
Why do roof flashings have a bent edge?
The bent design allows the drip edge to keep water flowing away from the roof and the fascia. This prevents erosion of the fascia board by keeping it dry and keeps water from getting under your roofing. One of the best things about roof flashings is they are extremely durable.
Why do you need flashing on your roof?
Roof flashings will also protect your home’s foundation. Over time, standing water near your foundation can cause the foundation to erode and lead to some major problems. Keeping water away from your home’s exterior parts and foundation means saving you money in future repairs. 3. They Extend the Life of Your Roof.
Why do gutters need flashing?
It also helps means less clogging of the gutters because the water will help keep things moving along.
What happens if you have a poorly designed roof edge?
A poorly designed roof-edge can compromise the condition of your roof, damage your fascia board, decking, siding, and even erode your home’s foundation. That’s why roof conditions and design influence your home insurance rates and the value of your home. But don’t worry. We’ve got the secret edge to protecting your roof and your home exterior.
How does water damage affect the life of a roof?
They Extend the Life of Your Roof. Obviously, protecting your roof and roofline from water damage and erosion will greatly increase the lifespan of your roof. In addition, having consistent water flow away from the roof will help keep it clean of dirt and algae, things that can cause rotting.
What is drip edge?
The first thing to know about drip edge is what it actually is and where it’s located on your roof.
The building code that requires drip edge
Building codes ensure your home and roof are in compliance with your state’s requirements to pass a home inspection. One of the most important codes has to do with drip edge.
The cost of drip edge
Drip edge is always going to be included in your roof replacement. Because of this, it’s going to have an impact on the price you’ll pay for your new roof .
Learn the rest of the important roofing materials
Now you know what drip edge on your roof is, why you need it, and more. Remember, not only is drip edge a crucial roofing component, but it’s a code that home inspectors look for.
What is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a type of angled roof flashing typically made with a metal like aluminum, copper, or steel. If installed properly, the drip edge is on the edges of a roof around the entire house.
Why is a Drip Edge Important?
The most important purpose of a drip edge is to protect your roof and house from water damage by directing water away from your roof and fascia. A drip edge is now required in most states for a roof to meet code.
Types Of Roof Drip Edges
While all drip edges have the same end goal, they do come in different shapes depending on the type and style of the roof.
C-Style Drip Edge
A c-style drip edge is a “C” shaped metal used on the edges of roofs without fascia boards, moving water away from the roof.
L-Style Drip Edge
An l-style drip edge is an “L” shaped metal bent at a 90-degree angle. One side of the metal is placed underneath the roof while the other side protects the fascia. This style drip edge is recommended for houses with a low incline roof.
T-Style Drip Edge
A t-style drip edge is a popular choice for many homeowners, especially for those that live in cold, snowy regions. Compared to the other two styles, t-style drip edges are arguably the most effective at moving water flow off the roof and into the gutter.
F-Style Drip Edge
Also known as a “gutter apron,” an f-style drip edge is recommended when adding a drip edge to an existing roof. That’s due to the long top edge making it easier to install over shingles. It’s also a great option for new roofs.
What is drip edge?
A drip edge is a non-staining and non-corroding material applied on a roof’s edge to give water the ability to filter out of the roof system. In other words, it is the metal flashing located at the edge of a roof. A drip edge is installed with an intended tilt, which is specifically meant to direct water away from a roof while assuring ...
What is hemmed drip edge?
Hemmed Drip Edge: Applied with metal and standing seam roofing, an open hemmed drip edge will deter water from going upward as a result of capillary action and passing the drip-edge metal.
How do I install drip edge shingles?
It is best to install a drip edge on a day with warm weather because it makes it easier for the shingles to be stripped back. Begin at the lower corner of the roof and gradually progress to the top. Raise the shingles and push the top rim of your drip edge beneath them. Tack the end into position with the roofing nails and press the nail within the drip edge and into the roof covering. But do not push it through the fascia. Arrange the shingles back into position as you continue along.
How do I fix a gap in my gutter?
If there is a gap resulting from an unsuccessful overlay, it may result in water flowing behind the edge instead of into the gutter. This is known as back flowing gutters, which can cause water damage to your home and roof system. If you run into issues with the overlap and need to resolve the gap, review the following tips: 1 If the overlap is too short, fix it by placing drip edge under the first row of roof shingles and be sure that the exterior edge is reaching over the gutter. 2 If the gutter is lower than the bottom edge of the drip edge, install flashing behind the drip edge and over the back edge of the gutter to remove the gap.
What materials are needed to install drip edge?
Additional materials: tape measure, hammer, pencil, ladder, small roofing nails, tin snips. Before you start the installation, remove all dirt and debris from the roof and take the measurements of the exterior edges to determine how much drip edge is required for the project.
Where is the drip edge on a roof?
The correct placement of a roof drip edge is on top of the roof’s exterior cover directly between the sheathing and the fascia board , which forms a drainage gap between the drip edge and the fascia board. As a result, the drainage improves water flow and protects the roof from potential water damage.
What is the purpose of a gutter guard?
Safeguards the edge of a deck from water during rainstorms. Guards the underlying roofline against damage in the winter months such as ice and snow damage, which could result in rotting.
Why use drip edge?
Another benefit of a drip edge is that it helps in protecting the bottom of a roofline during ice dams that often take place in winter weather. A drip edge stops movement between deck boards and fascia. Moreover, using a drip edge can add years to the lifespan of a roof as well as make your roof more effective.
What is drip edge on a roof?
Included in a drip edge is a tiny, metal projection that’s angled away from the fascia. Thanks to its slanting lip, water is ...
Do rake boards need metal edging?
In other words, we also install it on the rake boards, using a large f5 drip edge. The rake edges also need to have metal edging, although they aren’t as critical as the eaves.
Do residential roofs have drip edges?
Oct 3, 2018 Blog, Roofing. Although just about all shingle manufacturers include a metal roofing drip edge in their installation instructions, many residential roofing contractors don’t have them installed. Often, the roofing drip edge isn’t included in a bid if it’s not a specific requirement. The reason for omitting it is usually to save money.
Does drip edge roofing stain?
It doesn’t stain or corrode, which helps in maintaining a roof’s good appearance, while still being structurally secure. Don’t be fooled by any roofing contractor who tries to convince you that you don’t need a roofing drip edge because it’s a waste of your money.
Can you paint drip edges?
But if you don’t plan to paint it, and you don’t have white trim, then black would be a good option.
What Is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a thin, non-corrosive sheet of flashing installed at the edge of the roof. It has a thin metal lip that protects the fascia board and underlayment by directing the water into the gutter for proper drainage. Drip edging is vital for the longevity of shingle roofs.
What Are the Benefits of a Drip Edge?
In addition to protecting your roof from water damage, mold, and rot, a drip edge provides the following benefits:
How Much Does a Drip Edge Cost?
A reputable roofing contractor will include the cost of a drip edge replacement in their estimate. Make sure you understand the terms and inclusions before accepting a contractor’s bid. For reference, an aluminum drip edge starts at around $2 per linear foot, including labor. A higher-grade material such as copper or steel will be more costly.
What is drip edge?
Drip edges are metal sheets, usually shaped like an “L,” installed at the edge of the roof. Also called drip edge flashing or D-metal, they serve a vital function by directing water away from the fascia and into the gutter. Without a drip edge, water may end up beneath the shingles and may cause damage to various parts of the home.
What happens if you don't have a drip edge?
Without a drip edge, water may end up beneath the shingles and may cause damage to various parts of the home. Though your home may not have originally had a drip edge installed, drip edges are now required by most building codes across North America to protect homes from damage.
How many ounces of drip edge?
When used as a drip edge, it should be a minimum of 0.69 mm or 20 ounces. While plastic, vinyl and fiberglass drip edges may also be available in your area, these materials are best suited for use in nonroofing applications, such as above doors and windows.
Why do water droplets stick to one another?
Direct water away from fascia: Due to cohesion, surface tension and other forces, water droplets tend to stick to one another and to the surfaces they are on, albeit slightly. A drip edge is designed to take advantage of those forces and, along with gravity, direct water into the gutter.
Does drip edge need to be off the edge of a roof?
Wind can easily push the water upwards before gravity pulls the water down. The drip edge needs to hang significantly off the edge of the roof and has two to four inches of lower flange to combat this.
Do you need to install drip edges on a rake?
You install drip edges on the rakes after you install the underlayment.
What is a drip edge?
A drip edge is a component put to the edge of a rooftop in a roofing structure. It is a steel covering that is slanted to divert rainwater away from the rooftop and enable it to drain out of the roofing structure, preventing corrosion properly.
Types of Drip Edges
There are three different types of drip edges. Here are the differences of each kind so you will get to know more about what suits your roofing system.
Do all roofs have a drip edge?
It is safe to keep in mind that not all roofs have drip edges. However, a drip edge may be added before or after a shingle is placed. So, if you’ve relocated into a property without one, it isn’t too late to add one to preserve and extend the life of the roofing.
Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Drip Edge
Now that you know the purpose of drip edges on roofs, here are more reasons why you should invest in it. Of course, some homeowners will only want to know what a drip edge is, but they won’t risk building one on their roof. So check out these reasons why you need a drip edge.
Importance of a Drip Edge
Drip edges are often removed from roof constructions to win jobs and save a few dollars. However, skipping the drip edge is more harmful to the roofing and the property in the longer term. According to roofing organizations ‘ recommendations, this element is officially meant to be a part of any slate roofing company’s installation procedure.
Final Thoughts
A roof drip edge safeguards your roofing and fascia from moisture deterioration, extends the lifespan and railing, and safeguards your home’s value. You can appreciate your house and the outside without worrying about environmental problems if you use the correct drip edging.
What is drip edge?
A drip edge is designed to send water away from your roof, so it doesn’t soak into the shingles. Water is very sticky on a molecular level, and cohesion means that water will stick to other water molecules and the surfaces they land on. A drip edge allows the water to drip into the gutter by using gravity, and if you don’t have a gutter, ...
Why do I need a drip edge on my roof?
Drip Edges, when positioned correctly, also help during storms. Heavy wind can move rain around on your roof, and it can cause problems for your roof.
What happens if you put a drip edge on your gutter?
If the drip edge is too long, then the water will simply fall over your gutters and pool at the base of your home. Make sure to measure and figure out how to place your drip edge, so they compliment your gutters and help bring water into them.
What is the best steel for drip edge?
Getting 24-gauge steel is the best type of steel for strength. Copper can also give your home a cool look while not compromising on the effectiveness of the drip edges. Most drip edges come in two distinct shapes. The first is a classic L-shaped drip edge that is at a 90-degree angle, while the second type of drip edge is shaped like a T.
Why do you need gutters on a roof?
This helps keep your roof looking nicer, longer, and pairing them with gutters provides a great defense. Gutters are designed to catch water before it pools on your roof and causes standing water that attracts bugs and other animals.
Where do drip edges go on a roof?
Drip edges go at the edge of your roof, hanging off the sides so the water can drip down the edge and away from your fascia. You’ll want to peel back your roof underlayment and slide the drip edge underneath it before securing it to the edge of your home. If you do have gutters, then you’ll need to make sure the water can drip into ...
Do drip edges need gutters?
Drip edges can only benefit your gutters and help them keep water away from your home. Drip edges often are required for most modern homes, and they are easy to install. But since drip edges complement gutters, most people think that they only need one and not both.
