Drip-edge flashing is one of the most important parts of a comprehensive roof system. But it’s also one of the least understood. We frequently get asked what drip edge is and whether or not it’s truly needed as part of a roofing system.
What is drip-edge?
Drip-edge is an angled roof flashing installed around the perimeter of your roof. At the roof’s eave, drip-edge directs water flow from the roof into your gutter system where it is carried away. At the rake (gable) edges, drip edge covers part of the fascia board. Drip-edge can have an “L” or a “T” profile (referred to by Denver roofers as 90-degree or 120-degree drip-edge), and comes in 10-foot lengths. It’s constructed from either steel, aluminum, or copper.
Why is drip-edge needed?
We still find many of our clients’ old roofs were installed without drip-edge, which is not only a shock to see for a Denver roof repair company, but also creates risk for your home. The four reasons your roof should have drip-edge are:
- Prevent damage to fascia and soffit – because drip-edge directs water from your roof into your gutters, the water never has a chance to touch your fascia. Without drip-edge, your fascia and soffit would become soaked and eventually become water damaged.
- Keep small pests out – since drip-edge covers the bottom-edge gap of your roof (“carpenter’s gap”), there’s no room for pests to get in. Otherwise, wasps, small rodents, and other pests can get under your roof and cause damage.
- Stabilize your roof during windstorms – wind damage to roofs usually begins at the bottom edge. So when drip-edge is properly installed sealing that edge, wind has less of an area to “grab” and lift.
- Protect your foundation and basement – with drip-edge in place, water runoff will flow into your gutter and downspout system. But without it, water runoff will trickle down the side of your home and seep into the ground where your foundation and basement are. This can lead to foundation cracking and sinking and leaks in your basement over time.
The best time to install drip-edge is during a roof replacement. Drip-edge is one of the many roofing materials that can be installed on an existing roof, but that is a project that is best left for a professional Denver roofing company rather than a DIY project (unless you have prior experience installing roofing flashing).
If you’re wondering about the condition of your roof or your drip-edge, contact Sol Vista Roofing today to have one of our professionals come take a look.
