Most homeowners consider protecting their home against water damage but always think about gutters, shingles, or flashing it but they fail to mention one important aspect in that; the drip edge. This thin metal strip is small, but significant in ensuring that your roof, fascia and walls are dry and in place. So, how to install drip edge on a roof?
When you are planning to upgrade or replace your roof, knowing how to install a drip-edge correctly may be the difference between a long-term healthy roof and one that fails in the long run. Northwest Roof Maintenance Inc provides a step-by-step guide that shows you all you need to know such as what a drip edge is and how to install it properly.
What Is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a metal flashing that is very thin and is put along roof edges. Its primary work is to drive away rainwater off the fascia board and into the gutters. In this manner, it will not allow the moisture to creep under the roofing material and destroy the wooden parts underneath it.
Drip edges may be of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper and are available in many shapes and sizes so as to fit most roofing systems. Although this can be seen as a minor addition, a well installed drip edge is very important in protecting the structural integrity of your roof.
Why Is a Drip Edge Important?
Consider the torrents upon your roof. The absence of a drip edge will allow water to creep under the shingles, drip behind the gutters, and allow it to saturate the fascia or the soffit. This leads to rotting of wood, mold, peeling paint and even foundation due to improper drainage in the long run.
A drip edge is a basic and yet efficient obstacle. It directs rainwater directly into the gutters keeping the exterior of your home dry and harmless. Indeed, the drip edges are now mandated in most of the modern building codes to all new installations of roofing, as they have been known to be effective in controlling water.
At Northwest Roof, our roofing professionals believe that the installation of drip edges is a deal not to be negotiated in any roof replacement or repair project since it will keep your investment safe in several decades.
Key Benefits of Installing a Drip Edge
Installing a drip edge into your roof system has a number of benefits in the long run:
1. Prevents Water Damage
Drip edges reduce the chances of leakages, rot, and corrosion by diverting water on fascia and roof deck.
2. Protects Roof Decking
Seeping water can destroy the roofing beneath the shingles. A drip edge is a line of defense of this.
3. Enhances the functioning of Gutters
The edge focuses the water in the gutters rather than behind them; therefore, you do not have water streaming down your walls.
4. Increases Roof Longevity
Installed drip edges will minimize the damage of wind-driven precipitation, ice dams and debris on your roof allowing your roof to last longer.
5. Enhances Roof Aesthetics
In addition to its practicality, drip edges also make your roof look professional and clean with their ability to cover uneven edges of the shingles and the edges of the wood.
Types of Drip Edges
Drip edges come in various forms, which are suitable in different roof setups and circumstances. This knowledge will make you select the proper one to use in your home.
1. L-Shaped Drip Edge
The most prevalent is the shape of the letter L and it fits pleasantly under the roofing material and redirects the water into the gutter. Ideal for asphalt shingles.
2. T-Shaped Drip Edge
Offers provide extended coverage on the roof deck as protection against the rain driven by the wind. Used in stormy regions.
3. Cant Drip Edge
The cant style is generally used with tile or slate roofs and offers the angle that the heavier roofing material requires.
4. Eave Drip Edge
It is specifically developed to be used on the lower edges of the eaves and prevents the seepage of water behind the fascia board and anti-soffit protection.
5. Rake Drip Edge
Placed over the slanting sides (rakes) of the roof to keep the wind blown rain out of the roof under the shingles.
6. Gutter Apron Drip Edge
Has a small lip or apron that protrudes over the gutter thus the flow of water is directed to the gutter and not to the back.
All these styles have their purpose, and none is designed to serve the same purpose.
How to Install Drip Edge on a Roof (Step by Step)
The process of installing a drip edge may be perceived to be a complex task, although with the appropriate equipment, materials and time, one is able to complete the task effectively or even more productively, make your contractor go through the right procedure. The following is an in-depth installation walkthrough by the professional installation playbook of Northwest Roof. Here’s how to install drip edge on a roof:
Step 1: Prepare Materials and Equipment
Preparation Before starting, prepare all your equipment:
- Drip edge flashing (surface material used)
- Nails of roofing (galvanized or aluminum).
- Hammer or nail gun
- Tin snips or metal shears
- Roofing underlayment (not yet installed)
- Safety goggles, gloves and ladder.
The preparation of all this makes the process of installation easier and safer.
Step 2: Prepare the Roof Edge
In case you are replacing an old roof, begin by removing a drip edge that may be in place or any damaged flashing. Wipe off the eave and rake sides to get off dirt, old nails or shingle debris. To provide the new drip edge with better adhesion and alignment, a clean surface is used.
Step 3: Measure and Cut
Measure the total length of your eaves and rakes with the help of a tape measure. Tin snips are used to cut the drip side parts to the correct size. When cutting corners or peaks follow the 45 degrees angles so they cross each other and leave no room through which water can get into the house.
Step 4: First install at the Eaves
Install the drip edge on the eaves (lower edges of the roof). The broader flange is supposed to extend beyond the roof deck and the thinner lip is projected by a small distance beyond the fascia board. Nail it down with roofing nails approximately every 10-12 inches, and be sure it is flat.
Note: it is important to remember that you should begin at one corner and continue to the opposite side, whereby the new piece should cover the previous section at least by 2 inches to ensure that the sides are watertight.
Step 5: Install Along the Rakes
After having the drip edge of the eaves secured, proceed to the rakes (the sloping sides). In this case, the drip edge must extend above the underlayment as opposed to below it. This prevents the rain that is driven by the wind under the roofing material. Join the sections together a little and fasten in a similar manner.
Step 6: Seal Joints and Corners
At the eave and rake edges, use a small amount of roofing sealant to prevent water from getting in. This is a basic measure that helps to avoid joint leaks and guarantees the long-term working process.
Step 7: Final Inspection
Check overlap, alignment and the spacing of nails after installation. The drip edge must be straight, level and well fixed. Ensure that there are no sharp edges or holes where water can creep in.
In case of unevenness or loose nails, correct the irregularity and then carry on shingle installation.
How Long Does a Drip Edge Last?
With proper preparation of drip edge, it can serve a life of 20 to 30 years depending on the material and maintenance. The aluminum and galvanized steel edges are also corrosion free and the copper may be even durable with minimum maintenance.
Saying that, frequent check-ups, particularly following harsh weather conditions are important. Search through rust spots, bends or loose areas. Small problems are avoided by making repairs at an early stage before they transform into expensive repairs.
What is the Difference Between Drip Edge and Rake Edge?
The drip edge and rake edge may be confused but they slightly differ in their purpose:
- Drip Edge: Fixed on the eaves to direct the water towards gutters.
- Rake Edge: Fixed on the end of the gables to ensure the shingles and prevent rain caused by the wind.
The two are vital towards complete roof protection. Failure to pay attention to either one can jeopardize the strength and the look of your roof.
Tips for Maintaining a Drip Edge
Although drip edges need very little maintenance, the following tips might allow the extension of the life of drip edges:
- Have the gutters cleaned frequently to avoid water retention around the edge.
- Check storm edges.
- Exposed metal should be repainted or resealed at least every several years to help keep it dry.
- Cut tree branches near the edge that may trim or escape it.
Drip edge inspection is another aspect of roof maintenance that we have implemented in our holistic roof maintenance program at Northwest Roof to ensure that our roofs perform throughout the year.
Regular Faux Pas in the Installation
A minor mistake in the installation process may cause water leakage. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Installation of drip edge when the shingles have been laid (this should be placed under the starter course at the eaves).
- Failing to overlap in the right areas that would enable water seep.
- Screwing with non-galvanized nails, which rust and become loose with time.
- Exposing corners to water infiltration.
When you have a professional roofing team such as Northwest Roof, you will not need to install your drip edge again and again at a later time, which costs a lot of money.
How to Determine When to Replace Your Drip Edge
Replenish your drip edge in case you observe:
- Corrosion or rusting of edges.
- Fascia/soffit water stains.
- Storm loose or storm lifted.
- Leaks near roof edges
Although the rest of your roof may appear to be good, a drip edge that failed can lead to unknown damage under shingles. The prompt replacement saves a lot of tremendous repair expenses in the future.
Why Choose Northwest Roof for Drip Edge Installation
Northwest Roof is a blend of diligence, quality materials, and experience that guarantees that all aspects of your roofing system work perfectly. Our technicians are thoroughly qualified, insured, and trained to fit any form of drip edges and flashing to the accuracy.
Our transparency, timely communication, and exceeding results are things that we boast of. We do all this, regardless of whether the project is the routine checking of the roof, or the full replacement, and we treat your home as well as it is required.
Northwest Roof has thousands of satisfied homeowners that can attest to their reliable roofing solutions that withstand the time across the Pacific Northwest.
Conclusion
Installation of drip edges may be assumed to be a small detail, yet, it is one of the key steps that will provide a construction of a water-tight, strong roofing system. It covers your fascia, directs water into gutters and prevents all water related damages to your whole home.
The drip edge must be omitted whether you are replacing your roof or you are beginning a new construction. And should you seek the services of an expert, Northwest Roof is offering to streamline the process and make it a painless experience.
Get in touch and get a free estimate today or book an inspection of the roof. The drip edge installation will be done with the utmost care by our friendly professionals who will be making sure that your roof remains strong, smooth, and the drip is free over the decades. Hope so, now you know how to install drip edge on a roof.
