What Is a Drip Edge on a Gutter?
A drip edge is a strip of metal or plastic attached to a roof’s edge that helps guide rainwater or snow melt run-off into your gutters instead of letting it choose its own path down the sides of the house and potentially causing damage.
Many people outside the roofing and gutter study don’t know what a drip edge is or does and skip installing them to save money during construction. This can be a costly mistake.
Think of the drip edge as a little slanted ramp that helps guide water into the gutter so it can be safely carried away from the house.
Your roof helps protect your home from the elements, and your drip edge works to help make its job easier, directing water down and away.
During a gutter replacement is the perfect time to also invest in a drip edge. It will help extend your roof’s life and protect your home.
A drip edge performs key critical tasks:
Your drip edge helps protect your soffit and fascia by preventing water damage and deters entry from insects, and other pests come winter, your drip edge helps prevent dams.
Some of the benefits of a gutter drip edge are:
- Improved water flow: A drip edge helps direct water into the gutter, which can improve water flow and help prevent clogs and overflow.
- Increased protection: A drip edge helps prevent water from seeping under the roof deck and into the building, which can help protect the structure and its contents from water damage.
- Curb Appeal: They look good! Drip edges come in various colors and styles, which can enhance the appearance of your roof and add value.
- Durability: Drip edges are typically made of weather-resistant materials that are designed to last for many years, making them a long-term investment in your home’s protection.
Drip Edge Parts and Features
Drip Edge Parts and Featuresdrip edge is usually made of a special metal, like aluminum or copper, that won’t rust or leave stains.
It’s important to put the drip edge in the right place, between the part of the roof that covers the wooden pieces and the part that sticks. This ensures rainwater goes into the gutters instead of dripping down the sides of the house and causing damage. A good roofer or gutter installer will ensure the drip edge sticks out enough so the water can run off easily.
A gutter drip edge typically consists of the following parts:
- Flange: This is the part attached to the roof deck, which is the roof surface that provides support for the roofing materials. The flange is typically bent at a 90-degree angle to create a lip that helps direct water into the gutter.
- Lip: The lip is the portion of the drip edge that projects out from the roof and over the gutter. This helps guide the water into the gutter and keeps it from running down the sides of the building.
- Underlayment: This protective material is placed between the roof deck and the drip edge. It helps prevent water from seeping under the flange and into the building.
- Material: Drip edges are made of various materials, including aluminum and steel. The material you choose will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the type of roof you have.
Want to learn more or have a drip edge added to your home or gutter system? If you’re local to Westchester, Rockland, or Fairfield County, my team can help!
Call us at 914-447-0254 we would be happy to help.
If you are not local, a trusted gutter company is a great place to start your search. Punch ‘gutter company near me’ into Google and look a company that talks about the parts of a gutter system.
