Your roofing system works hard to keep your home warm, dry, and safe. It’s important to make its job as easy as possible.
That’s why installing a drip edge is such a crucial component to include when you’re building your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to understand the importance of drip edges and forgo installing them to save money during construction.
However, if you’re considering a gutter replacement, don’t miss the chance to invest in a drip edge to increase the lifespan of your roof. Here’s a detailed look at what a drip edge is—and what makes it so important!
The Anatomy of a Drip Edge
A drip edge is an angled piece of metal that’s applied on your roof’s edge to redirect water away from your roofing system and into your gutters. It’s usually made from a non-corroding metal that doesn’t stain, like aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper.
Ideally, drip edges should be installed between the sheathing and fascia board on the rakes, eaves, and gables of your roof. A reliable contractor will ensure they extend past the facia to provide a drainage gap to protect your roof from water damage.
Why Is a Drip Edge Important?
A drip edge serves many essential purposes. Here are a few of the most notable.
Prevent Fascia and Soffit Damage
Drip edges direct water away from your soffit and fascia and into your gutters. Having drip edges installed on your home minimizes the risk of these vulnerable features eroding over time.
Deters Insects and Pests
Insects and other tiny pests love to access your attic through the space between your roof decking and fascia. Drip edges cover this area of your roof that is otherwise responsible for allowing pests to enter your home.
Guards Against Roof Damage
Drip edges guard your shingles and roofing system from potential water damage, but they also stabilize your roof during strong wind or rainstorms.
Before installing drip edges, learn how to check if your gutters are leaking to protect your home from water damage during storms.
Protects Against Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow, water, and ice freeze at the edge of your roof. They prevent water from draining correctly and can potentially cause water damage to your roof. Drip edges help to keep water flowing away from your home to avoid the formation of ice dams.
Keeps Your Basement and Porch Dry
Drip edges redirect water into your gutters and away from your home, so you don’t have to worry about excess rainwater dumping onto your porch or leaking through your basement windows.
What Types of Drip Edges Are Available?
There are multiple types of drip edges to choose from to ensure the best performance for your home. Here are the most common types of drip edges.
L-Style Drip Edge
L-style drip edges are bent in the center to create a 90-degree angle. One side rests under the roofing material, and the other on top of the fascia to protect it from water damage. L-style drip edges are commonly installed on low-incline roofs.
T-Style Drip Edge
T-style drip edges are more complex than the L-style, but they are more efficient at keeping water away from the roofing system. An extra piece of metal rests between the drip edge and house to deter water from the fascia boards.
C-Style Drip Edge
You’ll usually find C-style drip edges on homes that don’t have fascia boards. They are referred to as “gutter aprons” because they have a long edge and are curved at a 120-degree angle to direct rainwater directly into your gutters.
Can I Install Drip Edge on My Current Roof?
After reading about all the benefits of drip edges, you probably wish you had installed one on your roof years ago!
Good news—it’s not too late to install a drip edge. Even though the ideal time to install drip edges is when your gutters and roof are installed, an experienced contractor can add them to your home now to prevent damage to your home in the future.
What Should I Know about Drip Edge Installation?
Installing drip edges is a tricky job. You have to navigate your shingles, fascia, and roof decking to correctly install drip edges, making these parts or your roof vulnerable to damage.
Additionally, if you install your drip edges incorrectly, they can cause water to flow away from your gutters and cause costly damage, like:
- Wood rot
- Water damage
- Fascia and soffit erosion
- Structural damage
Needless to say, when you’re ready to add a drip edge to your home, it’s best to rely on professionals to complete your installation. They’ll install your drip edge correctly while making sure your roof, gutters, and fascia are in great shape too!
Check out this blog for more information about gutter installation costs.
Learn more about the gutter and gutter guard options for your home LeafCo’s “Gutters & Gutter Guards: A Complete Guide.”
Reliable Drip Edge and Gutter Installation with LeafCo Gutters
The truth is, installing a drip edge won’t help protect your home against water damage if your gutter guards aren’t working as they should. Gutter guards keep your gutters clear of debris, leaves, and pests so that water can flow freely away from your home.
Thankfully, we have the solution to your gutter problems! Our team specializes in gutter installation with top-notch products, so you can be confident your home is protected against water damage.
Learn more about how installing high-quality gutter guards with LeafCo Gutters can benefit your Chicago home.
