Most people don’t pay a lot of attention to their roof until there’s something wrong with it. This can be a mistake, because there are plenty of roof-related headaches that can be avoided with a little attention and effort that can cause so many larger problems down the road if they aren’t addressed. For example, do you know what a drip edge is? Do you know if your roof has one? Does it need one?
A drip edge is a small piece of material, usually metal, which hangs over the edge of your roof, usually over a gutter. It’s much more important than it looks – its purpose is to guide the rainwater and snowmelt off of your roof and into your gutters, directing the water away from your walls. Sometimes roofing companies will omit the drip edges when installing a roof to save time or money. In contract negotiation, it is often the first sacrifice.
Drip edges, however, protect your roof. There are many reasons why you want these in place, and why they’re worth the relatively small expense to have them installed if they are missing or damaged.
1. The Eaves Need Protection
The eaves bear the brunt of the majority of the drips that fall on the roof. Having those metal drip edges along the edge of your roof keeps the eaves from being damaged during big downpours. With a steeply sloped roof, whatever edges that get the most water really depend upon that reinforcement.
2. Rake Edges Can Use that Protection Too
You can help your rake edges by including metal edging there as well. For any shingle roof, having those metal edges will help to keep the shingles from bending and breaking as they extend off the edge of the roof. You want all the water that goes over the eaves to make it into the gutters – without drip edge, that is much less likely.
3. You Could Destroy Your Shingles
Having water collect under the shingles can ruin them. The drip edge helps to guide the water away from the shingles and into the gutters, protecting the longevity of the shingles. Unless you want to support your local roofing company by hiring them to replace shingles more often, you want to keep those shingles as strong and pristine as you can, for as long as you can.
When pricing out roofing contractors and reviewing their estimates, check to see that the drip edge is included — it’s important! It’s also important to remember that it’s very possible to find a good, local, affordable roofing contractor that doesn’t cut corners. Here in Cincinnati, all of us here at Harper Siding and Roofing will be happy to look after your roof, drip edges included, for less than you might expect. Spending a little today can save you a lot down the road. Ask us how we can help to safeguard the future of your roof and your home.