Georgia Roof Guide

What does drip edge go on?

Short answer. Drip edge goes on the outer edges of the roof deck, along the eaves and the rakes, nailed to the decking with its lower leg hanging over the fascia board. At the eaves it goes under the underlayment, and at the rakes it goes on top of the underlayment, so water always runs over a lap instead of behind it.

What it attaches to

The roof flange of a drip edge lies flat on the plywood or OSB decking and is nailed through the deck, not into the fascia. The vertical leg hangs in front of the fascia board with a small gap and a kick-out at the bottom so water drips clear. The International Residential Code requires it at the eaves and rakes of shingle roofs, extending at least 2 inches onto the deck and at least 1/4 inch below the sheathing, fastened no more than 12 inches apart, with pieces lapped at least 2 inches.

The order of layers

  1. At the eaves: drip edge first, then underlayment or ice and water membrane over it, so water running down the underlayment lands on top of the metal.
  2. At the rakes: underlayment first, then drip edge over it, so wind-driven rain cannot get behind the underlayment at the side edge.
  3. Starter strip and shingles on top, overhanging the drip edge slightly.

Where gutters fit

On a guttered eave, the drip edge should drop water into the gutter, not behind it. When the gutter hangs low or the fascia is uneven, roofers use a profile with a longer leg or a gutter apron that reaches down into the gutter. A gap between drip edge and gutter is a common reason for rotted fascia and stained siding on Georgia homes. See gutter sizing, seamless gutters and guards.

For the full rundown, read drip edge explained.

In depth

Is a metal roof a good idea for a Georgia home?Standing seam vs exposed fastener metal roofs in Georgia: hail dents, the noise myth, heat and color, upkeep, Are impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles worth it in Georgia?What UL 2218 Class 4 really tests, what it does not promise, how Georgia's FORTIFIED discount law works, and wOSB or plywood roof decking: which is better, and what happens at a reroof?OSB vs plywood roof decking in Georgia: span ratings and thickness, how each fails when wet, plank decks, and

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