What You Need To Know About Drip Edge
A Major Component You Might Be Missing To Your Roof
What exactly is drip edge? We realize this possibly sounds like a new fashion trend, but drip edge is a major component to your roof’s structure. Without a drip edge, water may end up beneath your shingles which would cause damage to various parts of the home.
Drip edge, also known as a rain drip guard or edge flashing, is an L-shaped, typically metal sheet installed along the edge of a roof. Roofers install it 3-4” under your shingles, and the edge hangs down 1” over the roof edge, and is referred to as “D-metal”.
Is Drip Edge Necessary for My Home or Business?
Drip edge works to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter. A fascia is the longboard fixed along the lower edge of the roof, and carries all the gutters. Serving as a rain drip guard, a roof with drip edge seals the area between the shingles and fascia, preventing rain from creating water rot or mold on your home.
As of 2014, drip edge is a standard roofing component required for both new construction and re-roofing of existing homes and other structures in order to prevent damage. Because your home could experience water damage more quickly without this rain drip guard, it is important that your roofing contractor installs it along with your new roof or roof replacement. As a highly regarded roofing company throughout GA, AL, FL, and TN, we install high quality drip edges with all of our Perimeter Roofing projects.
What Does Drip Edge Do for Your Home?
1. Brings House Up to Code
Because of the 2014 building code, drip edge is necessary to bring a house up to code. That is why it is an important factor to consider when thinking about roof replacement or repairing damage to your roof.
2. Protects Against Wind-Driven Rain and Other Natural Elements
Since moisture collection is a major concern for your shingles and overall roof, a drip edge that prevents wind-driven rain is a vital addition to your roof. If water collects on the edge of the roof without the drip edge, it could cause moisture rot or mold growth. In order to prevent other costly replacements, contact Perimeter Roofing for a prompt roof inspection. With a secure drip edge installation, it helps the water run off instead of collect.
3. Prevents Gutter Overflow
A drip edge has a dual purpose. It works to drive rain and debris towards the gutter, and it also opens to fit the pitch of the roof, so it doesn’t add to gutter overflow.
4. Critter Control
Installing the drip edge under the shingles and over the edge of the roof, provides an excellent sealant against pests and animals. This way, critters can’t get under the shingles on your roof edge.
5. High-Quality Drip Edge Options
There are multiple material, color, and design options available to make this rain drip guard blend seamlessly into your home’s exterior!
Material
Drip edge is typically metal so that it holds up against moisture and potential rot. Specifically, we recommend a galvanized drip edge or copper drip edge to create a thorough seal. However, aluminum is also a commonly used material, especially because it can be easily painted to match a roof or home siding.
Color
Drip edge colors for roofing include standard neutral or even bright colors. But the most common options tend to be white and black drip edge that blend into the roof.
Design
In terms of style, you can also select a vented drip edge, which is perforated along the underside. This creates better airflow along your roof edge and into your home. With all these choices, you can find the best edge to finish off your roof and securely protect it.
Our Experts Bring Your Home or Business Up To Code– Contact Us Today
Have you inherited a home without drip edge or secure roof flashing? Without a correctly installed drip edge to your roof, water leaking between gutter and fascia areas would eventually deteriorate your entire roof and home siding.
Here at Perimeter Roofing, we have decades of experience and several locations across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. Allow our certified and licensed roofing experts to bring your home or business up to code! We have the expertise and reach to meet all your residential and commercial roofing needs. Contact us at the location nearest to you to set up a free consultation or roof inspection!