Your roofing system consists of numerous parts that work together to prevent water and other elements from entering your home. Many homeowners are unaware of one of these parts: the drip edge.
A roof’s drip edge diverts water away from the fascia, helping to protect the roof components from water damage. Read on to learn more about drip edges and how they protect your roof.
Contact our Gotcha Covered Contracting team today to schedule a free roof inspection and ensure your drip edge is functioning correctly.
What Is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a metal flashing installed along the edges of your roof to keep water flowing away from the fascia. The fascia is the decorative board below the overhanging portion of the roof that makes the roof look complete.
Fascia is often made of a wooden board that can become damaged when wet. As a result, the drip edge plays a vital role in protecting the fascia and preventing mold, mildew, and rot from accumulating on the board.
The drip edge sits at the roof’s edge and hangs over the side of the building slightly. The bottom section of the drip edge bends away from the fascia to prevent water penetration.
The drip edge’s smooth metal surface allows water to flow freely off the shingles. Additionally, drip edges consist of non-corrosive, non-staining metal, ensuring that they look clean and shiny for years to come.
Types of Drip Edges
There are several types of drip edges that roofing companies install on homes. The three most common include:
- Hemmed: Includes an open, hemmed edge that hangs over the roof and folds backward toward the building
- L-Style: Has a 90-degree, L-shaped bend with a short flange ideal for low slope roofs
- Gutter Apron: Has a long leading edge and hangs farther over the roof, often covering the gutters
If you’re considering installing a new roof, you can talk to your roofing company about the best type of drip edge for your needs.
Benefits of Drip Edges
Drip edges are necessary for several reasons. These features provide the following benefits:
- Send water away from the roof fascia to prevent the fascia from deteriorating over time
- Prevent ice dams from forming along the roof line
- Seal gaps along the edge of the roof
- Aid gutters in sending water away from the roof
- Improve the roof’s durability and longevity
Where Does the Drip Edge Go?
Your roofing company will install the drip edge under the roof underlayment before installing the placing shingles on top. As a result, if you do not currently have a drip edge and are not planning to replace your roof any time soon, your roofers may need to peel back the shingles and lay the drip edge, then reattach them.
Your drip edge will hang over the roof edge slightly, jutting down at an almost 90-degree angle. Additionally, your home needs a drip edge around the entire roof perimeter — not just in specific locations.
Do You Need a Drip Edge If You Have Gutters?
Drip edges and gutters both perform a similar role on a building: diverting water away from the roof. As a result, you may be wondering: if your home has gutters, do you need a drip edge as well?
The answer is yes — you need drip edges and gutters to ensure complete protection against water damage. Drip edges complement gutters by sending water straight into the gutters instead of directly off the roof. Once the gutters catch the water, they send it to a safe drainage location on your property.
Additionally, most building codes require drip edges. Failing to install these features can hinder your home’s compliance and lead to costly renovations down the line.
Drip edges and gutters both play an important role in protecting your roof. As a result, you must ensure that both of these features are in the best working condition.
If you haven’t had a roof inspection recently, scheduling one can ensure that your roof has all the elements needed to protect your home. Contact our Gotcha Covered Contractors team today at 724-581-8147 to schedule a free roof inspection. We provide roofing services throughout Pittsburgh, Allison Park, Cranberry Township, and Wexford, PA.
