Why use drip edge on a roof?

What it protects

• Fascia and deck edges. Without it, water clings to the shingle edge, runs back onto the wood, and rots the fascia and the edge of the sheathing. This is one of the most common hidden repairs found during Georgia tear-offs.
• The gutter connection. Drip edge directs water into the gutter rather than down the back of it, where it stains siding and soaks soffits.
• The shingle edge. Shingles overhang the edge slightly. Drip edge supports that overhang so it does not droop or crack and gives the starter course a straight line.
• Wind-driven rain. At the rakes, it blocks rain blown sideways into the edge of the roof.
• Pests. It closes the small gap between deck and fascia where insects, wasps and sometimes squirrels get into the attic.

It is required

The International Residential Code has required drip edge on shingle roofs since its 2012 edition, and Georgia's current code, the 2024 IRC with state amendments effective January 1, 2026, still requires it at eaves and rakes. It must extend at least 2 inches onto the deck and 1/4 inch below the sheathing, overlap 2 inches between pieces, and be fastened no more than 12 inches apart, with underlayment over it at eaves and under it at rakes. Shingle manufacturers generally call for it as well.

If your roof has none

Many Georgia homes roofed before the requirement have no drip edge. Adding it properly means lifting the edge shingles and slipping the metal in, which is easiest during a replacement.

See drip edge explained, roof anatomy explained, and gutter sizing and seamless gutters.