Proper residential roofing installation requires not only applying shingles and underlayment but also the inclusion of certain less obvious trim components to ensure a water-resistant roof.
Drip edges are one of these components and a part that is commonly left off by less knowledgeable roof contractors or homeowners looking to save a few dollars.
Experienced residential roof services know the importance of this seemingly insignificant component and why every roof needs one.
What Is A Drip Edge?
A drip edge is an L-shaped strip of metal trim that gets affixed to the bottom edge of a roof, under the shingles.
The metal sits flat on the top edge of the fascia, then bends over the edge at 90 degrees, protecting the top of the fascia board.
Residential roof contractors start laying the shingles on with a first row that covers over part of the top of the drip edge, then continuing upward toward the ridge.
When properly included in a residential roofing installation, only one side of the drip edge is visible, that being the front edge that covers up the top front portion of the fascia board.
What Is The Role of Drip Edges?
Drip edges installed by residential roof services play a critical role in keeping the whole roof installation dry and watertight.
Based on their shape, they divert water away from the first layer of shingles and away from the fascia, letting drops slide down the metal and then drip off its flared edge.
According to residential roof contractors, water cannot curl under the end of the shingles and seep into the underlayment, causing massive damage over time due to constant wetness.
What Else Do Drip Edge Help With?
Residential roof contractors advise that keeping the roof dry is not the only benefit that drip edges provide.
These metal caps can also prevent rodents from accessing the space under the roof by protecting the fascia board and decking, making it impossible for animals to chew through in that location.
They also provide structural support to the first layer of shingles, preventing the cracking and chipping that occurs when no drip edge is present and maintaining a crisp, clean look to the most visible part of the roof.
In Summary
While some roofers might do an installation without drip edges at a lower cost, experienced residential roof services know the importance of these small pieces and why every roof needs them.
A correct residential roofing installation will always include drip edges as one of many protective components that help a shingle roof last as long as it should.