Don't Be a Drip-Install Drip Edges to Protect Your Home

You may be asking what is a drip edge and why do I need it? A drip edge is an L-shaped metal or vinyl piece that is placed along the edge of eaves and rakes to carry rainwater beyond the edge of the shingles and roof sheathing. This prevents the water from getting under the shingle edge to the decking and from dripping down the exterior wall, which will cause damage over time.

The drip edge is installed under the underlayment of a roof with a 1/4 inch gap between it and the roof sheathing. Installation is not that difficult, and it could save you a great deal of money in repairs due to moisture damage later on.

Step One

Place the drip edge flange along the edge of the roof with the "drip edge" facing out from the roof. Instead of butting pieces together, you should overlap them by 1 1/2 inch or space them 1/16 of an inch apart.

Step Two

You will need to drill holes in the drip edge flange to be a little larger than the nail shanks.

Step Three

Using aluminum nails that can reach a depth of at least 3/4 of an inch, nail the drip edge so that it hangs and is not firmly in place. There should be a 1/32-inch space for moving during temperature changes. Place the first nail at least four inches from the end of the first piece.

Step Four

The rest of the nails should be 18 to 24 inches apart with the last nail at least four inches from the end.

If drip edges were not installed as the roof was built, you may notice that water is dripping down behind the gutters causing discoloration of the siding. This misplaced dripping may do damage to the wall, so you need to add drip edges. This can be done by slipping the drip edge beneath the shingles and applying roofing cement before nailing it down. Make sure when drip edges are installed, whether before or after roofing, that the edge hangs over the gutter. This will ensure that the water is directed into the gutter so that it can be safely drained away from your exterior walls and foundation.

Drip edges may be necessary to help drain water away from your roof and home in a manner that will prevent water damage. If properly installed, drip edges will move rainwater into the gutters to drain the roof properly.

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