What Is a Drip Edge In Roofing?

Got a new roof but still seeing leaks? It might be missing the one piece no one talks about the drip edge.

Let’s say you just had a new roof installed. It looks great. But then, you notice water dripping behind the gutters. Your fascia board starts to rot. Paint is peeling. Mould might even show up. You’re thinking, “Wasn’t this new roof supposed to fix that?”

Here’s the truth: if your roofer skipped the drip edge, water might be sneaking under your shingles and slowly destroying your roof from the edges in.

If you’re wondering “What is a drip edge?”, why it matters, and how to make sure it’s installed right the first time. This guide explains everything in simple terms.

What Is a Drip Edge in Roofing?

A drip edge is a metal strip (usually aluminium or steel) installed along the edges of your roof. It has three key jobs:

1. Directs water away from your roof deck and fascia.

2. Protects wood from rotting by keeping moisture out.

3. Prevents pests (like squirrels and birds) from nesting under shingles.

Without it? Water seeps under shingles, ruins your roof structure, and leads to expensive repairs.

Why Is a Drip Edge So Important?

Water doesn’t just fall—it flows. And without a clear path to follow, it takes the path of least resistance, right under your roofing materials. That’s when problems start.

Here’s what a drip edge does:

• Stops water damage at the roof edge

• Protects the fascia board from rot and mould

• Improves gutter performance by sending water where it belongs

• Prevents insects and small animals from entering through gaps

• Strengthens the roof line and improves wind resistance

3 Types of Drip Edges Used

There are three common drip edge profiles, each suited for different roof styles:

1. Type C (L-Style)

• Shape: Simple 90-degree bend

• Best for: Low-slope roofs

• Also known as: Classic style

2. Type D (T-Style)

• Shape: Features a kick-out at the bottom

• Best for: Directing water further away

• Most recommended: For residential homes

3. Type F (Gutter Apron)

• Shape: Extra-long face

• Best for: Re-roofing projects or when replacing without removing old fascia

Pro Tip: Always choose Type D if you want the best protection in heavy rain and snow areas.

Advantages of Installing a Drip Edge

✅ Prevents Water Damage – Keeps the roof deck and fascia dry
✅ Improves Roof Life – Adds years to your roof’s performance
✅ Better Gutter Flow – Directs water efficiently into the gutter
✅ Pest Protection – Closes off entry points at the roof edge
✅ Looks Cleaner – Gives a finished look to your roofline
✅ Boosts Wind Resistance – Reinforces the edge of your shingles

Disadvantages of a Drip Edge (If You Ignore It)

❌ Water Intrusion – Water can sneak under shingles and rot your wood
❌ Gutter Problems – Without it, gutters may overflow or leak behind
❌ Fascia Rot – Paint peels, wood softens, mould grows
❌ Higher Repair Costs – You may end up replacing parts of your roof
❌ Code Violations – In most U.S. states, drip edge is now required by building code

Is Drip Edge Required by Code in the U.S.?

Yes. Since 2012, the International Residential Code (IRC) has required drip edge installation on all asphalt shingle roofs. This means in most U.S. states, a roofing job without one is not up to code.

Make sure your contractor pulls a permit and follows local codes. Cheap shortcuts cost more in the long run.

Signs of a Bad or Missing Drip Edge

🚩Water behind the gutter
🚩Peeling paint on fascia boards
🚩 Rotting wood along the eaves
🚩 Mould or stains at the roof edge
🚩 Visible gaps between shingles and gutters

If you see any of these, don’t wait—it only gets worse over time.

Can You Add a Drip Edge to an Existing Roof?

Yes, but it depends on the roof’s design. It’s easier during a roof replacement, but in some cases, a skilled roofer can retrofit a drip edge using a gutter apron or Type F flashing.

This is often done when replacing gutters or fixing water damage at the eaves.

Choosing the Right Drip Edge Material

Note: Match your drip edge to your gutter material to avoid corrosion (for example, don’t mix copper with aluminium).

Drip Edge Vs. Gutter Apron: Are They the Same?

Not quite.

• Drip Edge: Used under the shingles during new roof installation.

• Gutter Apron: Longer version, often used in retrofit jobs over old roofs.

Both serve the same purpose: to guide water into the gutter, but are installed at different stages.

Our Professional Advice: Don’t Skip the Drip Edge

After 30 years in roofing, I’ve seen it all, from storm damage to rot so deep it needed full fascia replacement. In 9 out of 10 of those cases? No drip edge. Roofing isn’t just about shingles, it’s about the system. Every part plays a role. A missing drip edge may seem small, but it opens the door to big problems.

If you’re planning a roof replacement or spot signs of water damage near your gutters, talk to a professional roofer. Ask one question:

👉 “Did you include drip edge flashing in the estimate?”

If the answer is no, run.

Final Thought

A drip edge is a small part with a HUGE job. If your roof doesn’t have one (or it’s damaged), water WILL cause problems. At Procraft Home Products, we don’t cut corners, especially not at the roof’s edge. Whether you need a new roof or just want to inspect what’s already up there, our team is ready to help.

📞 Call now for a free roof edge inspection or message us to get an honest, no-pressure quote.

We’ve protected thousands of homes across America—let yours be next.