Your Guide to Understanding Metal Roofing Drip Edges

Considering how important roofing is to protect your home and family from the elements, it should come as no surprise that a typical roof consists of many different components and materials. Unfortunately, most homeowners take their roofs for granted and have no idea what these components are or why they’re vital to the function of their roofs. For example, one of the most critical roofing components is the drip edge.

What is Metal Roof Drip Edge?

A metal roof drip edge is a metal strip (also referred to as metal flashing) that’s installed at the edges of your roof to protect it from water infiltration. It’s installed at a slight tilt and designed to help direct the flow of rainwater away from the fascia and down onto the ground rather than allowing it to collect and seep into the structure of your home.

Where Should You Place the Drip Edge

The placement of the drip edge is just as important as the material you choose. It should be installed on top of the exterior cover of the roof, between the sheathing (which is the underlying layer of your roof) and the fascia board (which is the board that runs along the edge of your roof line). As a result, it will form a drainage gap that will improve water flow and reduce the risk of water damage.

Why is a Metal Roof Drip Edge Important?

Metal roof drip edges are incredibly important for your home’s protection in more ways than one. The following are just a few ways in which the installation of a metal roof drip edge can protect your roof:

• Deter pests: A well-installed drip edge can help prevent pests from entering your home through the space between the fascia board and the deck at the bottom of your roof.
• Prevent foundation damage: By extending the edge of your roof and helping direct water away from your foundation, a drip edge can prevent costly damage from occurring.
• Protect your shingles: The metal roof drip edge will extend past the shingles and help protect them from deterioration. This means that they’ll last for a longer period of time, saving you money on roof repairs in the long run.
• Reduce water infiltration: The metal roof drip edge will help redirect water away from the fascia and down to the ground, reducing the risk of water infiltration. This can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew forming inside your home.
• Protect your roofline from ice damming: In the winter months, your roofline can be exposed to snow and ice, which can result in ice damming. Ice damming is when the snow and ice on your roof melt and refreeze, which can cause significant damage to your roof. A metal roof drip edge can help prevent ice damming.
• Protect your roof against wind damage: The metal roof drip edge can also help protect your roof from wind damage, as it helps to reduce the uplift forces of strong winds on your roofline and shingles.

Installation Requirements of Drip Edge

When you choose a metal drip edge for your roof, make sure that it’s at least a 36 gauge or larger to ensure its durability and strength. Then, take exact measurements of your roof to ensure that the drip edge is cut to fit your roof perfectly. Additionally, before you even begin the installation process, your roof will need to be properly cleaned.

How to Properly Install a Drip Edge

Unless you have experience installing metal drip edges, it’s a task that’s best left to a professional roofing contractor. With that in mind, the following are the steps that need to be taken to install a drip edge once the metal drip edge sections have been cut:

Begin Installation

The installation should be scheduled on a day when warm weather is expected. Doing so will make it easier to strip back the shingles. Installation of the drip edge should begin at the lower corner of the roof, progressing gradually toward the top. The shingles will need to be raised so that the top rim of the drip edge can be pushed beneath them.

Roofing nails will have to be used to secure the drip edge into the roof covering; however, the nails should not be pushed all the way through the fascia.

Overhang Joints

Next, overlay the ends of the metal drip edge with the upper end above the lower edge. Doing so will help water flow over the joint instead of going underneath it. Do this until all of the drip edge metal sections (including the front, rear, and side pieces) are located on all of the roof’s edges.

Why is the Gap Important?

If the overlay is unsuccessful, it can result in a gap that can cause water to flow behind the edge instead of into your gutter system. If this happens, it can lead to water damage to both your roof and your home.

If you notice that the overlap is too short, then place the drip edge under the first row of roof shingles and make sure that the exterior edge reaches over your gutter. If the gutter is lower than the bottom of your drip edge, then remove the gap by installing flashing behind the drip edge and over the back of the gutter.

Cost of Metal Roof Drip Edge

In general, an aluminum drip edge will cost around $2/linear foot. For higher quality metals (such as copper or steel), it will cost more. However, the cost will vary from contractor to contractor based not only on the material they’re using but what they’re charging for labour.

Contact Us for Reliable Metal Roof Installation

At Ironclad Roofing, our trained professionals can help you choose the best metal roofing system and provide you with superior all seasons roofing installation service. We specialize in metal roofing and have over 25 years of experience. For more information about metal roofing systems or to request an estimate, contact us online at Ironclad Roofing or speak to one of our building specialists on the phone by calling 905-752-4685 today.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Metal Roof Flashings