What is a Drip Edge and Why is it Important?
Having a drip edge installed on your roof’s fascia board before installing rain gutters is a really important step. A drip edge is the first line of defense against rain water from getting behind your fascia boards and causing damage to the wall between your home’s exterior and interior walls. Drip edges are basically drip lines that extend about 12 inches or so down each side of the roof, just below the roof’s shingles. As you can see in this picture, a drip edge catches rainwater that runs off of your roof and gently guides it into the rain gutter system to drain properly out through your gutter systems downspouts.
Not having a drip edge installed may cause an unsightly mess if it rains but more importantly it will allow rainwater to find its way into places that can cause damage to your roof, fascia boards and most importantly to your home’s foundation. In order for a drip edge to be effective it must actually drip water. If it is not installed correctly then the rainwater that falls on the drip edge will roll off and make its way behind your fascia boards and cause an unattractive mess on your home’s exterior siding, brick or stucco.
The drip edge needs to extend about 3 inches up each side of the roof’s peak so that water is directed back towards your gutter system where it belongs. Some drip edges are made with several different pieces which makes them less likely to leak but also more expensive than drip edges made as one piece. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a drip edge that extends all the way down in one piece or has smaller pieces attached together as long as it extends at least 12 inches down the side of the roof.
Drip edges are usually attached to your roof with screws. Sometimes a drip edge can be made of plastic and snap into place without being fastened on which makes it easier to install as you don’t have to get up on the ridge or lift a heavy drip edge onto your roof. Once it is in place drip edges should help keep water running smoothly off your shingles and back towards their rightful home…your gutter system!
A properly installed rain gutter system is what you and your home deserve when searching for a gutter contractor! Reach out to our team at Advanced Seamless Rain Gutter Solutions at (512)262-7104 and we can get you scheduled for your Free Quote and help you find a solution for any and all of your seamless rain gutter needs. We look forward to answering your call!!!
