DRIP EDGE VERSUS GUTTER APRON – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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DRIP EDGE VERSUS GUTTER APRON

If you are installing a roof system, drip edges and gutter aprons play a main role.  If not installed properly, this will impact the effectiveness of your whole gutter systems.  A drip edge or a gutter apron keeps your roof secure by filtering out all the water from the attic into the gutter.  This keeps your roof safe from rotting and leaking.  You can be confused among these two metals flashings as they are completely identical and serve the same purpose.  They differ for their shapes and installation.

What is Drip Edge?

There are many different things that can contribute to water leaking into your home and causing damage.  One of the most common causes is a lack of proper protection along the roof shingles where your roof edge meets your house.  This is where what we call a “drip edge” comes in handy.  Drip edge is a type of metal flashing that prevents moisture from getting in at this vulnerable point.  Its purpose is to direct water away from the internal areas where it shouldn’t be, which helps protect your existing roof from damage and potential rotting due to water penetration.

Drip edge flashing is an important part of the home, but it is not always installed at a home’s initial construction.  Some states require drip edge installation, while others only highly recommend it.

A roof drip edge is a piece of T-shaped metal that gets installed along the outer perimeter of the roof of a house and essentially creates a watertight seal around the roof edge.  The face of the metal drip edge must overlap the gutter so that water doesn’t fall into the gaps in between.  Its purpose is to filter out water from the roof by directing it away from the fascia board and into the gutter.  This prevents rotting of the fascia board, which holds up the gutters and keeps them from falling down onto your roof system.

Drip edges can come in virtually any color, but the most common colors are neutrals like white, black, and brown.  It is also possible to color match your roof shingles or gutters to the drip edge to create a more concise look.  Some people may even choose to use an accent color for their metal drip edge to make the roof “pop” or to complement other parts of the house, such as window shutters or doors.

What is Gutter Apron?

A gutter apron is a specially designed drip edge folded at 120 degrees that helps direct water away into your gutter.  We all know just how dangerous water seeping underneath your shingles can be, right?  A gutter system that doesn’t collect rainwater can be just as detrimental to your roof.  This means mold in your siding and rotting soffits.  Even if you had drip edges installed to protect your roof shingles, it’s not wise to overlook the importance of gutter flashing.  Gutters serve an essential role against rainwater, so it’s only likely that protecting your gutter from mold, rot, and extended damage is vital to your roof’s health.

How Does a Gutter Apron Work?

A gutter apron is installed under your starter shingle course and is even more useful if your roof shingles don’t extend far enough to direct rainwater into the gutter.  Gutter flashing also protects the back of the gutter, since gutter aprons are installed by hanging down an inch below the back of the gutter.  This protects your gutter from any splashing or dripping that occurs behind the gutter.  Gutter aprons also come in larger dimensions compared to a drip edge gutter, wherein the gutter apron hangs over your roof sheathing.  If your shingles weren’t installed properly or directing water to your gutter and behind it is an issue, gutter aprons are a must-have roof material to install as part of your roof system.

Drip Edge vs. Gutter Apron (Pros & Cons of Each)

Despite the difference in appearance, a drip edge and a gutter apron are very similar to one another and serve the same purpose.  So how does one choose between drip edge vs. gutter apron?  This may be a rather difficult choice, as there is no clear winner between the two.  Both have similar advantages and disadvantages.

Below, we’ll provide some pros and cons for both a drip edge and gutter apron:

  • Pros

    • Strong wind and rain protection.

    • Secures roof deck and gaps.

    • Protects against wood rot.

    • Durable fascia guard.

    • Prevents insects, pests, and small animals from entering your attic.

    • Shingle support.

    • Inexpensive and cost-effective.

    • Saves time in future maintenance.

    • Saves money in future repairs.

  • Cons

    • Generally not included in standard roof installation.

    • Difficult to install after roof deck has already been built.

    • Has code specifications.

As you can see, the advantages of drip edges and gutter aprons far outweigh any disadvantages they may present.

Drip Edge vs. Gutter Apron Installation

Perhaps the biggest difference between a drip edge and gutter apron is the way in which they are installed.

Drip Edge

Drip edge installed to the trim of the roof so that it hangs directly behind the back end of the gutter.  Drip edges should be installed from the bottom of the rake upward, allowing each piece to slightly overlap the next so as to prevent water infiltration.  The material should also be cut with as few seams as possible in order to give the roof and house a cleaner look overall.

Gutter Apron

A gutter apron, on the other hand, is installed under the shingles and above roof decking.  Gutter aprons typically come in larger dimensions than drip edge, making them hang slightly over the roof sheathing.  Drip edge and gutter apron installation are similarly priced, with no large price gap between the two.  (Depending on the type of material and the length required for your home, of course.)

Conclusion

You should always choose among gutter apron vs drip edge carefully.   Keep in mind that investing money in the right material at the right time will save you from the extra expenditure.  Seek professional help for both the gutter apron and drip edge.  Both will indeed prevent water from getting onto the roof and causing mold.  But if not installed properly, there is no purpose for them. Different manufacturers have different recommendations and specifications for both materials.  Contact them if you are doing it by yourself or hire a contractor.