Drip edge is a thin strip of metal, bent at an angle, that runs along the outer edges of a roof. It guides water away from the wood underneath and, at the eaves, into the gutter. It is cheap compared with the rest of the roof and does a job that is easy to miss until it is absent.
Why does drip edge matter at the edges of a roof?
Water does not always run straight down a roof surface. At an edge, it can cling to the underside and creep back toward the fascia or the deck. Drip edge gives that water a clean place to break away. It also:
- Sends runoff into the gutter instead of behind it
- Protects the ends of the deck boards and the fascia from constant wetting
- Gives a stiff, straight edge for the shingles or underlayment to sit against
- Helps keep wind-driven rain from getting under the first row of shingles
- Blocks insects and small animals from some edge gaps
Because the edges of a roof are where water collects and wind lifts, a failure at the edge can show up as rotted fascia, stained soffit or a rotted deck end, not necessarily as a leak inside the house.
What is the difference between eave and rake drip edge?
A roof has two kinds of edges. The eave is the low edge, where water runs off. The rake is the sloped edge that runs from the eave up to the ridge on a gable end. Drip edge is made in profiles that suit each.
| Location | What it is | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Eave | The low horizontal edge of the roof | Directs water into the gutter and off the fascia |
| Rake | The sloped edge on a gable end | Protects the deck edge and stiffens the shingle edge against wind |
How it is layered matters. A commonly described method puts the eave drip edge under the underlayment and the rake drip edge over the underlayment, so water flows over the right surface at each edge. Different manufacturers and codes may specify the details differently, so confirm yours.
Is drip edge required?
It depends where you live and which code applies. Requirements vary by city and county; ask your building department or roofer. Many shingle manufacturers also give instructions for edge treatment, and some warranty terms reference it. Even where it is not mandated, many crews install it as standard practice because of the edge protection it adds. Our drip edge vs no drip edge comparison goes into how the two approaches differ.
What is drip edge made of?
Drip edge is most often made of aluminum or galvanized steel and is sold in painted and unpainted finishes. Some systems use other metals or are color-matched to the trim. Your roofer can show you the type being used and explain why it was chosen. Material and gauge are specified by product, so ask for the product name on your estimate.
How is drip edge installed during a replacement?
It goes on after the old roof is torn off and the deck has been checked, and before the shingles. A typical sequence: clean and straighten the edge of the deck, install eave drip edge, lay underlayment, then install rake drip edge over it, then continue with the shingles. Crews doing a full tear-off can see the condition of the edge boards as they work. Rot at the deck edge is one more reason to look closely once the old layer is off. See what is a redeck for related deck issues.
How do you tell if your roof has drip edge?
From the ground, look at the edge of the roof. Drip edge appears as a narrow metal lip along the eave and rake, often a different color from the fascia. Not seeing it does not prove it is missing, because some are painted to match. A roofer can confirm. Do not climb to check.
Frequently asked questions
Does drip edge prevent leaks? It helps keep water from getting behind the edge of the roof, but it is one part of the system. It works with underlayment, flashing and shingles.
Is it possible to install drip edge on an existing roof? Sometimes, though the correct layering is easiest during a replacement, when the edges are exposed. Ask a roofer what is practical.
How is drip edge related to roof flashing? It is a type of flashing at the roof's edges. What is roof flashing covers the broader category.
Do I need drip edge if I have gutters? Gutters collect water, and drip edge helps get the water into them. See do I need new gutters with a new roof for related questions.
Does drip edge rust? Galvanized steel can rust over time, especially if scratched. Aluminum does not rust the same way but can dent. Ask your roofer about the product.
Will my insurer require drip edge? Policies differ. Read yours and ask your agent.
Talk to us about your roof
Total Roof Protection OKC can inspect your roof edges and explain what we see. Call 405-415-5841 to schedule an inspection. An inspection describes your roof and does not predict an insurer's decision.