What is a drip edge and what is the importance of one? The durability of your home’s roof relies largely on how well each of its components works with the others. Weakness in one part of your roof may compromise how the entire system functions in protecting your home from all sorts of threats.
What is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is an essential component of a roof’s edging where it extends out beyond the sides of a building. It’s a metal strip (usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel) installed along the edges of the roof. The primary purpose of a drip edge is to direct water away from the fascia and protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edges were not always part of residential roofing construction. The popular belief was that roofs simply had to be constructed large enough so that their edges reached right over the gutters. It wasn’t until 2012 that updates to international codes were put in place so that drip edges became a requirement, particularly for shingle roofs. A drip edge is an angled piece of flashing that is installed over top of a fascia board. We’ll touch on fascia boards later.
Pros of a Roof Drip Edge
There are no “cons” to having one installed other than additional cost. Best practices in construction identify drip edges as integral to weatherproofing your home. One of the reasons older homes require roof leak repair is the onset of water damage stemming from the lack of a drip edge. A well-constructed drip edge will prevent moisture from seeping into the lower layers of your roof and stop premature deterioration from happening. They also improve gutter performance, provide extra winter protection, and act as a physical barrier to small animals and insects that may try to enter the space between the roof deck and the fascia. They also help protect the home’s exterior during high winds.
Estimates and Installation
Drip edges should be part of all roofing repair and installation cost estimates you ask for. No roofing system is complete without one anymore, and any additional cost now may save you a lot more in paying for damage repair later on. Make sure that your drip edge is constructed so that water is directed from the roof’s surface, straight into the gutters, away from the fascia and the rest of your home.
Contact your trusted Knoxville roofing company today for questions regarding your own roof!