Why Do I Need A Drip Edge On My Roof
Its every homeowners wish to protect their home from unwanted damage, prolonging its lifespan. Here are the many benefits of a drip edge, reasons exactly why you should have them:
What Is Drip Edge
Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edge overhangs the sides of the roof and has a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia. It is non-corrosive and non-staining so that your roof looks good but is structurally stable.
How To Replace A Drip Edge On An Existing Roof
What if you need to replace the drip edge on an existing roof or install a drip edge on an existing roof for the first time? It can be done heres how:
- Step One : Gently lift up the shingles on the edge of the roof and locate the nails holding the existing drip edge onto the roof.
- Step Two : Use a flat pry bar and hammer to pry the nails out of the drip edge gently.
- Step Three : Once free, slide the drip edge out and discard.
- Step Four : Install the new drip edge as described above, with cement and nails. Youll need to ask another roofing professional to hold up the shingles while you do so.
Just as with installing drip edges on new roofs, you should check with your local building codes to see if there are special rules you have to follow about drip edge replacement.
In years past, many building codes did not require drip edges but the roofing community realized that these relatively inexpensive products make a big difference in the performance of the roof. By installing drip edges properly, youll be giving your customers a better roofing system.
If youve discovered your roof is missing a drip edge, or has a damaged drip edge, you can get in touch with a roofing contractor through our Roofing Contractor Locator to get professional advice.
The video below provides additional information on drip edge installation on shingle roofs:
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By Step Install Drip Edge On A Metal Roof
You need to prepare several things before executing the method on how to install a drip edge on a metal roof above. First, the homeowner must purchase the drip edge made of metal that does not corrode easily. The size should be at least 36 gauges. All basic materials and tools must be prepared, safety gear included. Before the project starts, the roof must be cleaned from dust and debris first.
In addition to knowing how to install a drip edge on a metal roof, it is important to know some types of drip edge. The first type is L-shaped, which is commonly used in roofs with low inclines. Its installation is on the deck board, over the fascia.
Meanwhile, the hemmed type is perfect for metal roofing. It has an open hem that prevents water from streaming upward due to capillary motion.
Does Your Roof Have Drip Edge On It
The trailing edge is a metal trim that is installed along the edges of the roof to control water flow from the siding and protect the roof components below. The fire rises above the ceiling walls and has a small metal â â â â â â bent out of the panel. It is non-corrosive and non-staining, keeping your ceiling looking great while remaining stable.
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What Is An Eave
The roof overhang is also called an eave and is a significant part of home building and design. In areas where weather can be wet or stormy, eaves protect from water runoff.
Eaves also protect windows from overexposure from the sun causing excessive heat to build up inside, and they protect the foundation of a home from water runoff and pooling. Eaves may also be explained as the lower edge of a roof.
Check out more roof types and get more ideas on the types of roof overhangs for your home.
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Should Felt Paper Overhang An Eave Drip Edge
I am replacing my roof shingles and I would like to know if there is a preferred dimension for roofing felt overhang on drip edges.
- Your comment below is confusing. Do you mean overhang or overlap? No overhang is recommended for the reasons mentioned below. It would overlap, however.
I dont like the felt underlayment overhanging the drip edge. It gives the wind a place to peel the roof back and wind driven rain entry UNDER the felt.
GAF Roofing Co. does not stipulate an overhang distance, but merely says, Install a drip edge if required.
In your case, it may be required. Id verify they are referring to the eave.
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Does A Metal Roof Need A Drip Edge
The purpose of a drip edge or eave trim is to divert rainwater off of the roof and away from the fascia. If you have a gutter it will direct the water into the center of the gutter. If the drip edge is not positioned correctly it can cause the gutters to overflow.
A drip edge will also make your roof look nicer as it provides a straight and clean line at the low side of your roof.
The eave trim will work in conjunction with your underlayment and it will keep water from blowing underneath your roof. In addition, there is a kick out at the edge of the eave trim that is designed to steer the water out and away from your property. The kick out prevents the water from dripping directly down the side of the fascia or wall.
So, the short answer is Yes your roof does need a drip edge. It makes the roof look cleaner, keeps the water from getting underneath your roof, protects your fascia board from the elements, and it diverts water to the center of your gutter.
If you did not install an eave trim your roof is more likely to leak, meaning you might have to paint and replace your fascia board more often, and the color of your stucco or walls will fade more rapidly.
What Type Of Materials Are Used
Usually it is made from numerous types of materials such as plastics and metals, the metals must be corrosion resistant or galvanized.
Copper: Many people choose copper because of its aesthetics, it has a beautiful golden color that makes the roof pop.
Aluminum is a very common material used. Although it is not as strong as steel aluminum does not corrode and it is often made in many colors that match many homes.
Galvanized steel is another common material used. Galvanized steel is designed to work wither water and prevent rusting. The preferable type of steel is 24 gauge so it can withstand strong winds.
Plastic, vinyl and fiberglass can also be used but these are harder to find in some areas and are not the best suited.
Drip edge comes in three basic profiles, each profile can be called more than one name so it can be a bit confusing. The C type is in the classic L shape. This type of profile is bent in a 90 degree angle with a lower flange. Type D profile is in the shape of a T, this has a lower flange on the bottom. This type is often times called D-metal or the T style. F type is an extended version with a longer edge, this is used when installing a new over existing shingles and on the rake edges. This type is often called F style or the gutter apron.
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Is Drip Edge Really Needed
Yes! Although homes in the Atlanta area from Canton to Alpharetta mostly dont have drip edge, it should still be considered. Using the logic of if it aint broke, dont fix it, contractors often tell homeowners that drip edge can be a waste of money. However, if you have rotting fascia or decking at the eaves and rakes, then your roofing system is broken and there is a simple solution that can solve your problems.
Though drip edge is often neglected or not offered by Atlanta area contractors, it is definitely an option that should be considered during your roof replacement.
For additional information on drip edge and why you should consider it, or to schedule a roof replacement in the Atlanta area, please call at 770-744-5992 or contact us online!
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Where Does The Drip Edge Go On A Rake
If the drip edge runs along the leading edges, it is placed on a paper backing. If you are not a professional, don’t worry, it’s not that hard to understand. Learn what drip edge and felt paper are used for and why you place drip edge on or under felt paper. I will also explain the difference between ridges and leading edge.
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What Are The Advantages Of A Roof Overhang
The main advantage is having the water run off from the roof fall away from the sheds walls and foundation especially if youre not planning on using any type of guttering system to direct water away from the structure. In those regions where there is a lot of rain, youll shed the use of overhangs.
Another advantage is it allows for the installation of a vented soffit which lets air enter the roof cavity and exit thru the ridge venting preventing moisture from building up inside of the attic causing mold and rot.
The overhang vented soffit also prevents birds and other small animals from getting into the attic space and building nests. A screened vent is also used to prevent small insects like bees, wasps and other flying bugs from getting into the attic area.
The roof overhang is also part of a good design and makes the shed look more like the house. It also keeps rain from getting into doors, windows and helps keep wood siding from needing extra staining or painting. I use the overhang on my shed to protect some of my tools from the rain and its also a good place to stack some firewood for the winter. Check out my article The 7 Most Popular & Practical Shed Roof Designs for more information on different types of roofs.
They Protect Your House Foundation
Another great benefit of adding roof overhang is how it can protect your house foundation.
Water typically ends upright against an exterior wall, and this moisture can cause problems if not dealt with quickly.
It doesnt take that long for the water to find its way into cracks in a foundation or basement walls, leading to mold.
A roof overhang can protect it from this moisture, which will allow you to enjoy your house for years and years.
Even if your foundation is already dealing with issues due to water damage, adding a roof overhang can also help prevent further problems down the road.
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Preparation
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What Happens If Roof Drip Edge Is Improperly Placed Or If Omitted Entirely
Above my photo below at left illustrates use of a site-built “drip edge” nailed tight against the fascia board, leaving a gap that in turn sends roof runoff behind the gutter.
Below see the stains on the aluminum-wrapped fascia board confirming that a lot of water is being sent behind rather than into the gutter on this roof.
As we discuss at BACKFLOWING GUTTERS, in the photo below I’m pointing to the trouble .
The roofer installed the drip edge tight against the fascia.
There was no way that the gutter installe was going to get the upper edge of the gutter behind the drip edge.
Some rain runoff, by capillary action runs up under the shingle drip edge and down the fascia behind the gutter. ,
What Is A Roof Overhang
Before starting the whole article, lets first know about a roof overhang. An overhang is the part of the roof that extends past the wall and provides protection for the area around your sheds base. The breadth of an overhang can range from a few inches to many feet.
Usually, two types of overhang are used and they are rake overhang and eave overhang. The first one is created by extending the gable ends of your roof and the next one is created by extending the slope of the roof at the longer side of the shed.
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Whats The Purpose Of Roof Drip Edges
Drip edges have two key purposes:
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Reasons To Use Drip Edge:
What Type Of Gutters Are Best For A Metal Roof
Although the most popular and durable gutters are those made of aluminium, copper or zinc, gutters are also made using PVC, vinyl, galvanized steel, fiberglass and even wood! In terms of style, half-round and K-style gutters are made from all these materials and are considered most effective for metal roofing.
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