Is a drip edge required?
#1
05-25-13, 07:45 AM
Is a drip edge required?
I'm looking to have my roof replaced and I was wondering if a drip edge is required or needed. It's an old roof and it does not have a drip edge installed. A lot of my fascia boards are rotted, which I'm assuming one of the reasons is because there is no drip edge. A roofing contractor that come to look at the roof told me it wasn't needed, that he never installs it. He just goes right to the fascia board with the ice shield, which is just as good and that contractors will use it just to make the homeowner feel like they are getting added protection and a better job. Is the ice shield good enough or should I look for someone who does install the drip edge in their installation?
#2
05-25-13, 08:10 AM
Group Moderator
I would install the drip edge. Not only does it help keep the water from running down the fascia, but it also helps support the shingles on the end. If you have gutters, it will also help direct the water into the gutter.
Drip edge is cheap and should be used on all re-roofs IMO.
Drip edge is cheap and should be used on all re-roofs IMO.
#3
05-25-13, 08:12 AM
Super Moderator
The water and ice shield is to protect the lower portion of the roof decking (and any valleys) from ice dams.
I wouldn't want a new roof w/o drip edge. Not so vital on the angled sides of a roof (though I'd put it there also), but down at the lowest point above where gutter is installed..yes. If you have a plywood roof deck, the edges are the most vulnerable areas and need extra protection The expense is so minimal in the overall cost, why not?
Even out here in hot dry AZ it is installed...though most places don't even have gutters.
I wouldn't want a new roof w/o drip edge. Not so vital on the angled sides of a roof (though I'd put it there also), but down at the lowest point above where gutter is installed..yes. If you have a plywood roof deck, the edges are the most vulnerable areas and need extra protection The expense is so minimal in the overall cost, why not?
Even out here in hot dry AZ it is installed...though most places don't even have gutters.
#4
05-25-13, 08:16 AM
Another vote for adding the drip edge. Water is funny and can get into unintended places. Add in ice and it can wrap right under your shingles and despite the ice & water shield soak into the fascia.
And be sure he runs the Ice & water over the top of the drip edge.
Bud
And be sure he runs the Ice & water over the top of the drip edge.
Bud
#5
05-25-13, 05:10 PM
Group Moderator
A lot of times it is also a local code to install the ice and water along the gable eves. Another vote for metal roof edge and gutter apron above the gutters.
I don't believe all mfg's recommend that you put the ice and water over the top of the flashing.
I don't believe all mfg's recommend that you put the ice and water over the top of the flashing.
#6
05-27-13, 08:37 AM
I had 4 contractors come and give me a price and only one installs the drip edge as part of their standard installation. The only thing is his price was more than double the price of the other three. I checked and it's not a local code to have it installed, but I did find that the NRCA does suggest it be installed. If the material doesn't cost a lot and it's simple to install, I don't understand why it wouldn't be part of all contractors standard installation. I guess I'm going to have to pay an extra charge to have it installed.
#7
05-27-13, 08:58 AM
I've seen 20 year shingles still keeping the roof dry 40 years later. Not that they looked great. However, if 20 year shingles can hang around for 40 years, how long will those 30 - 50yr shingles be there? The point here is, this is an improvement that is consistent with the increased lifespan of the new shingles.
On the other hand, doing anything to shorten the life of those new shingles might be a form of job security. Hate to think that way, but doubling the lifespan of shingles does cut the roofing jobs in half, give or take.
From a buying point of view, I would spot that in a heartbeat and think someone cut a corner. That would make me wonder where else??
Bud
On the other hand, doing anything to shorten the life of those new shingles might be a form of job security. Hate to think that way, but doubling the lifespan of shingles does cut the roofing jobs in half, give or take.
From a buying point of view, I would spot that in a heartbeat and think someone cut a corner. That would make me wonder where else??
Bud
#8
05-27-13, 09:00 AM
Super Moderator
I don't understand why it wouldn't be part of all contractors standard installation.
A typical re-roof like you describe and what the 3 other contractors want to do doesn't take much skill normally, just labor. Did any of them even give you a price if you wanted drip edge?
And your location is known for sometimes corners being cut on stuff that is standard everywhere else, from what I understand.
#9
05-27-13, 12:52 PM
I think use of drip edge is somewhat region specific but as a painter I'd highly recommend it's use! I don't know a lot about how it affects the roofing itself but I've painted miles of fascia board both with and without drip caps. The paint job and wood always fair better when it has a drip edge to help protect it.
#10
04-16-14, 07:34 PM
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Only helped with a couple of roofs but yes to drip rail here. Without opening a fresh thread though, can I get some opinions on drip rail on the rakes?
#11
04-17-14, 03:17 AM
Same principal is involved. It helps to support the edges of the shingles and directs water from dripping down the rake with the kick out feature. Welcome to the forums.
