What Is Drip Edge?

When you look up at your roof, you probably see shingles, gutters and maybe a chimney. But tucked away at the perimeter lies a small but mighty component that plays a critical role in protecting your home from water damage: the drip edge. This particular roofing element helps protect, you guessed it, the very edge of your roof where the shingles and gutters meet, preventing water damage and other problems.

At Berg Home Improvements, we’ve spent over 50 years providing quality exterior services to Illinois homeowners, and we know that the smallest details often make the biggest difference. While a drip edge might seem like a minor accessory, it is actually a vital part of a complete roofing system.

What Does Drip Edge Do?

A drip edge is a piece of metal flashing installed along the edges of your roof. Its primary job is to control the flow of water. Without a drip edge, water can seep back underneath your shingles or down behind your gutters, leading to serious problems over time.

A drip edge contributes to a healthy roof by:

• Directing water away from fascia: By leading water away from the fascia board (the long board behind your gutter), it prevents structural wood rot.
• Protecting the roof deck: It stops wind-driven rain from blowing underneath your shingles and soaking (and rotting) the wooden deck of your roof.
• Sealing gaps: It covers the gap between the roof deck and the fascia, which helps prevent insects and small pests from entering your attic.
• Preventing ice dams: Proper drainage reduces the risk of ice dams forming in winter.

Drip edge can even elevate your home’s curb appeal by giving your roofline a cleaner, more finished appearance.

Where Is It Installed?

You will find drip edges installed at the very perimeter of the roof. Typically, professional roofers install them in two key areas:

1. The Eaves: This is the horizontal edge of the roof where the gutters are attached. Here, the drip edge guides water into the gutter.
2. The Rakes: This is the sloped edge of the roof on the ends of peaks. Here, the drip edge helps prevent wind and rain from getting under the shingles.

How Do You Know If Drip Edge Is Missing or Failing?

Because it is a relatively thin strip of metal, it can be hard to spot from the ground. However, there are a few signs that can indicate that your drip edge is either missing or damaged:

• Rotting Fascia: If the board behind your gutter looks water-stained or is actively rotting, water may be running behind the gutter instead of into it.
• Water Stains on Siding: Persistent water streaks on your siding near the roofline can indicate improper drainage.
• Visible Gaps: If you can see a noticeable gap between your gutter and the roof shingles, you might be missing a drip edge.
• Pest Infiltration: Finding insects or small rodents in your attic can point to an unsealed roof perimeter.

In many cases, these issues can be addressed with a repair or replacement installation.

What Repair or Replacement Options Are There?

If you suspect your home lacks this protection, or if your existing flashing is rusted or damaged, it’s time to call in the professionals.

• Retrofitting: In some cases, a skilled roofer can slide new drip edge under existing shingles, though this must be done carefully to avoid damaging the roof components.
• Full Replacement: The best time to install drip edge is usually during a roof replacement. This ensures it is fastened correctly to the deck and integrated seamlessly with the underlayment and shingles.

At Berg Home Improvements, we recognize how important a roof repair or replacement is, which is why we use high-quality materials for roofing updates to keep your home protected for decades. We don’t cut corners on your most important asset.

Protect Your Biggest Investment

Your roof is a complex system, and every part needs to work together to keep your home and its contents safe and dry. If you are unsure about the state of your roof, whether it currently has a drip edge or not, don’t wait for water damage to appear. Contact Berg Home Improvements today for a free estimate on a roofing repair or replacement. Let our family take care of yours with the quality workmanship and transparent pricing that have made us a reliable choice in the Chicagoland area for half a century.