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Does My Roof Need Drip Edge?
One of the most overlooked pieces of a new roofing system is the drip edge at both the rake and the eaves.
What Is Drip Edge?
Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edge overhangs the sides of the roof and has a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia. It is non-corrosive and non-staining so that your roof looks good but is structurally stable.
Drip edge is a piece of metal flashing that is 8-10’ long that serves one main purpose: protection. It primarily protects the fascia of the home but also acts as an extra layer of protection for the edge of your roof decking.
Reasons to Use Drip Edge:
Directs water away from the fascia and prevents water from rotting the fascia over time.
Protects the edge of the decking due to water penetration during driving rains.
Seals any gaps at the bottom of the roof where there is often a gap between the decking and the fascia which could allow small animals to enter the attic.
Helps protect the bottom of the roofline during ice dams that can occur during the winter months.
Prevents movement between fascia and deck boards.
Assists gutters to direct water away from your house and foundation.
Extends the longevity of your roof and improves its overall effectiveness.
Where Should Drip Edges Be Placed?
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.
Is Drip Edge Really Needed?
Yes! However, if you have rotting fascia or decking at the eaves and rakes, then your roofing system is broken and there is a simple solution that can solve your problems. Though drip edge is sometimes neglected, it is definitely an option that should be considered during your roof replacement.
If you look at homes with new roofs, you may notice a continuous-looking piece of metal that hangs just below the edge of the shingles. This piece can be a wide range of colors, but it is usually a different color than the trim of the home. If you see this than you are probably looking at drip edge.
Why is Drip Edge Important?
The reason why drip edge is important is because of surface tension. When water flows down your roof to the edge of your shingles, it can actually roll over the edge of the shingle and flow back to the fascia. In a way, water can defy gravity through surface tension. Without a drip edge in place, the water will run down the fascia of your home and even flow back to your decking. This constant contact with water will cause the wood to eventually rot.
What are the Different Kinds of Drip Edge?
That being said, not all drip edge is created equally. There are a wide range of sizes of drip edge pieces. Some go under the shingles 3 inches, some go under the shingles 4 inches, some 6 inches, and so on. There are drip edges that are flat as they go down the fascia and some that have a 45 degree bend at the end to flick water away from the fascia boards.
Is Drip Edge Required by Building Code?
Most municipalities in the United States have a building code that trades, and contractors must follow. The common code authority is the “International Residential Code,” or IRC for short. These codes dictate what practices must be followed when performing construction on a home. Drip edge on all waves and rakes of your home is one of those code requirements.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edge overhangs the sides of the roof and has a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia. It is non-corrosive and non-staining so that your roof looks good but is structurally stable.
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.