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WHY IS DRIP EDGE IMPORTANT?
The purpose is protecting your fascia board from water damage. Your fascia board is what supports the weight of the gutters and holds them up. If that wood rots, the gutter system is going to come loose and eventually fall. Therefore, this thin strip of vinyl or aluminum is directly responsible for the longevity of your fascia board and gutter system, as well as your roofing eave.
What Is Drip Edge Flashing?
A drip edge is simply a metal flashing installed under the roofing materials to help regulate water flow from the fascia and protect any underlying roofing materials. It contains a small metal flange that directs water away from the fascia. It also overhangs the sides of your roof.
Install drip edges on your roof’s eaves, gable, and rake. They elongate beyond the fascia and are fixed at a minimum of ⅓ of the gutter width. Metal drip edges are developed from non-corroding, non-porous metals such as aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. You can also come across some from durable fiberglass, vinyl, and plastic.
What’s the Purpose of Roof Drip Edges?
Drip edges have two key purposes:
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Direct water away from fascia: Due to cohesion, surface tension and other forces, water droplets tend to stick to one another and to the surfaces they are on, albeit slightly. A drip edge is designed to take advantage of those forces and, along with gravity, direct water into the gutter. If the home has no gutter, the drip edge will prevent the water from running down the fascia and onto or into the soffit cavity. However, without the drip edge, the water sticks to shingles, potentially working its way under the shingles to cause a leak. For example, water may cling to the fascia, which may cause rot, or, in severe conditions, a leak into the home.
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Protect from wind-driven rain: When conditions are serious, the wind pushes water around on a roof. Shingles, along with underlayments and ice and water protector, keep wind-driven rain from harming the roof’s deck. However, on the edges, the drip edge must compete with the wind. Wind can easily push the water upwards before gravity pulls the water down. The drip edge needs to hang significantly off the edge of the roof and has two to four inches of lower flange to combat this. Of course, without any drip edge at all, wind‐driven rain could compromise the roof.
Why Do You Need A Drip Edge?
You should install a drip edge if you want to prolong the lifespan of your roof. Drip edging helps prevent capillary action, which occurs when rainwater runs down the roof surface and underneath the shingle edge behind the gutter, causing the fascia boards to rot.
A metal drip edge directs all rainwater into the gutter. Here are the other advantages of installing a drip edge on your home:
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They prevent soffit and fascia damage: As we have seen before, the purpose of a drip edge is to redirect water from the roof edge and channel it into the gutters. If you leave the fascia boards and soffit exposed, excess moisture can damage them.
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They keep pests away from your home: You can use a drip edge to cover your roof edge and the carpenter’s gap. It is a space between the fascia board and the roof deck. The carpenter’s gap lets unwanted pests and small animals enter your home through the attic.
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They help maintain your porch dry: Since drip edges are meant to redirect water into gutters, there is no need to worry about potential downpours from your roof washing down into your deck or porch during heavy rain.
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They help to stabilize your roof: When heavy rain or wind occurs, roof drip edge flashing can assist in stabilizing your roof. Wind damage being among the reasons homeowners file for insurance claims is one advantage you shouldn’t ignore.
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They protect the roof from ice dams: We all know how dangerous winter can sometimes be. Ice dams make up the climax of ice that freezes and collects on the roof edge. Ice dams restrict snow from draining and thawing properly. Drip edge flashing provides an extra layer of protection against ice dams during winter.
If snow can drain and thaw, the moisture will get trapped and backed up on the roof, thus causing wood rot and extra weight. If the water gets into your home, it can cause mold or mildew growth. Drip edge flashing will therefore restrict ice dams from ever forming.
Types of Drip Edge Materials
Drip edges are developed from several metals and plastics, which are acceptable under different codes. However, the metal should be galvanized or corrosion-resistant.
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Aluminum: Although aluminum drip edge is not as strong as steel, it’s still one of the most used materials to develop drip edges. Aluminum doesn’t rust easily and is commonly sold in various colors matching the rest of the home.
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Galvanized Steel: Since drip edges are developed to maintain contact with water, galvanized steel should be used to prevent rust. If you want to withstand strong winds, a minimum of 24-gauge steel is preferred.
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Copper: Copper is a well-built material that provides a unique look to the roof. When applied as a drip edge, it should be at a minimum of 20 ounces or 0.69 mm.
There are some cases where vinyl, fiberglass, and plastic drip edges are used. It should be in cases where you want to manage non-roofing applications, including above windows and doors.
Is Drip Edge Flashing Required?
The IRC now requires drip edge flashing, especially for shingle roofs. An advantage of drip edge is also included in the building code involving documentation on the standards.
Can You Add Drip Edge to an Existing Roof?
Adding a drip edge along the rake edges is more challenging than the fascia. Often you may need to remove a couple of rows of shingles if a membrane also needs to be installed. You should consult a contractor before installing drip edge flashings if you’re inexperienced.
Does the Gutter go Behind the Drip Edge?
The gutter’s back wall should be directly underneath or behind your roof’s drip edge. A drip edge is a component that hangs over the roof and has an outward projecting lower edge, as shown in the image above. The drip edge keeps water from getting behind the gutter and rotting the soffit and fascia.
CONCLUSION
Drip edge is one of the cheapest components of your roof and gutter systems. However it is also one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Without it the fascia board is going to rot away and fall down. To wrap this up we’ve included some pictures of homes that did not have drip edge.
