How to Cut Roof Shingles at the Drip Edge

The drip edge of a roof is just what the name implies -- it is the edge where the water drips. The water may flow to a gutter, or just drop to the ground depending upon the style of the roof. The drip edge is where a roofer first places the shingles when roofing. Cutting the shingles to fit makes the difference between an adequate job versus one that looks great. The typical asphalt shingle is 36 inches long by 12 inches tall. The lower half of the shingle has three tabs cut from the shingle before attaching it to the drip edge.

Things You'll Need

• Carpenter's Square
• Marking pen
• Cutting tool

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the shingle top side face down on the plywood roof.

   • 2

     Use a carpenter's square and marking pen to draw a straight line horizontal across the shingle, and level with the tab slits.

   • 3

     Cut along the line with a roofer's knife, utility knife, shingle shears or something similar.

   • 4

     Save the tabs for the roof ridge.

   • 5

     Install the first shingle at the left side of the drip edge, with the cut side facing toward the roof ridge.

   • 6

     Overlap the first shingle six inches with the next shingle, and continue with this pattern until you reach the other side of the roof.