As a property owner, you know how crucial it is to protect your roof from the elements. But have you considered the vital role that a simple metal flashing, the drip edge, plays in safeguarding your investment?
While drip edges may seem like a minor detail, they are actually a crucial line of defense against water damage. In this blog, we’ll explore why you can’t afford to overlook this important piece of your roofing system.
What Exactly is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is an angled piece of flashing installed along the edge of your roof. These are usually made of non-corroding materials like galvanized steel, copper, or aluminum, but they can also be made from plastic, vinyl, or fiberglass.
The primary job of a drip edge is to channel water runoff away from the vulnerable fascia board and into your gutters. This prevents moisture or water from seeping in and causing costly water damage. By creating a physical barrier and guiding the water flow, the drip edge helps preserve the structural integrity of the roof and surrounding areas.
Without a properly installed drip edge, water can easily find its way behind the fascia. This leads to rot, mold, and structural issues that can undermine the safety and value of your property.
Styles of Drip Edge
There are a few different shapes of drip edges named after letters. Some examples include L-Style, which is an L-shaped piece of metal bent at 90-degrees, mostly recommended for low-profile roofs. T-Style drip edges are shaped like the letter T and extend further out over the gutter than the L-Style. Though a bit more costly than its T-Style counterpart, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association recommends this type of drip edge for most residential roofs.
Lastly, Type F drip edges are similar to the T-Style but have a longer leading edge to make it easier to secure over existing shingles. This type is recommended when you need to install a drip edge to a completed roofing system.
Are Drip Edges Vital for Any Roof?
Drip edges are essential for any and all roofing systems. Whether you have an asphalt shingle roof or a sleek metal roof, a drip edge is a small investment that can save you major headaches down the road.
Not only can they help prevent water damage, but they can also keep pests out of your home. By covering the “carpenter’s gap” of your roof - the small space between the roof deck and fascia board - unwanted pests can’t use the roof to get into your attic.
In addition to redirecting water away from vulnerable edges and keeping unwanted critters out, drip edges also help prevent ice dams during the winter. By shielding your roof from the harmful effects of snow buildup, ice damage, or other water intrusion, drip edges can significantly extend the lifespan of your roofing system. This helps the roof remain safe and effective for years to come.
Don’t worry if your current roof doesn’t have a drip edge. Though it is usually recommended to install the drip edge during the initial roof construction, it really is never too late to add it! Retrofitting an existing roof with a quality drip edge is a smart and affordable way to protect your property against water damage. This simple upgrade can extend the lifespan of your roof and protect the overall value of your investment.
How to Install Drip Edge
Proper installation of the drip edge is vital for its effectiveness. The process, which should be done by an experienced professional to adhere to local codes and regulations, involves positioning the drip edge under the roofing material. It should extend beyond the edge of the roof to ensure that water is efficiently channeled away into the gutters.
Make sure the drip edge is installed along the entire perimeter of the roof, including any sloped edges (rakes), horizontal edges (eaves) and the gable of your roof. This total coverage helps make sure water is effectively redirected from the most vulnerable areas of the roof and structure underneath.
Don’t Let Water Ruin Your Roof
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. By making sure it has a properly installed drip edge, you’re taking a critical step to safeguard your investment and your peace of mind.
Don’t wait until it’s too late - contact a roofing professional today to learn how a drip edge can protect your roof for years to come.
