While often overlooked by homeowners, drip edges play a major role in protecting our homes’ structural integrity. That’s why drip edge installation is a vital step in setting up new roofs or replacing existing ones.
If you’re looking to have a drip edge installed, reading this blog is a good place to start. We’ll go over the benefits of this component, its various types and materials, and the overall project cost.
Our blog section at Viking Contractors also contains more in-depth information about roofing, siding, and window installation; make sure to check it out!
Why Installing a Drip Edge Is Important
Given that water damage affects approximately 14,000 people in the U.S. daily, it’s safe to assume you’ve experienced it or know someone who has. If so, you’re aware of how hazardous it can be to your health and safety, as well as how costly it can be to repair.
A drip edge is one of the best roof flashing components we use to prevent water damage. It’s simply a thin sheet—usually made of metal—that we install on the roof’s edge. What’s its purpose? It diverts rainwater away from the structure of your house and into the gutters.
Because drip edges don’t allow rainwater to pool on your roof or trickle down your house’s foundation, they keep a slew of unfavorable scenarios at bay. For example, they reduce the possibility of roof leaks, ice dams forming, and damage to fragile areas like the fascia and soffit.
Drip Edge Installation Overview
Here’s a quick rundown of how we install drip edges. We start by measuring the eave length we want to cover with flashing to calculate the right size of the drip edge piece we’ll need.
Then, we slip the drip edge’s wide flange under the roofing material, leaving the other side hanging over the gutters.
Finally, after some proper fittings, we secure the flashing in place with galvanized roofing nails, and sometimes, we even use roofing cement.
What Are the Different Types of Drip Edges?
Roof drip edge flashing comes in several shapes. We can’t say that one has more qualities than the other, as they all serve the same purpose of redirecting water. However, their style is what truly sets them apart, so make sure to choose one that complements the exterior of your home.
Now, here are the three most popular drip edge shapes, along with their estimated cost:
C-Shape Drip Edge
A C-shape drip edge is the most basic style on the market. But, surprisingly, it doesn’t resemble a C. Instead, it has an L-shaped design that’s bent 90° and has a kick-out flange to help direct water away.
The C-style varieties are reasonably priced, ranging from $0.50 to $1 per linear foot.
F-Shape Drip Edge
F-shape varieties are known for providing superior protection against water infiltration. That’s because they have the longest wing extending from the roof edge, covering the deck and fascia board.
Since this drip edge prevents water from seeping behind the gutter, it usually goes by the gutter apron.
F-shape drip edges are slightly more costly than the other two types on this list. They range in price from $0.75 to $2.50 per linear foot.
D-Shape Drip Edge
The design of the D-shape drip edge, like the C-shape type, has nothing to do with its name. Both types also share the same price range.
D-shaped varieties have more of a T-like design with a straight side that stretches downward over the fascia board.
Drip Edge Materials Available
Aside from learning about the various drip edge styles, you should also know more about the materials it’s available in. Below are three of the most common metals used in manufacturing this type of flashing and their prices:
Aluminum
You’ll find that aluminum is the most widely used material for drip edge flashing, and for good reason. Not only is it lightweight, sturdy, and corrosion-resistant, but it also comes in a multitude of colors to choose from.
The real cherry on top is that aluminum drip edges fall into the affordable price range, costing between $0.50 and $1 per linear foot.
Galvanized Steel
Before aluminum arrived and took center stage, galvanized steel was quite popular in the drip edge market. Both materials are actually quite similar in terms of price, rust resistance, and durability.
Although galvanized steel isn’t as appealing as its rival and doesn’t come in various shades, it has proven to be more stable in high winds.
Copper
If you don’t mind splurging a little on roof drip edges, opting for copper would be a great idea. It might be the priciest, but it has the best visual appeal, extreme sturdiness, and a remarkably long lifespan.
Expect to pay anywhere between $3.50 and $7.50 per linear foot for copper drip edges, but they’ll certainly be well worth the investment!
Cost of Drip Edge Installation
Plenty of aspects go into determining the overall cost of roof drip edge installation. By now, you should have a good idea of how different drip edge types and materials affect the project’s expenses. That said, there are three more factors you should be aware of.
The first is somewhat predicted, which is the size of your roof; the larger it is, the more expensive the installation will be. The second is the roof’s design or layout; if it’s complex or has a steep slope, labor costs will go up.
Last but not least, installing drip edge while building or replacing a roof isn’t the same as adding it to an existing one. It’s far more challenging and time-consuming to install drip edges on finished roofs.
Generally, installing drip edges while setting up a new roof can cost between $1.50 and $3 per linear foot. However, if you’ll have them installed on an existing roof, you should budget between $5 and $9 per linear foot.
Depending on all of the factors we discussed, the entire project could cost as little as $200 or as much as $1,800.
Final Thoughts
To ensure a successful drip edge installation, we strongly advise hiring a specialized professional.
The setup process is more complicated than one might imagine because of the numerous details involved. Not to mention that it’ll be performed at a height, which poses many risks to untrained individuals.
If you want a long-lasting drip edge installed that’ll effectively protect your home, call us today at Vikings Contractors to schedule an appointment.
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