Your roof does the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting your home. However, homeowners often overlook roof drip edges, which direct water from the roof to the gutter. To avoid preventable costs, here’s what you should know about them.

What You Should Know About Roof Drip Edges

Without a roof drip edge, rainwater can seep beneath your shingles, causing damage to the wood underneath. This simple metal flashing directs water away from your fascia and soffit, protecting your roof, walls, and home from long-term, expensive structural issues.

Most homeowners don’t think about roof drip edges until signs of roof damage suddenly show up as rot, mold, or a surprise leak that ruins their weekend. We’ve even heard people say things like, “I didn’t even know what a drip edge was until water started getting into my walls.”

While that narrow strip of metal under roof shingles might not look like much, without it, rainwater can quietly wreak havoc on your home’s structure. As such, this article peels back the curtain on what roof drip edges are and why they’re non-negotiable for ensuring your home’s longevity.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

What are Roof Drip Edges?

A roof drip edge is a thin piece of metal flashing installed along the edges of your roof, designed to direct water into the gutter system. They are made of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper and are traditionally tilted at a 90° angle, tucked neatly under the first row of shingles, and extending to cover the fascia. This extension guides water from rainfall into your gutters and away from your fascia boards and other structural elements of your roof.

Roof drip edges help to protect your fascia boards, soffit, and roof deck from water damage by preventing moisture buildup. Consequently, the absence or improper installation of drip edges could allow water to cling to the edge of your roof and seep underneath your shingles, causing rot, mold, and decay over time, as well as pest infestations. 

The Importance of a Roof Drip Edge 

Small as it may be, a roof drip edge plays a significant role in keeping your home dry and secure. Here’s why roof drip edges matter more than most people realize.

Prevents Water Damage

Roof drip edges create a barrier between your roof deck and rainwater. When water runs off your shingles, the drip edge directs it into the gutters. Without it, water can sneak underneath the roofing materials and soak into the wood, causing rot and structural damage over time.

Protects Against Wind-Driven Rain

In areas with high winds, rain often travels horizontally. This phenomenon is known as Wind-Driven Rain (WDR), which, according to research from the Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, is the most crucial moisture source affecting building facades, such as roofs. 

This means that WDR can easily get underneath your shingles and cling to your roof deck. However, properly installed roof drip edges serve as an extra layer of protection that goes a long way during storms or hurricanes.

Enhances Gutter Performance

Especially if your roof’s shingles extend too far or curl up, without a drip edge, water may skip the gutters entirely. Thus, the drip edge ensures that water is directed into the gutter system, allowing it to be appropriately drained.

Pest Prevention

The small gaps between your roof deck and fascia board could become an entry point for unwanted guests, such as insects, birds, or rodents. These pests can cause significantly more damage than water, and do so even more quickly. A drip edge closes that gap and seals it off from entry. 

Compliance with Building Codes

Modern building codes in many regions now require drip edges for new roof installations and replacements. For example, the 2021 International Building Code requires that drip edges be installed at the eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs. 

To ensure adequate water protection, it also prescribes that they are properly overlapped, sized, and fastened, with precise placement directives relative to the underlayment. Essentially, failure to install drip edges means you risk failing an inspection, losing your warranty, or ultimately needing a roof replacement. 

How Much Does a Roof Drip Edge Cost?

The cost of installing a roof drip edge varies by region, material type, and roof size. On average, the material usually costs between $1 and $3 per linear foot. However, the cost of labor from a roofing contractor adds another $2–$4 per foot, depending on the complexity of the installation. 

That brings the total average cost to around $3 to $7 per linear foot. To install drip edges for a full roof perimeter of 150 linear feet, expect to spend $450 to $1,050. 

Remember that paying for professional installation saves you money and protects your roof in the long term, especially when paired with seasonal roof maintenance.

Benefits of Professional Roof Drip Edge Installation 

When it comes to drip edges, proper installation is everything. Even the best materials won’t protect your home if installed incorrectly. Here’s why hiring a professional makes all the difference. 

Expertise and Experience

According to research from the Transilvania University of Brasov, poor workmanship is responsible for about 30% of roofing failures. This highlights the risks of attempting to DIY your roof installation. 

At Trenton Roofing & Siding, we ensure your roof drip edges are installed correctly. From selecting the correct profile to adhering to local building codes, our team brings the expertise your roof deserves.

Quality Materials

Professional contractors have access to high-quality materials that offer better corrosion resistance, tighter seals, and lasting protection, even in harsh weather conditions.

Warranty Protection

Apart from roofing manufacturers’ warranties that come with roofing materials, hiring a roofing company could provide you with extra warranties from the company. Such warranties are typically called workmanship warranties and cover installation mistakes. 

These warranties differ from company to company, so ask these non-negotiable questions before hiring a roofer. 

Long-Term Cost Savings

A well-installed drip edge prevents future headaches and costly repairs. Investing in a professional roofer ensures that the job is done right the first time. 

For peace of mind, book a free roof inspection with Trenton Roofing & Siding before the damage begins.

Protect Your Home with Professional Roof Drip Edge Installation 

Drip edges are a must-have part of any roofing system. When properly installed, they offer essential benefits including: 

• Preventing moisture damage to fascia, soffits, and roof decking
• Blocking pests from entering your home through the roofline gaps 
• Keeping your home dry and structurally sound
• Reducing the risk of costly repairs or replacements

Instead of rolling the dice on a DIY job or skipping it altogether, call in the professionals. Choosing a reliable roofing contractor helps avoid thousands of dollars in future repairs. Thankfully, Trenton Roofing & Siding is a reliable roofing service dedicated to customer satisfaction. Contact us today to professionally install roof drip edges to protect your home.