Necessary or Optional?: The Benefits of Drip Edges
By now, you must have heard of the different ways to waterproof your roof. A lesser-known but equally effective waterproofing method is the drip edge. Here’s what drip edges can do for your roof.
Drip Edges
A drip edge is a piece of metal that’s installed at the edges of your roof. This moulded metal strip diverts water to the gutters, preventing it from spilling onto the fascia or the wooden board holding your gutters as well as the underlying parts of your roof. Waterproofing Underlying Roof Components
The fascia, or any underlying part of your roof for that matter, is one of the most vulnerable parts of your roof. Take for example, the case of curling shingles. Normally, rainwater would slide off the shingles and into the gutters. But since the edges of the shingles now bend downward, the rainwater spills onto the fascia board, which may eventually suffer wood rot from excess moisture. If drip edges were installed, rainwater would instead be diverted to your gutters.
Drip edges have other benefits as well. Pests and small animals tend to prefer making nests in the fascia boards. Drip edges, serving as a metal barrier, can prevent these pests from hollowing out portions of your fascia board. Drip edges can also help keep the fascia board and roof deck in place, preventing the formation of gaps through which water can enter. Not Necessary but Highly Recommended
Now, you may be thinking, ‘If drip edges can do all of this, how come I only come across it a few times?” That’s because the installation of drip edges isn’t required, except for shingle roofs. The 2012 International Building Code (IBC) requires drip edges for that type of roof. Regardless of the kind of roof you have, we highly recommend installing drip edges.
Keep in mind that improper installation of any roofing component can create gaps, rendering any waterproofing solution useless. To make sure the drip edges are installed properly, only hire experienced roofing contractors.
Don’t have a contractor yet?
Garlock-French Corporation, a contractor with eight decades’ worth of experience, offers a wide range of premium roofing options and accessories, including drip edges and metal roofing as well as gutter cleaning services. To request a quote, call (612) 722-7129, (651) 429-2335 or (952) 473-1017. Or, fill out this form. We serve homeowners in St Paul and Minneapolis, MN.
Bryan Karel leads Garlock French Roofing, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to quality in the roofing industry. With a keen focus on using high-quality materials and advanced installation techniques, Bryan ensures every roofing project not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Under his leadership, Garlock French Roofing has become synonymous with durability and aesthetic excellence, offering tailored roofing solutions that enhance the value and beauty of any property.