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The Importance of Roof Drip Edge

What is roof drip edge?

Something that most home owners have likely never heard of -- unless, of course, they work in the home building industry! -- is roof drip edge. So, first and foremost, what in the heck is roof drip edge? Roof drip edge is a term for the metal flashing commonly seen on the edges of a home's roof. It hangs over the edge of the roof and helps to direct water away from the roof's fascia, thus protecting the fascia and all of the roof's components.

What are the benefits of roof drip edge?

Aside from the aforementioned benefits, roof drip edge offers the following advantages for homeowners:

  • Works in conjunction with gutters to direct water away from the roof, house, and foundation.

  • Stabilizes fascia/deck boards and prevents movement.

  • Protects the roof line from ice and snow damage in the Winter.

  • Protects the decking edge during hard rains.

  • Protects the roof's shingles from water damage.

  • Seals gaps between decking and fascia at the bottom of the roof, thus preventing insects and small pests from entering the home.

  • Directs water away from porches and basements.

  • Generally protects the roof, increases its longevity, and decreases wear-and-tear.

Are there different types of roof drip edge?

There are three basic types of roof drip edge -- Hemmed Drip Edge, L Drip Edge, and T Style Drip Edge. Hemmed Drip Edge is typically used with metal and standing seam roofing, and the open hem keeps water from wicking up and behind the metal. L Drip Edge is commonly found on low-sloping roofs, and it is installed on top of the roof deck and fascia board. T Style Drip Edge is seen much less commonly but is very effective at directing water away from a house. It holds a triangular shape between the roof decking and the house.

Can you install a roof drip edge to an existing house?

The short answer to this question is yes! Building codes in some states -- primarily those that experience a lot of ice and snow in the Winter -- require builders to install roof drip edge to new homes. However, if you live in an older home or reside in a state with more lax codes, your roof might not have this valuable feature. In the event that it doesn't, you can contact a local (and reputable) roofing professional to help you determine what will best suit the needs of your pocket book AND your home!

Does your roof include a workmanship warranty?

One thing to be aware of when purchasing a home (or considering the maintenance on a current home) is the roof's workmanship warranty. Because building codes don't require roofs to have drip edge in many regions across the country, builders sometimes skip this valuable step in their efforts to cut overall costs. Homeowners often mistakenly assume that a manufacturer's warranty on their roof will protect them if they have problems in the future; unfortunately, this warranty does not cover the service/labor costs involved in roof repairs. A majority of all roof issues are due to poor installation -- as opposed to problems with the actual structure -- so a workmanship warranty is a must-have for homeowners.

Roofing manufacturers and their warranties explained:

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