he task of a gutter is simple enough: to direct water away from your house.  Gutters protect your roof and walls from water damage by catching rainfall and diverting it through downspouts and onto the ground.  Gutters are only one part of your roof’s protection system.  Another lesser known but equally important component is metal flashing.  Flashing is a thin layer of metal sheeting that directs water away from vital areas of your roof, such as seams and joints where moisture could seap in and cause insidious damage.

Gutter apron and drip edges are two types of flashing that are designed to protect the edge of your roof, where the shingles come to an end.  They both prevent water from flowing under your shingles—but what’s the difference between them?

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 serves the same purpose as a drip edge.  As such, gutter aprons are intended to direct water away from potential problem areas of the house, down to the roof edges, and into the gutters.  The difference between the two essentially comes down to the shape and material that is used.  The most obvious attribute that distinguishes a gutter apron from a drip edge is the fact that a gutter apron is more of an L-shaped metal rather than a T.

A gutter apron also comes in metal strips with aluminum and steel sheets.  Like drip edge, a gutter apron may be available in many different colors. Also similar to drip edge, the more popular colors for a gutter apron among homeowners nowadays include black, brown, white, and bronze.

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.

When deciding between drip edge vs. gutter apron, it generally comes down to the style and design of your roof.  It is best to seek professional advice for which option best suits your home and meets your needs.