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When you are in the process of installing a roof, you might ask yourself: What is a roof drip edge? Is it necessary?
Many people often overlook drip edging mainly because they aren’t so visible on shingle roofs; however, they are as important as the roof itself for the sake of protection and to maximize your roof’s life!
Read on and we hope to give you the answers to all your roofing drip edge woes!
What is a Roof Drip Edge?
Drip edge is metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof. They are non-corrosive and non-staining, so your roofing system is kept looking good and stable.
A drip edge should be placed on the whole perimeter of the roof, especially the corners, as much as possible.
They have a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia board. Drip edging directs water away from the fascia and into the gutter to prevent damage to the roofing underlayments of your house.
Most building codes across North America are now requiring roofing drip edges for everyone’s best interest.
In case you don’t have drip edges on your existing roofing, consider having some installed as soon as possible.
You can install one on your own, but it’s best to contact a roofing contractor for expert advice and professional services.
Why Do I Need a Drip Edge on My Roof?
It’s every homeowner’s wish to protect their home from unwanted damage, prolonging its lifespan. Here are the many benefits of a drip edge, reasons exactly why you should have them:
- Directs water away from the fascia board preventing the fascia and soffit from rotting over the course of time.
- Protects the edge of the roofing deck from water penetrating from wind-driven rain.
- Keep your porch and basement dry.
- Function as seals to the “carpenter’s gaps” at the bottom of the roof that often allows small animals and pests to enter your home attic.
- Protects the bottom of your roofing shingles line during ice dams. This can thaw and drain, possibly causing wood rot or mold growth to your home.
- Prevents movements between fascia and deck boards, keeping it stable in events of strong winds.
- Leads water into the gutter to maintain the longevity of your shingle roofs, and house foundation.
What Materials are Drip Edges Made of?
Drip edges under the building code are required to be non-porous, resistant to corrosion, or be galvanized.
They are often made of materials consistent with your metal roof.
You can also find some constructed out of durable plastic, vinyl, or fiberglass. The recommended choice would be ones made of either these metals:
Aluminum
An aluminum roof drip edge may not be as strong as steel. They’re the best option when it comes to rust prevention, especially for homes situated in coastal areas. They also come in colors that are sure to match the rest of your home.
Galvanized Steel
Drip edges are designed to be in contact with liquids, leading it to the roofing gutter.
If they are made of steel, they need to be galvanized to prevent rust. Since steel is lightweight, consider a minimum 24-gauge steel. This is so that the drip edge can withstand strong winds.
Copper
Copper is the grandfather of all metals. It is sturdy and long-lasting. It also gives your roof a unique look. When used as a drip edge, it should be a minimum of 0.69 mm or 20 ounces.
Are There Different Types of Drip Edges Available?
There are many styles and types of drip edges available for your shingles or whatever roofing system you have.
When you’re selecting a drip edge, make sure you choose a material and color consistent and cohesive to the rest of your home’s style.
The three common types of drip edges are:
C-style
These roof drip edges are curved like the letter and roll water away from the roofing deck. They are placed under the roofing material, under the decking. C-shaped edges are often used for roofs with no fascia boards.
L-style
L-shaped drip edges are bent in the center, forming a 90-degree angle. One end of the “L” is placed under the roofing material, while the other on top of the fascia. These are advisable to use on a low-incline roof.
T-style
The T-shaped drip edges are more complex compared to the first two mentioned. It is the most efficient at keeping water away from your shingles, straight to the gutter.
T-style drip edges use an extra piece to form a triangular shape between the roof deck and your house.
How Do You Install Drip Edge?
It’s important to understand that drip edge installation is different for eaves and rakes, especially if you plan on doing this on your own. We also suggest checking the building code of your local areas for any extra rules.
Here is a 10-Step Guide to drip edge installation:
Step 1: Install a furring strip to keep the lower flange further from the home’s siding. This helps to keep water away from the home, avoiding moisture that might cause damage.
Step 2: Install drip edges on the eaves first. Align them so water drips properly into the gutters. The end with the flange should point down and away from the roof.
Step 3: Secure the drip edge with roofing nails. Nail them high so as to allow the shingles to cover them.
Step 4: On the corners where an eave and rake edge meet, make a cut to ensure a proper fit. First, place your drip edge on the rake edge. Mark one inch further out from where the drip edge begins to overhang. Make the necessary cuts so that the drip edge should only hang past the edge by an inch.
Step 5: Bend in the flap of the drip edge to form a corner. Complete it by installing the drip edges on the rakes.
Step 6: Install the underlayment once you’ve covered the eaves with a drip edge. The underlayment should be over the drip edge on the eaves, but under the drip edge on the rakes.
Step 7: Install drip edges on the rakes. Secure them with roofing nails.
Step 8: Install the rake’s drip edge on top of the flap you left when installing the eave’s drip edge.
Step 9: On the roof’s ridge, make yet another cut in your drip edge. Hold the drip edge up to the ridge. Mark and cut where the drip edge exceeds the roof.
Step 10: Fold the drip edge to fit over the ridge. Mark the plumb line. Cut the topmost part of the drip edge along this line to create a finished look. Hold the drip edge in place with the use of a roofing nail.
Who Should Install a Drip Edge on My Roof?
If you’ve got the time and the skill, you can definitely install a drip edge on your roof and shingles yourself.
As you can see in our 10 Step Guide to installing a drip edge though, it’s not an easy feat. Having said, it’s still best to let an experienced professional take care of your roof drip edge.
Alternatively, you could offer to do minor partial installations for a discount and let the professionals handle the critical areas.
If you know anyone who’s experienced in installing drip edges, it’s not a bad option to ask for his/her help and work on the installation together.
In the event of a poor drip edge installation, water will not flow into the gutters properly. The drip edge should be well angled to allow water to drip directly to the gutter.
Although, one roof may be different over the other. To save you the fuss, these roofing woes should be left to the experts!
Are you ready to get some roof drip edges installed? Just remember, they are as important to consider as your roof’s shingles themselves.
Having a good and long-lasting roof, shy away from possible damages can save you lots of bucks! Might as well be cautious, than to regret a future costly repair.
For inquiries and comments, feel free to hit us up and send us an email!
Post Comments: 1
I’m going to be doing that this Sunday I’ve got really stiff shingles so we have a Metal valley, Is there any way to bend the drip edge on the top, so it could overlap the rest? by the way, this is a great lesson i will read it from time to time.