Drip edges are a simple but effective component that protects your home’s structure from the top down. Put simply, a drip edge is a type of metal flashing installed along the edges of a roof to direct water away from the roof structure and into the gutters.
Without a properly installed drip edge, water can seep into rot-prone areas like roof decks and fascia boards, pests can more easily enter, and in the wintertime, you may be at greater risk for ice dams. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva guides host Kevin O’Connor through good drip edge installation and best practices and highlights common mistakes DIYers can make.
What Is Drip Edge?
Drip edge is a metal flashing installed at the edges of a roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters, helping to protect the underlying roofing structure from water damage. It is typically made from aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper and is installed along the eaves and gables of a roof.
Drip edges have three main functions:
- Protecting the roof structure: By directing water away from the fascia and into the gutters, the drip edge prevents water from seeping under the roofing material, which can cause rot, mold, and other damage to the roof deck and fascia board.
- Preventin erosion: Drip edge helps prevent water from dripping down and eroding the soil around the foundation of the house, which can lead to foundation problems over time.
- Providing a finished look: Besides its functional benefits, drip edge also gives the roof a neat, finished appearance by covering the rough edges of the roofing materials.
Types of Drip Edge
Your home may have one of several types of drip edge, based on the style of room. The most common types are:
- Type C (L-Shaped): This is the most common type, featuring a simple L-shaped design that is easy to install and works well with most roofing materials.
- Type D (T-Style): This style has a more elaborate shape that offers additional protection, with a flange that extends out from the roof and a lower flange that directs water away from the fascia.
- Type F (Gutter Apron): Often used on low-slope roofs, this type extends further back under the shingles, providing extra protection and ensuring that water flows directly into the gutters.
Common Drip Edge Installation Mistakes
A roof without a drip edge can draw water off the roof into the end grain of the sheathing through surface tension. “It’ll stick to the surface, and it’ll roll over the edge of the surface and then get drawn back up,” Silva says. Having a drip edge is important enough, but installing it properly is more important. Here are a few common errors to avoid.
Improper Placement
If a drip edge is installed too close to or flush with the fascia board, water can still get drawn back to wet the fascia board. Be sure that the edge extends beyond the fascia to promote water flow away from your roof.
Silva recommends installing the drip edge so the edge of the roof is 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches away from your fascia board. This way, water can drop freely instead of seeping back into the fascia. “It won’t drop if it does get blown in there from wind, but it’s really not going to be surface tension,” Silva says. “It should start to stick, but it will fall off.”
Inadequate Shingle Overhang
Your roof shingles should also extend far enough over the drip edge, ideally a finger’s width or 3/8 to 1/2 inch, so water proceeds directly into your gutter system. Without the overhang, water can get drawn back under the shingles and into your roof decking. This can cause extensive roof damage over time.
Incorrect Fastening
Another common mistake is not correctly spacing the nails securing the drip edge in place. Use roofing nails and space them 8-10 inches apart to secure the drip edge sufficiently. Incorrect fastening can ultimately dislodge the drip edge and compromise the water barrier over time.
Not Overlapping at Joints
When joining two sections of your drip edge, overlap them by at least 2 inches so water can’t seep through the pieces. This overlap makes for a continuous water barrier around your roof.
Choosing the Wrong Drip Edge for Your Climate
If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, a narrow and flat drip edge may not do the job efficiently. Consider upgrading to a wider drip edge that can effectively handle larger amounts of water. Other drip edges incorporate channels to better direct water flow.
Identifying Drip Edge Issues
During a regular roof inspection, look for these signs that your drip edge may not be working as effectively as it should be:
- Water stains on the fascia or soffit: Water stains are a clear indication that water is not being properly directed into the gutters by the drip edge. This can happen if the drip edge is damaged, improperly installed, or missing altogether, allowing water to seep behind the fascia and potentially cause significant structural damage over time.
- Peeling paint or rotting wood on the fascia: This is a sign of prolonged water exposure. If the drip edge is not functioning correctly, water can get trapped behind the fascia board, leading to paint failure and wood rot. This not only affects the appearance of your home but also compromises the structural integrity of the roof and requires timely repairs to prevent further damage.
- Visible gaps between the drip edge and roof decking: Gaps can allow water to seep underneath the roofing materials, leading to leaks and potential damage to the roof deck and the interior of your home. These gaps may occur due to improper installation, shifting of the roof structure, or deterioration of the drip edge over time, all of which need to be addressed promptly to maintain the roof’s effectiveness.
- Rust or corrosion on the drip edge: Rust is a sign that the metal has been compromised, likely due to prolonged exposure to moisture and the elements. Once the drip edge starts to rust, it becomes less effective at directing water away from the roof, which can lead to leaks and damage to the roof’s underlying structure. Rusty or corroded drip edges should be replaced to ensure continued protection against water damage.
- Shingles lifting at the roof’s edge: This can indicate that the drip edge is not properly secured or has become damaged, allowing wind and water to get underneath the shingles. Lifted shingles can lead to further damage, including leaks, shingle loss, and deterioration of the roof deck. Properly installed drip edges help keep shingles in place, so any signs of lifting should be inspected and repaired to prevent more serious issues.
Early intervention on any of these issues can save you from more costly repairs later. If you see visible corrosion, it’s probably time to replace that section of the drip edge.
Maintaining Your Drip Edge
Maintaining your drip edge is crucial for ensuring the long-term health and functionality of your roof. While the drip edge is designed to protect your roof and fascia from water damage, it requires regular care and attention to perform effectively.
Regular Gutter Cleaning and Debris Removal
Even with a drip edge in place, regularly cleaning your gutters and removing debris from the roof edge is essential. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate in the gutters and along the roofline, blocking the flow of water and causing it to back up. This can lead to water overflowing the gutters, seeping behind the fascia, and potentially causing damage to the roof deck and walls. By keeping the gutters clear, you allow the drip edge to function as intended, directing water away from the roof and into the gutters.
Painting and Sealing Fascia Boards
The drip edge is a critical first line of defense against water, but it’s not a substitute for properly maintaining your fascia boards. Painting and sealing the fascia boards add an extra layer of protection against moisture, preventing rot, peeling paint, and other damage that can compromise the structure. Regularly inspect your fascia boards for signs of wear and tear, and reapply paint or sealant as needed to keep them in good condition. This combined approach of drip edge protection and fascia maintenance ensures that your roof’s edge remains resilient against the elements.
Inspecting and Tightening Fasteners
As part of your routine maintenance, it’s important to check the fasteners that secure the drip edge when you clean your gutters. Over time, these fasteners can loosen due to weather, temperature fluctuations, or normal wear and tear. Loose fasteners can cause the drip edge to shift out of place, reducing its effectiveness and potentially allowing water to seep into areas it shouldn’t. During gutter cleaning, take a moment to inspect the drip edge fasteners and tighten any that appear loose. This simple step can prevent more significant issues down the road.
Promptly Addressing Damage
If you notice any damage to the drip edge, such as bends, cracks, or corrosion, it’s important to address it as quickly as possible. Damaged sections of the drip edge can create openings where water can bypass the protective barrier, leading to leaks and damage to the roof structure. Replacing damaged sections promptly helps maintain the integrity of your roof and prevents minor issues from becoming costly repairs. When replacing a section, ensure it matches the existing drip edge in material and size to maintain a uniform appearance and functionality.
Professional Inspections
While many aspects of drip edge maintenance can be handled by a homeowner, it’s also beneficial to have a professional roofer inspect your drip edge periodically, especially during a comprehensive roof inspection. Professionals can spot issues that might not be immediately obvious and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades to improve the overall performance of your roof’s edge protection.
By regularly maintaining your drip edge, cleaning your gutters, and inspecting your roof’s edge, you can significantly extend the life of your roof and protect your home from water damage. Consistent attention to these details ensures that your roof remains a reliable shield against the elements, preserving the value and integrity of your home.
