What is the best drip edge for a roof?
Short answer. For most Georgia homes the best drip edge is a prefinished aluminum or galvanized steel profile with a hemmed kick at the bottom, often called D style or T style, installed at both eaves and rakes. It should extend at least 1/4 inch below the decking, reach at least 2 inches onto the roof, and be color matched to the fascia or gutters.
Profiles
- C or L style: a simple bent angle. Inexpensive and common on older roofs, but water can cling to it and run back toward the fascia.
- D or T style: adds an outward kick at the bottom that throws water clear of the fascia and into the gutter. The usual best choice at eaves.
- Extended or gutter apron style: a longer face that drops into the gutter or covers taller trim. Useful where the gutter sits low.
Materials
- Aluminum: will not rust, easy to bend, many factory colors. The most common choice in Georgia.
- Galvanized steel: stiffer and straighter on long runs; cut edges need care to avoid rust.
- Copper: long lived, for copper gutters and high end homes. Keep it away from aluminum and galvanized parts to avoid corrosion where they touch.
Code basics
The residential code Georgia uses requires drip edge at eaves and rakes of shingle roofs, overlapped at least 2 inches at joints, extending at least 1/4 inch below the sheathing and 2 inches back onto the deck, and fastened no more than 12 inches apart. Underlayment goes over the drip edge at the eaves and under it at the rakes.
What separates a good install
- Drip edge positioned so water lands in the gutter, not behind it.
- Neat corners at the eave and rake meeting point.
- A color that matches the trim, so it disappears.
Read drip edge explained and gutter sizing and guards.