Drip Edge

Drip Edge is a metal flashing installed along the edges of a roof (typically at the eaves and rakes), playing a vital role in directing water away from the roof structure and into the gutters. It’s a small but essential detail that helps preserve the integrity of the entire roofing system. The drip edge is installed beneath the first layer of shingles and extends slightly past the roof’s edge with a small angled lip at the bottom.

This lip is designed to break the surface tension of water, causing it to drip clear of the fascia board and roof decking, rather than running back underneath the shingles or behind the gutters. Without a drip edge, water can work its way into the roof edge and lead to rotting the fascia board, mold growth, and damaging the roof deck. Over time, this can weaken the structural framing and require costly repairs.

Drip edges also provide support for shingles at the perimeter of the roof, helping them resist wind uplift and improving the roof’s overall wind resistance. The best materials for drip edge flashing are copper and/or aluminum. Both materials offer long-term protection and excellent performance against water infiltration, making them the top choices for drip edge installation on both residential and commercial buildings.