A human hand with a watch on an asphalt roof showing the drip edge at the rakes with a chimney and its flashing in the background.

Drip Edge

Component - Drip edge is a metal flashing installed at the edge of the roof that directs water away from the roof deck, fascia, and wall below.

Why Do Roofs Have Drip Edge

Drip edge is most commonly discussed on steep-slope roofs. It is installed at the eaves and rakes, where water drains off the roof. Without drip edge, water can cling to the edge of the roof the same way it curls around the underside of a cup or spoon instead of falling straight down. Drip edge often has a flange at the bottom that projects water outward into the gutter instead of allowing it to run behind the gutter against the fascia.

Most homeowners encounter the term during roof replacement, gutter installation or fascia repair. Drip edge also guides water into gutters rather than behind them, which makes it part of the roof and drainage system.

While drip edge is typically associated with steep-slope roofs, it may similarly be used on low-slope membrane roofs to protect the roof edge and terminate the membrane at the perimeter of the roof.

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