How do you measure drip edge?
Short answer. Measure drip edge in linear feet along every eave and rake, and measure its profile by the width of the roof flange and the depth of the face that hangs over the fascia. Take both before buying, because replacement pieces need to cover the top of the fascia and still sit properly behind or into the gutter.
Measuring the run
- Eaves: run a tape along the gutter line or fascia from corner to corner.
- Rakes: measure along the sloped edge itself. From the ground, you can estimate by multiplying the horizontal width of the gable by the pitch factor, about 1.118 for a 6 in 12 roof, and dividing between the two sides.
- Measurement reports list eaves and rakes separately, which is the easiest source.
Measuring the profile
- Roof flange: the width that lies on the deck. It must cover at least 2 inches, and common profiles run about 2 to 4 inches.
- Face: how far it hangs down over the fascia. It must reach at least 1/4 inch below the deck. Common faces run about 1 1/2 to 3 inches.
- Drip lip: whether the bottom kicks outward, as on D-style edge.
Check the gutter and fascia
Measure the gap between the fascia and the back of the gutter, and note whether the existing metal goes into the gutter, behind it, or stops above it. If shingle water is running behind the gutter, gutter apron with a longer face that drops into the trough may be the better choice. Note the fascia material, wood or aluminum wrapped, and whether rotted spots need a deeper face to cover them after repair.
Match the color
Take a photo or a small piece of the old metal to the supplier. White, brown, black and bronze are common stock colors.