Importance of Drip Edges

Drip edges are molded metal strips made of industrial-grade galvanized aluminum or steel. These are fixed with the help of nails to the edges of the roof, ensuring a water-tight fixture. Drip edges help protect the roof shingles by safeguarding the wooden structures underneath them that are typically prone to rot and water damage. Not having a drip edge installed can lead to problems like curling of shingles and cracking or sagging roof along the edges. A drip edge provides support to overhanging shingles at the roof edges, furnishing a systematic structure to the overhang and directing water towards the eavestrough, away from the fascia of the roof. It adds a clean look to a roof while preventing water from entering into vulnerable regions.

Drip edge has two primary purposes –

1. Diverting the water away from the fascia.
2. Protecting the deck of the roof from wind-driven rainfall.

The role of a drip edge is to direct water towards the gutter. In case your home has no gutter, the drip edge will help prevent water from entering the fascia and soffit cavity regions. It can save you from spending huge amounts on major recovery projects after encountering extensive damage to your house.

Drip edges are available in a variety of styles and shapes. The most commonly used are the T-, C- and L-style drip edges.

The L-style, as the name suggests, is a simple design that is bent in the center. One end of an L-style drip edge is put under the roofing materials and the other end over the fascia. The C-style drip edges are curved bent, installed under the roofing material with the curve around the roof’s deck. These drip edges are generally used on roofs without a fascia. T-style drip edges are shaped like a “T” having an extra lip, directing water away from the house. This style is used beyond the deck of the roof and is bent backward in a triangular shape. The extra lip extends away from the roof end and moves water out and away from your home.

Below are a few significant benefits of installing Drip Edges:

1. Drip edges direct the water away from the fascia or directly into your home’s gutter system.
2. Drip edges are installed below the shingles at roof ends, preventing water from seeping into the unwanted areas.
3. Drip edges provide support to overhanging shingles, keeping them in a clean and manageable straight line.
4. Shingles without drip edges don’t look adequately sharp and are more prone to easy damage.
5. Drip edges cover the gap between a roof deck and a fascia board. This gap is often responsible for allowing small animals or other unwanted pests to enter your home by way of your attic.
6. Roof edge flashing can protect your roof during strong wind or heavy rain, or even an ice dam formation. An ice dam is a clutter of ice collected on the edge of a roof, which can prevent snow from draining and thawing appropriately.