What should photos of drip edge show on a finished roof?
Short answer. Good photos of a drip edge installation show metal along every eave and rake, the eave drip edge tucked under the underlayment and the rake drip edge on top of it, joints overlapped about 2 inches, corners lapped with the rake over the eave, and shingles overhanging the metal by a small, even amount. Those are the details to look for in your contractor's progress photos.
During installation
- Eave drip edge on bare deck, before underlayment, with its face snug against the fascia.
- Underlayment lapped over the eave metal, so water on the underlayment runs onto the drip edge, not behind it.
- Rake drip edge on top of the underlayment, so water blown under the rake metal lands on the sheet.
- Nails high on the roof flange, no more than 12 inches apart, where shingles will cover them.
- Overlaps of about 2 inches at each joint, lapped in the direction water flows.
After the shingles are on
- A straight, continuous metal line along every edge, with no missing sections on porch roofs or dormers.
- Shingles overhanging the drip edge evenly, generally within the 1/4 to 3/4 inch range most manufacturers list.
- Rake pieces lapping over the eave pieces at outside corners, with no gap at the corner.
- Gutter apron or drip edge reaching over the back of the gutter so water lands inside it.
- No dents, kinks or nails through the face.
Red flags
- Eave drip edge installed on top of the underlayment, which can route water behind the metal.
- Old, rusted drip edge reused with new shingles.
- Gaps at corners or butt joints with no overlap.
- Shingles hanging far past the edge or stopping short of it.
If your roofer does not share photos, ask for them before final payment. See drip edge explained and what to expect on replacement day.