How Many Wrong Things Do You See
I wanted to include examples of some mistakes that you want to avoid and explain why these will cause issues. In the image above, the handyman is doing several things incorrectly.
First of all, the drip edge that he is using has a vertical leg that is way too short to fit inside the gutter. This, in and of itself, isnt necessarily wrong, but it is a combination of mistakes that make it a bad install.
The whole point of installing drip edges is to direct the water into the gutters and away from the fascia and house foundation. To correct this situation, make sure to purchase drip edge flashing with a long enough vertical leg to reach the gutter. If the gutters have been installed too low, they may need to be raised and corrected.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are using drip edging that can not reach your gutters, you can still increase your protection by using the proper drip edge to fascia distance. Unfortunately, this is the next mistake that he is making.He is placing the drip edge right against the fascia. If spaced properly, the drip edge would still provide some protection despite the gutter issue. But installed this way is going to result in surface tension water running down the face of the fascia board and behind the gutter.
Why You Need A Roof Drip Edge
Without the installation of a drip edge, water can wick into the edges of the roof sheathing and cause the roof to develop rot and/or mold. In worse cases, a leak will develop in the ceiling or along the walls.
Although it is not the intention, drip edge flashing will also provide protection for the fascia board. Because the drip edge directs the water directly down and into the gutters, the back of the fascia is protected from excessive moisture. This helps to extend the life of the wood.
Another benefit that wasnt intended but has been a useful outcome from installing a drip edge is that it prevents rodents, squirrels, and birds from being able to access the attic space via the builders gap. If you have ever had a family of squirrels living in your attic, you can appreciate this extra bonus.
Do You Need Drip Edge On Gable Ends
Drip edges: a piece of roofing trim. … Drip edges also help prevent shingles at the end of a roof from cracking, sagging, and becoming limp. They can also be installed on the gable ends of a roof. They add a clean, trimmed look to a roof while preventing water from entering into undesirable areas.
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Drip Edge Vs Gutter Apron
Despite the difference in appearance, a drip edge and a gutter apron are very similar to one another and serve the same purpose. So how does one choose between drip edge vs. gutter apron? This may be a rather difficult choice, as there is no clear winner between the two. Both have similar advantages and disadvantages.
Below, well provide some pros and cons for both a drip edge and gutter apron:
- Strong wind and rain protection.
- Secures roof deck and gaps.
- Protects against wood rot.
- Prevents insects, pests, and small animals from entering your attic.
- Shingle support.
- Saves time in future maintenance.
- Saves money in future repairs.
Roof Drip Edge Flashing Mistakes & Leaks
Below we illustrate an effort to add a second drip edge below the original roof drip edge to correct a problem with water running behind the gutter rather than into-it.
If the gutter is not secured snugly against the fascia or if the gutter was installed atop rather than under the drip edge you’ll get this problem.
On roofs with no eaves overhang or soffit, proper installation of drip edge proud of the fascia board at the wall top is very important to avoid water damage to the building walls below.
Look at the worn and lost wood siding shingles pointed-to by our client who is indicating damage and missing shingles on the wall below the roof edge.
The presence of more wear on siding shingles at the top of the wall than lower-down confirms a history of roof runoff streaming down the building walls.
As we discuss
at ROOF VENT if NO SOFFIT, the roof shown above is difficult but not impossible to vent – a step in avoiding ice dam leaks and attic moisture trouble.
The photos below illustrate how easily water will run off the roof and behind a gutter when no drip edge is present.
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How To Install Roofing Drip Edge On Shingle Roofs
Drip edging channels water away from the fascia and into the gutter to stop damaging your house roofing underlayment. If you dont have drip edges on your shingle roof, consider having one installed as soon as possible.
Here is a guide on how to install drip edges, including the tools and materials required.
How To Install A Roof Drip Edge
Heavy rain happens regularly in the Delaware Valley. To ensure that your roof is shedding water correctly, you need a drip edge. If your drip edge is damaged or missing, then youll want to install a new one. If your old roof drip edge is made of galvanized metal, you may want to replace it with a low-maintenance vinyl drip edge. Make sure that you follow the directions for how to install a roof drip edge closely. Proper installation is essential for preventing water from reaching the roof deck or the fascia boards.
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Why Doesnt My Roof Have A Drip Edge
If your house is like many, you may find that you do not have drip edge flashing installed. Often the common practice is to leave out the drip edge and compensate by installing asphalt roof shingles so that they hang over the edge by an inch or two. This has been a common practice that is becoming less and less popular. It is now more frequently understood that a roof needs this extra protection. In 2012 the Internation Code Council changed things to reflect the requirement of drip edging on all asphalt roofs.
Situations You May Face:
In a perfect world, the drip edge would be installed prior to roofing shingles. The vertical leg would extend down into the gutters and not have any face nails or screws. It would be spaced 1/2 away from the fascia board and be supported by 1/2 furring strips.
In an imperfect world, you are likely to find that retrofitting drip edging presents you with some questionable situations. For instance, how do you install drip edge flashing around gutter clips that are in the way?
Some may tell you to make two relief cuts around the gutter clips and fold the tab up. I dont like that method because it interrupts the continuous barrier desired. There is no way to overlap these cuts and water can work its way behind the exposed edges.Instead, I prefer to place the clip screws through both the gutter and the drip edge. I always swap out the old screw with a fresh one and then apply a dollop of 100% silicone over the screw for extra security.
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Pros And Cons Of Drip Edges
Drip edges are a wise idea for nearly any home, but before you add them to your roofing project, you should consider a few things. The chart below outlines the pros and cons of drip edges, but continue reading beyond the chart for an in-depth look at each point.
Pros & Cons
- Protects against rain and ice
- Reduces ice dams
- Helps prevent wildlife invaders in your roof and attic
- Prevents moisture damage and corrosion
Cons
- Tacks on additional expenses to your roofing project
- Improper installation can lead to issues
Ways To Fix Your Drip Edge Eave Strips
Drip edge eczema strips that are installed incorrectly can cause water to run down the roof and into the fascia board, resulting in leaks and rot. Water will not run down the roof and into the fascia board if the strips are replaced with overlapping pieces and nails. To achieve a vertical drip edge that is not tightly fastened against the fascia board, a few inches away from it should be placed, leaving a vertical drip edge that is approximately 1 3/8 in diameter and 1 down. The drip edge should overhang asphalt shingles by 13 to 3/4 inches from the top of the shingles.
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Are You A Homeowner Looking To Install Replace Or Repair A Roof
The information on this website is subject to change without notice. IKO assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear on this website.
IKO strives to accurately reproduce the screen images of the shingle swatches and house photos shown. However, due to manufacturing variances, the limitations of your monitor resolution and the variation in natural exterior lighting, actual colors may vary from the images you see. To ensure complete satisfaction you should make final color selections from several full size shingles and view a sample of the product installed on a home. Please refer to our Legal Notices for U.S.A. or our Legal Notices for Canada.
Roof Drip Edge Flashing Corner Detail
family handyman
Install roof drip edge along the eaves, add underlayment, then place drip edge along the gable end. The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier or felt paper over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.
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Install The Starter Course
The starter course is comprised of a shingle thats roughly half the width of the field shingles. In this video, Silva installs a starter course comprised of shingle strips specifically designed for this purpose. Note that it includes a strip of tar along its edge. Be sure to run that edge so that it is facing up as it will soften in the sun, adhering to the course laid on top of itminimizing the chance of uplift from wind.
- Install the starter strip so that it overhangs the drip edge by 1/2-inch.
- Nail the starter strip about 3 up from the leading edge, using 4 nails evenly spaced for a full strip .
Note: Manufacturers offer specifications about nailing schedule and minimum strip sizing, so be sure to read the installation instructions that come with the shingles youre using.
Why You Need A Drip Edge On Your Roof
Install a drip edge to the homes rakes by a roofer. Contractors should ensure that the drip edge is corrosion resistant and has a high impact resistance. The drip edge should be applied at the bottom of the eaves. When is it best to install a drip edge over shingles? When shingles are installed, it is the time of year when drip edges are most commonly installed. However, the drip edge can be installed at any time. The materials used include galvanized roofing nails, a ladder, a flat pry bar, a hammer, tin snips, and eave stripping. If your roof needs to be replaced, the drip edge on your roof must be replaced. Some roofing contractors will reduce your estimate in order to gain an advantage over their competitors.
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Drip Edge Profile Type F
This type of drip edge profile is an extended drip edge. This type tends to be more useful when installing new drip edges on rake edges or on existing roofing shingles with a leading-edge that is longer. Also known as gutter apron or F style, this would be the way to go if your current home does not have drip edges installed, and it is something you want to get done.
Because edge drips are meant to be installed on roofs that have yet to be finished, a type F can be the only option available for existing roofs.
What Is A Roof Drip Edge
Drip edge is metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof. They are non-corrosive and non-staining, so your roofing system is kept looking good and stable.
A drip edge should be placed on the whole perimeter of the roof, especially the corners, as much as possible.
They have a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia board. Drip edging directs water away from the fascia and into the gutter to prevent damage to the roofing underlayments of your house.
Most building codes across North America are now requiring roofing drip edges for everyones best interest.
In case you dont have drip edges on your existing roofing, consider having some installed as soon as possible.
You can install one on your own, but its best to contact a roofing contractor for expert advice and professional services.
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What Materials Are Drip Edges Made Of
Drip edges under the building code are required to be non-porous, resistant to corrosion, or be galvanized.
They are often made of materials consistent with your metal roof.
You can also find some constructed out of durable plastic, vinyl, or fiberglass. The recommended choice would be ones made of either these metals:
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 drip edge is not as strong as steel, its still one of the most used materials to develop drip edges. Aluminum doesnt 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 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. When applied as a drip edge, it should be at a minimum of 20 ounces or 0.69 mm.
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.
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Installation Of A Drip Edge
No matter what drip edge you settle on for your home, its important to know the installation technique isnt the same as it is for eaves. Drip edges should be installed at the eaves before the underlayment is installed. Drip edges are added at the rakes after the underlayment is in place. Drip edges also need to be cut to account for peaks and corners.
Installing drip edges properly and in the correct order is an important process to get the desired results and the protection your home needs from the elements. If you arent a roofing professional yourself, youll want to hire one to make sure the job is done with the skill and know-how required.
At : 05 Paul Begins Replacing The Drip Edge Roof Flashing
Use a flat pry bar to remove drip edge nails along the eave and rakes. You may need to use a putty knife to break the seam between the first course and the starter strip.
Slide the flat bar under starter course, and pry out the nails.
On some roofs, you may need to remove a couple of shingle nails to make some room to work.
Because Paul is working alone, he sets the drip edge flashing in place on the rake and cuts and bends it in place.
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The Circumstances When Drip Edge Isnt Required
You just learned that drip edge needs to be installed on your roof to be up to code. However, there are circumstances when drip edge isnt technically required.
If you have prebent aluminum fascia thats flush with your roofs decking, that serves as your drip edge. Theres also rake molding that serves as drip edge on homes built before the industry started using the aluminum fascia.
Just like normal drip edge, aluminum fascia and rake molding goes along the eaves and covers the edge of your roofs deck to prevent water from going where its not supposed to. If your home has either one, you don’t need drip edge.
Where Should Drip Edges Be Placed
The correct placement of a roof drip edge is on top of the roofs exterior cover directly between the sheathing and the fascia board, which forms a drainage gap between the drip edge and the fascia board. As a result, the drainage improves water flow and protects the roof from potential water damage.
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Do You Nail Down Drip Edge
Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed along the eaves of a roof. Its purpose is to direct water away from the edge of the roof and into the gutters. Many building codes require the installation of drip edge, and it is considered good practice to install it even if it is not required.
In roofing, drips are flashing pieces that direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter. A drip edge should be provided at the eaves of shingle roofs, according to the Virginia Construction Code, which was passed in 2015. Since the 2009 edition, drip edges have been a must for the IRC.
If you install a roof drip edge, you can extend the life of your roof while also reducing the amount of water that pours onto it. You must only install the drip edge along the eaves before placing an ice-and-water barrier or felt paper over it. The water that leaks onto the roof can be run down the underlayment and over the drip edge by running down the underlayment.
