We all know that roofing is a must part of the house which requires repair and maintenance over years, so it’s important to know some integral parts of your roof when it comes to its overhaul and repair.
Your contractor should install the roof drip with utmost detail, not only does it lead to water leakages on the roof, but erodes the roofing materials, and water dripping starts on the outer walls of the house. Mostly it happens when there is no roof drip edge flashing, due to its improper or defective installation. Surprisingly majority of homeowners are unaware of Roof Drip Edge Flashing.
Before going into details of Roof Drip Edge Flashing, let’s have a quick look into the following image to see what is a Drip Edge and its significantly related components in roofing.
For years, the team at Evoli Roofing has guided homeowners to understand the importance of each component and material on their roof. In the blog, we’ll break down the details of why a drip edge is significantly important on your roof.
We have tried to cover the information as whole, but in particular the blog will answers the following questions:
- What is a Roof Drip Edge?
- Why to install Roof Drip Edge Flashing?
What is the Roof Drip Edge?
Roof drip edges, also termed as drip edge flashing or D-metal, are basically a metallic structured flashing, made out of metal, which is located and installed by the roof’s edges. These are installed at junctions around the roof shingles and where other roofing ends or corners meet, like around the eaves and overhangs.
Roof drip edges typically have an “L” shape that directs draining water from the fascia into the gutter, resembling the shape of the letter “L”.
Installers usually place the roof drip edge below other roofing materials, extending it beyond the roof’s edge with its flange tilted away from the fascia part of the roof.
Homeowners underestimate the role of Roof drip edges, because these are roofing materials that not only act as protection against the roof’s shingles and fascia against rusting and corrosion caused by rains or other water flows, but also create a pathway and a safety edge to drain water safely off the roof from walls – fulfilling the basic functionality of the roof drip edge flashing. The draining water goes into the gutter rather than destroying the adjacent walls.
Why to install Roof Drip Edge Flashing?
Apparently, it seems that Roof Drip Edge Flashing only has a role to drain water off of the roof to gutter via fascia, but they basically are vital for roofs’ structural integrity, hence adding to roofing systems’ longevity. In the absence of Roof Drip Edge Flashing the water collected on the roof can cause damage to your roofing system, as the water droplets seeps through layers of shingles, this results in damaging the roof’s fascia and soffit boards.
It’s a common sight in the roofing business that homeowners who had roofing systems installed with Roof Drip Edge Flashing had longer roof life than those without the Roof Drip Edge Flashing. Hence, it is always a high recommendation to install Roof Drip Edge Flashing during new roof installation.
Next, as a homeowner you should know the types of materials Roof Drip Edge Flashing are available in the market. This information can also guide you to decide if you need to take professional help or you have to go for do-it-yourself (DIY) drip edge installation. The difference in material types are basically termed as different types of Roof Drip Edge Flashing.
Types of Roof Drip Edge Flashing - based on their construction materials
Since the roofing system in our houses is expected to have long life and greater durability, it’s crucial that you choose strong and long-lasting material for your Roof Drip Edge Flashing.
Some commonly used materials in Roof Drip Edge Flashing are Aluminum, Galvanised Steel , copper and vinyl.
Aluminum
Aluminium is a top pick as construction material for roof drip edge flashing because it does not offer longevity and durability, but also offer higher protection against air and water corrosion, and is lightweight, hence installation and carrying is easier.
It’s also a great choice from aesthetic perspective as its roof drip edge made of Aluminum can be coloured any colour according to your house theme colour. The material and the paint does not easily wear out against rough weathering like saline atmospheres.
Galvanized Steel
A Roof Drip Edge Flashing made out of Galvanized steel has a high reputation for tenacity against harsh weathers and strength and longevity in areas with excessive or continuous rainfall.
Galvanised steel is made by coating steel material with zinc, as this alloy is highly protective against rust and corrosion caused by water or air. Normally, it’s a top choice for home owners residing in areas where air moisture levels are very high so roof drip edges made out of galvanised steel provide greater durability against corrosion.
Copper
Copper drip edges are trustworthy picks for their durability, but in particular of the fact these are aesthetically pleasing in their outer texture .
After installation, copper drip edges develop a natural patina; which makes your roofing look aesthetically better than corroding over time. Like its competitive materials, Copper is also proven resistant against rust and corrosion, hence another good choice for house roofs located in areas with harsh weather.
Vinyl
This Roof Drip Edge Flashing is different to other drip edge materials for the fact it is more cost effective than other materials.
It is not only resistant to rust and corrosion caused by weathering, but also easy to install because its lightweight and above all the maintenance cost is very much affordable. It is available in various colours so you can choose as per your house colour scheme
Roof Drip Edge Flashing types based on shapes
Type F: (For Windy Areas)
Also known as “F style” or “gutter apron.” This drip edge has a long extended drip edge. It is a preferred choice when homeowners are installing new drip edges to replace older shingles.
Type D: (Advanced Protection)
This drip is a preference by The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) over other drip edges because Type-D has a reputation to keep water off from entering the fascia.
It has other names like “D-metal” or “T style.”, because towards the lower flange, near the bottom, it’s shape is like a “T”.
Type C: (Basic Shape) - for Metal Roofs
Type Z: (For Steep Roofs)
This roof drip edge is used in steep-slope roofs because according to the weathering conditions it gives protection against water infiltration. It has a Z-shaped design which moves water off from fascia to roof surface for safer water drainage into the gutter.
You should carefully evaluate these options based on your roof type and local climate. Let’s understand the factors that may affect how the drip edge protects your roof.
How to install Roof Drip Edge Flashing - Main Steps
Roofs are expensive to replace or repair. Therefore, the roofing installation, repair and replacement requires great care and planning. It is not advisable to leave weak drip edges around roof perimeters with substandard installation.
This will not only damage roofing shingles but damage the chimneys and gables too. Roofers and contractors may follow different steps when it comes to installing or replacing a roof drip flashing.
Following sequencing can serve as a tentative plan map:
Step 1. Begin with the ice barrier
In climates prone to snowfalls, install an ice barrier membrane as the first step to provide protective sheathing against ice damming on the roof.
Step 2. Install the drip edge
The drip edge is installed close to the fascia to ensure water flows away from the fascia or roof edge and into the gutter. It’s important to consult during installation because inaccurate measurements can reduce the durability of the ridge or fascia.
Step 3. Install the first course of shingles
The first installation course involves installing the first layer of shingles. This process is more complex than it sounds, so it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and seek professional consultation.
Step 4. Install the step flashing
Mistakes to avoid in installing Roof Drip Edge Flashing
The following are common occurring mistakes while installing Roof Drip Edge. Proper care, practice and professional consultation with roofing experts can help avoid the mistakes to a great deal.
- Shingle Misalignment
- Counter Flashing Issues
- Reusing Old Flashing
- Neglecting Ice & Water in Valleys
- Improper Pipe Collar Sealing
- Ridge Vents Issues
- Inadequate Ventilation
- Ignoring Drip Edges
Cost consideration of Roof Drip Edge Flashing
The table below can give you an overall estimate of the tentative cost that may occur if you’re planning to install roof edge flashing, however you are advised to directly contact Evoli roofing for a more accurate and updated cost estimate.
| Type of material | Cost/Foot | Labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| copper | $6 | $35 – $55 hourly |
| Vinyl | $0.60 | $35 – $55 hourly |
| Aluminum | $0.80 | $35 – $55 hourly |
| Galvanized Steel | $0.40 | $35 – $55 hourly |
The costs estimate mentioned may vary based on factors listed below:
- Roof size, Roof layout
- Drip edge Materials or shape types
- Replacement and Repairing
- Roof damages, or Gutter leaks/maintenance
- Installation methods
Benefits of Roof Drip Edge Flashing
The fundamental benefit of Roof Drip Edge Flashing is that it does not allow flow of draining water on walls, hence no water droplets can seep through house walls. Secondly, water collected on the roof as a result of excessive or continuous rains smoothly flows off the roof, thus the roofing system’s longevity is not compromised due to water infiltration.
This only saves the roof and shingles from damage but also enhances structural stability of the roof. When your roofing system has drip edges properly installed these also protect the fascia and soffit by minimising damage against ice dam formation; because drip edges change the flow of water from roof’s fascia and soffit to the gutters.
Otherwise, fascia and soffit are quite vulnerable structures which can even be deteriorated by high moisture content, so these get discoloured and corroded which requires renovation and repair cost for the homeowner. Also, drip edges provide protection against pest infestations, because these close off gaps that pests could use to enter the attic or roof space. That’s why building codes require proper drip edge installation for complete safety.
Conclusion
In your house a properly installed roof drip edge flashing ensures your walls roofing shingles protection, in extreme weathers and rains. This adds warranty to your roofing investment by increasing the roof logevity.
You can do it by yourself, but it requires a lot of research, we always recommend seeking professional roof installation services to avoid any installation errors. The cost-effectiveness of a drip edge is more important against the potential expenses that incur from water-related damages.
This is a great time to reach out to Evoli roofing for your roofing inspection, consultation or installation.
