What is the best drip edge?

Galvanized steel is a strong material for drip edges in environments where wind is a concern. The steel needs to be galvanized to be able to hold up against constant exposure to water without rusting. If galvanized steel is used to protect against strong winds, 24-gauge steel should be the minimum used.


What is the best material for a drip edge?

Galvanized steel: Drip edges are designed to be in contact with water; so, if they are made of steel, they need to be galvanized to prevent rust. Minimum 24-gauge steel is preferable so that the drip edge can withstand strong winds. Copper: Copper is a sturdy metal that gives a roof a unique look.

How deep should drip edge be?

These systems also minimize wear on your house by reducing back splash. Installation: Dig a trench that is 18” wide and at least 8” deep along the drip line. Slope the bottom away from the house so that water will drain away from the foundation.


What are the different types of drip edges?

5 Types of Drip Edges on Metal Flashings
  • Gutter apron.
  • Rake edge flashing.
  • Gravel stop.
  • Chimney caps.
  • Coping.


Is wider drip edge better?

Slitting the vertical leg of the rake drip-edge makes it easier for you to bend it over the leg of the eaves drip-edge. In general, drip-edge flashing 6 in. wide or wider is better than narrower flashing because it enables you to nail well back from the edge of the flashing—always desirable.


2 Most Common Types of Drip Edge



Should I caulk under drip edge?

Another place that should never be caulked is the space between the siding and the flashing above a window; this piece of flashing is often referred to as drip flashing, drip cap, or head flashing. Caulking this opening shut is a very common defect, even on new construction.

Should drip edge touch fascia?

A metal drip edge will help protect the sheathing under the roof, but if it's installed too closely to the fascia board, it can still cause water to be drawn into the fascia. The best installation method is to leave a gap between the drip edge and the fascia board, about the width of a finger.

What can I use instead of drip edge?

On many homes the drip edge eave strip is made of galvanized metal, which doesn't hold paint well and can rust over time. A better alternative is vinyl coated aluminum eave strip, which won't rust and don't need to be painted.


What size nails do you use for drip edge?

Nail the drip edge to the roof deck with minimum 12-gage roofing nails spaced 8 to 10-inches on center and 1-½ to 3-inches from the edge of the sheathing. Adjacent drip edge pieces should be lapped minimum 2 inches. Asphalt shingles should overhang the exterior edge of the drip edge by ¼ to ¾-inch.

What color drip edge should I use?

The most common colors for drip edge are white and brown. However, some roofing companies can provide color match drip edge. The color is often chosen to match the shingles or the gutters to create a seamless look. The color can also be chosen to match the shutters or trim of the house and act as an accent color.

How many inches should drip edge overlap?

A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Adjacent pieces of drip edge shall be overlapped a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edges shall extend a minimum of 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) below the roof sheathing and extend up the roof deck a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm).


Should gutters be tucked under drip edge?

It is recommended that gutters are placed under or 'behind' the drip edge of your roof. A drip edge refers to a component that hangs over the roof and has an outward projecting lower edge.

What is better drip tape or drip line?

What is the difference between Drip Tape and Emitter Tubing? Drip Tape is non-pressure compensating. It operates at lower pressures, has lower flow rates and a lower cost than emitter tubing. Emitter tubing is pressure compensating, remains round after shut-down and has greater longevity.

Should drip edge match the roof?

Because drip edges, fascia and gutters are trim, they need to match each other rather than the color of the roof. You can paint a drip edge to match your trim. However, if you want to keep your trim a light color, then use white for your drip edge.


What is the most used material for drip edges and flashing?

Aluminum is one common metal used for drip edges. It's not as strong as steel and can often be found in colors that match well with the home's existing colors. Aluminum is also very resistant to corrosion. Galvanized steel is a strong material for drip edges in environments where wind is a concern.

Do you nail or staple drip edge?

The drip edge should be nailed high on the shingles. That is done so that the shingles cover the nails. About every twelve inches or foot, a nail should be hammered in. For the next drip edge piece, it should overlap the first by an inch.

Is drip edge installed over or under felt?

Installing roof drip edge flashing properly

The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.


Does drip edge need primer?

The drip edge in and of itself is designed to protect the integrity of your roof, but that doesn't mean it doesn't also need its own protecting! Priming and painting will deliver that protection, along with a cohesive aesthetic if your drip edge is visible.

Do roofers install drip edge?

Not Necessary but Highly Recommended

Now, you may be thinking, 'If drip edges can do all of this, how come I only come across it a few times?” That's because the installation of drip edges isn't required, except for shingle roofs. The 2012 International Building Code (IBC) requires drip edges for that type of roof.

Does drip edge go on before fascia?

The correct placement of a roof drip edge is on top of the roof's exterior cover directly between the sheathing and the fascia board, which forms a drainage gap between the drip edge and the fascia board. As a result, the drainage improves water flow and protects the roof from potential water damage.


Does ice and water shield go over or under drip edge?

Ice and water protector needs to be installed directly onto the roof deck after you have placed the drip edge at the eave. (The drip edge will be installed over the ice and water protector and other underlayments at roof rake edges.)

Should tar paper go over or under drip edge?

Quoted directly from InterNACHI “Roof Inspection” course…“Drip edges should be installed so that the roofing paper or felt is underneath the drip edge on the rake, but over it along the eave.”

Why does rain go behind my gutters?

When the roof shingles do not extend past the metal drip edge the water will suck back on the metal drip edge ( this is called capillary action) and run behind your gutters. NOTE: Capillary Action is a water activity in which water adheres to a surface and follow the surface around.