Benefits of Drip Edge
Let’s talk about why drip edge provides your roof with proper water drainage. At Scro’s Roofing Company, we don’t expect you to be a roofing expert that understands the materials which are installed on your roof. Having been in the Raleigh Roofing industry for 26+ years, we want to make sure our viewers and customers have accurate informational resources at their fingertips.
One of the top quality products Scro’s Roofing offers on our GAF Timberline HDZ new roofs is drip edge.
What Is Drip Edge?
Drip edge, also referred to as a drip guard, is a 1.5″ x 3″ piece of aluminum that sits underneath the edge of the roofing fascia board and rakes under the edge of the shingles. Towards the base of the drip edge, there is an outward angled lip that helps guide and prevent water from penetrating your home. Think of it as the “middle man” between the shingles and your gutter.
Benefits of Drip Edge
- Creates effective drainage: With drip edge installed, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that any rainwater, melting snow or ice is properly guided towards the edge of your roof into the gutter. Our drip edge slightly overhangs into your gutters so water flows directly into the gutter channel.
- Extends roof longevity: If drip edge is not installed, you run the risk of water flow slowing down and possibly causing damage to your roof. Water can penetrate behind gutters which can cause leaking, rotting of wood trim and damaged house framing. With drip edge, this water is successfully transferred to your gutters, extending the life of your roof.
- Keeps pests out: Pests can find ways into your home through the small cracks between your roof and gutters. Drip edge makes sure rodents and other pests can’t sneak in and defends your home from the outside world.
- Protects your basement: In heavy rains, water can accumulate at the base of your home and threaten to flood your basement. Drip edge flashing pushes that water into the gutter and disposes of it efficiently.
- Stabilizes your roof: Drip edges add structure and stability to your home. During strong winds, drip edges keep your roof working as it should and counter some of the natural weathering that a house would undergo in harsh circumstances.
- Keeps your porch dry: Heavy rainstorms can also create an excessive amount of water on your porch. Drip edge redirects water that would otherwise drench your porch and filters it into your gutters.
Gutters: Before or After?
We recommend having professional gutter installation done before the roof is installed. Once your gutters have been installed, we install the drip edge flush with the inner back of the gutter edge which ensures proper water drainage and seal.
Types of Drip Edge
There are various types of drip edges with unique materials and shapes. It’s helpful to know the varying aspects of each to determine which drip edge will be right for your home.
Materials
There are three common materials used to construct drip edges:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Galvanized Steel
Though the materials are similar, they have slight differences when it comes to function and durability. Aluminum, for instance, defends better against rust but isn’t as strong as steel. You should weigh the different materials against the function you’re seeking in your drip edge.
Profile Types
Like the different materials used, your profile type should match your preferences and the unique characteristics of your home. There are three types, including:
- L Style: This drip edge is bent 90 degrees at the center to create a steep drop off from your roof.
- C Style: The C style has a curve before it cuts downwards, slightly bringing in the water as it draws it away from your home.
- Type F: The F style is simply an extended drip edge that works great over existing shingles.
To pick the right one, consult with a professional service who can walk you through your options and guide you to an educated decision.
Scro’s Roofing Company uses black, white or brown drip edges. The black drip edge is the most commonly used on our roofs and gives a fantastic thick shadow effect to the edges.
To read a full list of roofing terms, please visit our blog post “Roof Anatomy & Lingo” to learn more!
Contact Scro’s Roofing Company
Call Scro’s Roofing Company today at (919) 551-5104 or email us [email protected] for more information on other top quality materials we use on our Roofs in Raleigh, North Carolina!
*Last updated 12/23/2021
