Installation Guide for a Drip Edge

Types of Drip Edge

• Profile and finish differentiate the basic types of drip edge. Drip edge profiles, or forms, generally vary according to the type of roof that the drip edge protects. For example, whereas the separate sides of drip edge for flat roofs meet at a precise 90 degree angle, the top side of drip edge for pitched, shingle roofs often extends beyond the bottom side to create a protruding lip. Drip edge surface finishes range from plain, galvanized metal to a variety of paints, typically browns and whites.

Location of Drip Edge

• Drip edge lines the perimeter of both the horizontally level eave edges and sloped, gable edges of a standard gable end roof. A standard roof consists of framing, sheathing, roofing paper and roof covering. Roofers typically place drip edge between sheathing and roofing paper on the roof's eave edges and between roofing and roof covering on gable edges. In other words, drip edge sits beneath roofing paper along the eaves and above roofing paper along gable ends. Alternatively, some roofers install roofing paper both above and below drip edge or apply a special waterproofing membrane atop drip edge.

Drip Edge Tools and Supplies

• Installing drip edge requires layout tools, cutting tools and fastening tools. To measure and lay out drip edge cuts, roofers use a standard tape measure, a marking implement and square or straightedge. To cut drip edge, roofers use hand tools or power tools. Power tools capable of cutting metal drip edge include circular saws and bench saws equipped with metal cutting blades. Hand tools capable of cutting drip edge include construction snips and hacksaws. Fastening tools include either nail guns or hammers.

Installation and Nailing Pattern

• To install drip edge, roofers begin at the corner of the roof's eave line. Roofers press the drip edge against the roof's edge, lip side down, and fasten the drip edge to roof deck with roofing nails. Although installation requirements vary according to project specifics, roofers generally fasten nails every 12 inches on center. Importantly, adjacent lengths of drip edge must overlap to create a watertight seal. Roofers typically overlap the ends of adjacent pieces of drip edge by approximately 2 to 4 inches.