how to install a drip edge

Does your home's roof have a drip edge? If it doesn't, then you should probably install one. Drip edge flashing has proven to keep homes free from water damage a

A drip edge is a piece of angled flashing that's installed on top of a fascia board. Drip edges are some of the best approaches you can use to regulate mixture during building maintenance, construction, and design. Its purpose is to redirect any water from the fascia into the gutters. If you don't have a drip edge, your basement, porch, siding, or even roof can get damaged from excess water.

Learn more about why you need a drip edge and its effect on your structure or house below.

What Is Drip Edge Flashing?

A drip edge is simply a metal flashing installed on the edges of your roof to help regulate the flow of water from the fascia and thereby protect any underlying roofing components. It contains a small metal flange that bents away from the fascia. It also overhangs the sides of your roof.

The drip edge is non-staining and non-corrosive to make it structurally stable and, at the same time, give it an appealing look. When water flows from the fascia, it's carried away by the gutters.

You can install drip edges on the eaves, gable, and rake of your roof. 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 metal such as aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. You can also come across some from durable fiberglass, vinyl, and plastic.

Why Do You Need A Drip Edge?

You should install a drip edge if you want to prolong the lifespan of your roof. Most of the old houses I inspected that are still sold for a high price have well-installed drip edges. Here are the other advantages of installing a drip edge on your home:

They prevent soffit and fascia damage: As we have seen before, the purpose of a drip edge is to redirect water from the roof's vulnerable fascia and soffit areas and channel it into the gutters. If you leave the fascia and soffit exposed, they can get damaged by excess moisture.
Drip edges keep any pests away from your home: You can use a drip edge to cover the 'carpenter's gap' on your roof. It is a space between the fascia board and roof deck. The carpenter's gap is responsible for letting unwanted pests and small animals into your home through the attic.
They help maintain your porch dry: Since the purpose of drip edges is 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.
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.
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 edge of your roof.
Ice dams restrict snow from draining and thawing properly. If snow can drain and thaw, the moisture will get trapped and backed up on the roof, thus causing wood rot and extra weight.

In case the moisture gets into your home, it can cause mold or mildew growth. Drip edge flashing will therefore restrict ice dams from ever forming.
They protect the basement: Since drip edges redirect water from your roof, they'll also divert it away from the regions that are directly below the roof. If there is no drip edge, water can soak into the basement through the ground during heavy rains.

Is Drip Edge Flashing Required?

Most states require drip edge flashing, especially for shingle roofs. An advantage of drip edge is also included in the building code involving documentation on the standards.

If you don't know how to install a drip edge, you can ask your roofer to explain to you.

Drip edges, on average, are available in several colors and 10-foot lengths. The colors match the shingles of your roof very well. If you want to install a drip edge, you should comply with the standards below:

Adjacent pieces should overlap at a minimum of 51 mm (2 inches).
The metal should extend up the roof deck for a minimum of 51 mm (2 inches) and extend beyond the roof sheathing for a minimum of 6.4 mm (0.25 inches).
Each drip edge piece should be fastened to the roof's deck at a maximum of 305 mm (12 inches) apart.
It is very critical when it comes to where you install the drip edge. For instance, on the roofs, it should run over the underlayment. The roof underlayment runs over the drip edge on the eaves.

The building codes and standards state that unless the shingle manufacturer says otherwise, the roofing shingles can be flush.

There are several flashing types on a roof, with each type having different installation rules.

What Does Drip Edge Flashing Do?

Drip edges have two essential purposes:

1. They Direct Water From The Fascia

Due to surface tension, cohesion, and other focus, water droplets stick to the surface and other droplets. A drip edge is created to take advantage of the forces and, together with gravity, lead water into the gutter.

If your home lacks a gutter, the drip edge restricts water from flowing down the fascia and the soffit cavity. If there is no drip edge, water sticks to the shingles and leads to a leak.

For instance, water might cling to the fascia and lead to rot or, in worse conditions, a severe leak into your house.

2. Protect Your Home From Wind-driven Rain

When conditions get serious, the wind will push water around the roof. Shingles and ice and water protector, and underlayments will restrain wind-driven rain from causing harm to the roof deck.

However, the drip edge should compete with the wind on edge. Wind can effortlessly push water up before gravity pulls it down. Without having a drip edge in place, wind-driven rain could harm the roof.

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.

Aluminum: Although aluminum 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.
Galvanized steel: Since drip edges are developed to maintain contact with water, galvanized steel should be used to prevent cases of rust. If you want to withstand strong winds, a minimum of 24-gauge steel is preferred.
Copper: Copper is a well-built material that provides a unique look to the roof. It should be at a minimum of 20 ounces or 0.69 mm when applied as a drip edge.

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.

Types Of Drip Edge Profile

Drip edge flashing has 3 basic profiles, and each profile goes by at least two names.

Type C: it is also referred to as L style or classic L-shaped drip edge. The drip edge contains a lower flange at the button and is bent at a 90-degree angle.
Type D: The Drip edge is shaped like a 'T.' It also has a lower flange at its bottom. It's sometimes referred to as T style, D-metal, or drip metal.
The ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) favors this profile to Type C due to its ability to keep water further from the fascia. However, several other building codes still accept Type C.

Type F: It's an extended drip edge having a longer leading edge. It's helpful when you're installing new drip edges on rake edges or over existing shingles.

Although roof drip edges are generally available in 10.5-foot lengths, they're sometimes sold in 8-foot lengths or less. The overhang length ranges between 2-5 inches.

There are still other sizes and styles of drip edges, such as the J-channel drip edges. However, such drip edges are intended for doors, windows, and other applications.

How Do You Install Drip Edge Flashing?

It would be best to note that the installation of drip edges is different for rakes and eaves. After preparing your roof deck and before installing underlayment, you must install drip edges at the eaves.

It's until you install the underlayment that you install the drip edges on the rakes. First, go through the guidelines below on how to install drip edges:

You can start by installing a furring strip if you're using a Type C drip edge to increase its performance. A furring edge is a one-by-two wood strip that you usually install on the vertical surface of your home just below the edge of the roof. The drip edge will keep the lower flange further from your house's siding anytime you install the drip edge over the strip. The result is the keeping of water from the home.
Proceed by installing drip edges on the eaves. You should have the drip edge down and align it to allow water to drip into the gutters. The end having the flare or flange must point away and down from the roof.
Secure the drip edge using roofing nails. It would be best to nail high up the drip edge for the shingles to cover the nails. It means nailing almost every 12 inches. You should allow more than 16 inches between the nails at any point. The next drip edge that you place must overlap the first by one inch.
Cut for a proper fit when you get to the corner where the rake and eave edge meet. To do this, you must first have the drip edge on your rake edge. Mark the part where the drip starts to overhang and an inch further out from that point.
Cut the whole drip edge by the second mark to hang past the edge by one inch. Proceed to cut the topmost part of your drip edge by the first mark. Next, make a perpendicular cut to remove a square of your drip edge.
Proceed by installing your drip edge normally. You can then bend in the flap of your drip edge to create a square. The corner will be complete when installing your drip edges on the rakes. You can install the underlayment after covering your eaves with a drip edge. Note that the underlayment is below the drip edge on the rakes. It's also above the drip edge on the eaves.
Proceed to install your drip edges on rakes. You should apply nails like before.
Install the drip edge of the rake above the flap after getting to a corner where the eave and rake edge meet.
When you get to the ridge of the roof, cut the drip edge. Make a mark at the point where your drip edge surpasses the roof by holding your drip edge on the ridge.
Using your tin snips, make a straight cut through the drip edge's bottom.
Finally, fold your drip edge to fit on the ridge. At this point, mark the centerline or plumb line. Create a finished look by cutting the topmost part of your drip edge. Hold your drip edge in place by placing a nail in the outer piece.

Always check the local building code for any additional rules and regulations that you need to follow for a successful drip edge installation.

How To Replace a Drip Edge

In case you need to replace your drip edge for an existing roof, here is how to go about it:

Lift the shingles at the edge of your roof to locate the nails that hold the current drip edge on the roof.
Use a hammer and flat pry bar to get the nails out of your drip edge.
Slide your drip edge once it becomes free.
Using nails and cement, install your new drip edges as we explained above.

Like installing a new roof, you also need to check the local building codes to identify any special rules you require during replacement.

If you install drip edges well, you will be giving your family a safe living environment.

Who Can Install A Drip Edge?

It would be best to allow only experienced professionals to install drip edges. If you don't install a drip edge properly, water won't flow into the gutters. It would automatically lead to water-related damages and wood rot. The result is the destruction of your soffit and fascia.

Damages that result from improperly installed drip edges translate into costly future repairs. Always link up with a professional if you notice any problems.

Conclusion

Like we have seen, a drip edge is simply a piece of angled flashing that's installed on top of a fascia board.

Having a drip edge on your roof will help you redirect water from the fascia into the gutters. The installation process is relatively straightforward. However, it would be best if you involved a qualified professional.

Readjust the drip edge if you notice water dripping between the gutter and your home. We hope you manage to take good care of your roof.

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