If you’re a homeowner with an asphalt shingle roof, you might be wondering, “Does my asphalt roof need drip edges?” This is a common question, and the short answer is yes — drip edges are an essential part of your roofing system. These metal strips, often made from galvanized steel or aluminum, play a huge role in protecting your roof, your gutter system, and the structure of your home from potential water damage. But let’s dig deeper into why installing drip edges is a wise investment for any roof, especially asphalt shingle roofs.
What Are Drip Edges?
Roof drip edges are metal sheets installed along the roof’s edge, particularly on the eaves and rake edges. They direct water away from your fascia board and into your gutters, preventing water from seeping under the shingles and causing wood rot or other structural damage. Drip edges act as a protective barrier between the water and the edges of your roof, ensuring that moisture doesn’t cause long-term damage.
One of the reasons drip edge installation is strongly recommended is because it helps manage surface tension and ensures water flows in the right direction. Without them, water can seep behind the gutter apron or gutter system, causing problems like excessive moisture, rust, and even leaks. Whether you’re working with an existing roof or planning to install a new roof, adding drip edges will help prevent many future headaches.
Why Does My Asphalt Roof Need Drip Edges?
So, why is it so important to have drip edges installed on your asphalt shingle roof? Here are some key reasons:
Prevent Water Damage
Drip edges are vital for directing water away from the fascia and preventing water damage. Without them, water can pool at the roof deck, leading to wood rot or leaks into your home. Strong winds and wind-driven rain can also push water beneath existing shingles, causing even more damage.
Protect Against Ice Dams
If you live in an area prone to ice dams — such as New England — having drip edges installed is essential. Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof and refreezes at the roof’s edge, potentially allowing water to seep under the asphalt shingles. Properly installed drip edges will channel this water away from your home, protecting your roof and gutter system.
Ensure Compliance with Building Codes
In many areas, building codes require drip edges for new roof installations, as they provide essential protection that extends the roof’s lifespan. If you’re installing a new asphalt shingle roof, make sure to include drip edges in the process to meet code requirements and safeguard your home.
Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan
Drip edges, especially when made from galvanized steel, are low maintenance and highly durable. Once installed correctly, they require little upkeep and can last as long as the roof itself, which means they offer a long lifespan and wise investment for your home.
Types of Drip Edges
There are several types of drip edges, but the most common styles for asphalt shingle roofs include:
- L-Style: This is the most common type of drip edge used on shingle roofs. It fits directly under the shingles and over the fascia board, creating a small overhang to direct water into the gutters.
- T-Style: This style has a longer leading edge, which makes it more effective in areas prone to heavy rain and strong winds. The extra length ensures water is properly directed into the gutter system.
- K-Guard: This type is designed to work with K-style gutters, which are popular for their ability to handle large volumes of water.
Each style plays a crucial role in directing water away from your home and preventing issues like water damage and excessive moisture near your windows and fascia board.
How Are Drip Edges Installed?
The process of installing drip edges is fairly straightforward, but it requires precision to ensure they’re installed correctly. If you’re adding drip edges to an existing roof, your contractor will lift the existing shingles at the rake edges and eaves to slide the metal sheet underneath. The drip edges are then nailed in place using roofing nails along the fascia board and roof deck.
For a new asphalt shingle roof, the new drip edge is installed before the shingles go on, creating a smooth transition that prevents leaks and directs water where it belongs — into the gutter system.
Some contractors may also recommend adding a gutter apron, which is a type of metal sheet that works in tandem with the drip edges to further direct water into the gutters. This added layer of protection is particularly useful in areas that experience heavy rain or strong winds.
Do I Need to Install Drip Edges on My Existing Roof?
If your asphalt shingle roof was installed without drip edges, it’s a good idea to have them added, especially if you notice signs of water damage near the roof’s edge, fascia board, or gutters. While it’s easier to install them during a new roof installation, they can also be retrofitted onto your existing roof and gutters in Manchester, NH, without too much hassle.
Homeowners should also be aware that adding drip edges to an older roof may help improve its performance, especially if you’re dealing with issues like wind-driven rain, heavy rain, or ice dams. These elements can easily damage your roof if water is not properly directed away from the edges.
Call Aho Seamless Gutters Today!
If you’re asking, “Does my asphalt roof need drip edges?” the answer is a resounding yes. Drip edges are instrumental in protecting your roof and home from water damage, ice dams, and excessive moisture. Whether you’re installing a new roof or looking to improve an existing roof, having drip edges installed is a wise investment for ensuring the longevity and durability of your asphalt shingle roof.
Don’t wait for water damage to become a problem — contact Aho Seamless Gutters today! Let us help you protect your home with top-quality gutter system solutions, like seamless gutters and Gutter Topper gutter guards. Reach out to schedule a consultation and keep your home safe from the elements!