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Required Tools for Drip Edge Installation :
Drip Edge Roof Flashing Types
Before we go into the actual process of installing drip edges, you might also want to learn about the different types of drip edge flashing. There are two types that you can opt for:
Hemmed Drip Edge
Used with standing seam and metal roofing, the hemmed drip edge is designed to keep water from wicking or going upward.
Also known as the Typ C drip edge, this is the classic type of drip edge flashing. It’s named after the shape it has as it is bent to a 90-degree angle with a lower bottom flange. It’s often utilized on low incline roofs and sits on top of the roof deck and fascia board.
Gutter Apron
If your home doesn’t have drip edges yet, this would be a suitable type to install. Some don’t necessarily consider it to be a drip edge but as it also works to keep water from dripping or splashing under the gutter, it’s still worth looking into.
How to Install Drip Edges: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do not be daunted by the process of installing drip edges as it is relatively simple. There are very specific methods and even regulations for this, so you just need to take them into consideration.
Before we detail the installation process, however, let us note the Building Code Specifications for drip edges first.
Use these standards to make sure that your installation will work effectively:
- 2” (51mm) minimum measurement for overlapping adjacent pieces
- 25” (6.4 mm) minimum metal extension beyond the roof sheathing
- 2” (51 mm) minimum roof deck extension
- 12” (305 mm) maximum gap between fasteners
- Place the roof underlayment over the drip edge when installing on eaves
- Place the drip edge over the underlayment when installing on gables
Now that we’ve got all of the basics covered, we can already detail the process of installing a drip edge. Follow these steps for a foolproof installation:
1. Prepare the Roof Deck:
To ensure proper installation, your roof deck should be made ready for the additions you’ll put to it. Cleaning is a must so there won’t be any dirt and debris in the way. It will make the process more efficient and seamless.
Note the placements mentioned above. The sequence of the addition of drip edges depends on what you have.
If you’re installing on eaves, you should put them in before you install the underlayment. If you’re installing on rakes, you should install the underlayment first.
2. Measure and cut the drip edge:
With the help of a metal snip, cut the drip edge to size. Set the first piece against the corner of the fascia and where the titled border meets the parallel side. Mark the slope’s angle using a pencil then cut it to match.
As a result, it will sit flush on the edge when installed.
If you are having difficulties in installing gutter without fascia, then you can check this article.
3. Start the installation:
Schedule your installation on a warm, sunny day as the weather can make the task easier to accomplish. On a sunny day, the shingles are easier to pull up, letting you work with more ease.
Work from the lowest points upwards to avoid the water from draining into the overlap. Lift the shingles then slide the drip edge’s top flange underneath.
Make sure that it’s sitting flush on the fascia before fastening. Secure it with a roofing nail in at least 12-inch intervals as the IBS code requires. Don’t forget to set the shingles back in place as you move around your roof.
Place the nails high up on the drip edge so they can be concealed under the shingles.
4. Overlap joints:
It’s crucial to avoid creating gaps in between the seams as it can cause the water to veer underneath the drip edge instead of flow over it.
So when joining two pieces of drip edges, make sure to overlap them. As mentioned above, the minimum measurement required by the IBS is 2 inches.
Known as the lap joint, it’s very easy to overlap your joints. Just place the new strip 2” from the edge of the last one and that’s it. Secure it nicely and resume installing the rest of the strip accordingly.
How to Install Drip Edge Corners
Corners can get tricky when installing drip edges. However, it shouldn’t be too fussy if you know what to do.
There are two methods for installing drip edge corners. One uses a folding technique and the other is by means of a miter.
When folding your drip edge, you first need to make an angled cut on the top portion of the strip. Fold it flush against the corner of your roof deck to ensure proper sealing.
If you wish to miter the corners, you’ll need to cut the top portion of the strip at about 30 to 45 degrees. This will ensure that the mitered ends are overlapping and not sitting flush against each other. Secure the pieces by nailing through the overlap.
Why Do You need to Install Drip Edge?
Being meticulous is necessary when constructing roofs. This is why it’s not surprising that there are several methods and techniques to add protection to this area.By making sure that it’s waterproof, you can be sure that your home will be able to withstand inclement weather.
One of the things that you should make sure to add to your roof is a drip edge. Mandated by the International Building Codes (IBS) in 2012 for shingle roofs, drip edge is an important addition on roofs to keep them in top shape.
This type of metal flashing overhangs on the edges of the roof with a small metal flange that is designed to direct the flow of water away from the fascia and into the gutter.
It’s meant to protect the underlying roof components, promising to keep the integrity of your home’s structure.
5 Major Purposes of Drip Edge
- Helps keep the roof watertight which prevents rotting.
- Boosts the performance of gutters in directing water away from your house and its foundation.
- Seals gaps at the bottom of the roof so it can also help keep animals out.
- Prevents deck boards and fascia from moving.
- Helps protect the edge of the decking and bottom of the roofline from driving rains and during the winter months.
So is a drip edge necessary? Without a doubt, yes.
Adding a protective layer to your roof is way easier than having to repair it every so often, so why not just opt for a drip edge?
As mentioned above, installing drip edge wasn’t required until 2012. This is why your home might not have some yet. You can easily add them as learning how to install drip edge isn’t that difficult.
If you’re thinking of adding some, the first thing you might want to know about is whether your house actually needs them.
If you have shingle roofing, however, you definitely need a drip edge.
As mentioned above as well, you’re also required to have them. So, if you have a shingle roof, you should certainly take a closer look at this roofing component.
Other Ways to Install Drip Edges
The steps mentioned above are the most basic ones you need to do when installing drip edges. However, there are also a few special conditions that some folks may face.
So to help you cover all your bases, here are a few FAQs that the answers might help you out greatly.
Do you need to install drip edges on shed roofs?
If you’re wondering whether you should learn how to install drip edges on a shed roof, the answer is yes. If you want to ensure that the structure you’ll build will last a long time and that your tools and items in storage won’t get water-damaged over time, installing drip edges on sheds are also a good idea.
The process is similar to how you will install drip edges on regular roof decks. However, if you’re worried about the ridge of the shed’s roof, you don’t really have to install a drip edge there. Ridge caps are better suited for those areas, so look into those.
Do you need to install drip edges on metal roofs?
Most experts will tell you that with an overhang, you don’t need to install drip edges on metal roofs anymore.
How to install drip edge flashing on a flat roof?
It’s essential to install drip edges on flat roofs due to their shape. Luckily, the process isn’t that hard to accomplish. You can follow the steps above to accomplish this task.
How to install drip edges on an existing roof?
Again, as mentioned above, it’s also entirely possible to install drip edges on existing roofs. It’s easily done with shingle roofs as you just need to lift the ones sitting on the edge of your roof using a putty knife in order to slip the drip edges underneath. After doing this, you can proceed to the next steps in the procedure listed above.
How to install gutters drip edge?
If you have gutters already installed, you don’t need to take it out just to add drip edges. While some experts like them to sit behind the gutters, if your existing roof already have gutters attached, there’s no need to redo the whole thing.
You just need to place your drip edge right over the gutter’s edge so it can direct the water into the gutter when it rains.
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