When you’re installing a new roof, it’s important to consider all the components, from materials to membranes. Whilst bigger aspects are important, the smaller things like drip edging are crucial too. A drip edge might seem like a minor detail, but this addition plays a vital role in protecting your roof from water damage.
In this blog, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about drip edges in roofing and why they matter.
What Is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a section of metal that is installed around the edge of your roof. It’s designed to direct water off and away from your roof to prevent pooling and water damage. With this edge installed, rainwater falls into the drainage system where it is correctly filtered away from your property.
A drip edge is a form of metal flashing attached to the roof edge itself, directing water away from a roof surface to prevent lasting damage. With a drip edge, rainfall can be guided away from the roof and filtered into the drainage network, as it always should be.
A drip edge is usually made from durable, weatherproof metal like galvanised steel or aluminium to prevent wear or rust over time.
Why Is a Drip Edge Important?
The biggest cause of damage to a roof is water, and without proper preventative measures, your roof’s lifespan can be significantly reduced, and leaks can occur. By installing a drip edge, the corners of your roofing are protected, and moisture and water cannot penetrate any exposed areas.
Protect against water damage.
Rain can damage your roof exterior, but it can also cause havoc on the materials underneath your roof. Once water seeps through, it can cause mould and rot and weaken other structural components, especially those made of wood. A drip edge keeps your entire roof structure and property protected from this.
Prevent fascia damage
Soffits and fascias are right underneath your gutter, and without a drip edge, they’re exposed to water flow that can pour behind a fascia and cause rot. With a drip edge, water flows correctly into the gutter and prevents damage to these components.
Improve the gutter system
A drip edge keeps water flowing cleanly into the gutter system. Without this sloped edge, it’s easier for water to pass over or behind the gutter, making the system less effective and leading to residual water.
Extend roof life
Keeping water away from your roof and the components will help extend the life of your roof. This, in turn, helps you save money on expensive repairs and roof refreshes.
Are drip edges required for roofing?
For the majority of modern roofs, drip edges are part of building regulation requirements. This feature is needed to meet moisture management standards for UK properties.
When replacing an old roof or having a full new roof installed, a drip edge is an essential component. Professional installation should include adding a drip edge as standard, and any companies that fail to add this feature may not be complying with building regulations.
When is a drip edge not required?
In some rare cases, a drip edge isn’t needed. For example, some properties have pre-bent aluminium fascia, installed flush to the roof decking. This, by technical definition, is a fascia as well as a drip edge.
Alternatively, if you invested in a gutter apron over a drip edge for your home, this also functions as a drip edge.
Overall, the only situations where missing a drip edge is acceptable are if you have a reliable alternative to perform the same function. Whatever option you choose, water must be directed away from your roof with something installed along the eaves and roof deck.
How much does a drip edge cost?
A drip edge is an inexpensive solution for water redirection and can save countless pennies in the long run by preventing damage. Pricing of roof installation will, of course, depend on a number of factors, including the size and length of your roof and material types. Here at Flat Roof Experts, the cost of a drip edge is around £1.60 per linear foot, labour included.
When included in the cost of a full roof restoration, drip edges are reasonably priced and an essential investment for both compliance and longevity of your roof.
Choose Flat Roof Experts for quality drip edge installation
Here at Flat Roof Experts, our professionals can streamline the roofing process for our customers, and we offer an impressive range of roofing solutions throughout Bradford and Yorkshire.
We specialise in EPDM rubber roofing, where drip edging is installed as standard. We can also tackle a range of other roof requirements, including asbestos removal and installing green roofs.
If you’re ready to refresh your roof and protect your property from water damage, get in touch with our team today.