Did you know that most Americans have a shingle roof? According to Home Innovation’s Annual Consumer Reports, nearly 80 percent of roofs in America are asphalt shingles, followed by metal and clay roofing materials. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most affordable and are pleasing to the eye, making them an easy choice for most homeowners. Asphalt shingle roofs also have a long lifespan and are relatively low maintenance, adding to their popularity.
When you hire a roofing contractor to install a new asphalt shingle roof, one of the most common questions they’ll ask is whether or not you want to install drip edges. If you’re in the market for a new roof and aren’t quite sure if you should have a roofing installation company install drip edges, continue reading as we explain everything you need to know about drip edges and whether or not they’re necessary.
What is a Drip Edge?
Before we discuss whether or not drip edges are necessary, let’s first explain what drip edges are. A drip edge is made of a metal sheet that is installed on the edge of a roof in the shape of an L. The function of a drip edge is to direct all water that drains from the roof away from the fascia and into the home’s gutter system.
What are Some Advantages of Drip Edges?
Drip edges prolong the lifespan of a shingle roof and play a huge role in the roofing system. When heavy rain and precipitation are pelting a roof and no drip edge is present, that water would seep under the fascia and shingles causing wood rot and leaks. However, when a drip edge is in place, the water would be directed into the gutter system keeping the roof drier.
Along with wood rot, leaks, and other water damage, the lack of a drip edge on a roof can also lead to a pest infestation. When a roof doesn’t have a drip edge, a tiny space exists between the decking and the fascia, creating an ideal environment for pests and critters to invade and make their way into your home.
In addition to protecting your roof and home from water damage and pests, there are many other advantages to installing drip edges:
- They protect the shingles from damage caused by excessive moisture
- They protect your home from water damage caused by ice dams
- They reduce the risk of wind damage to the decking and fascia
So, Are Drip Edges Necessary?
Now that we’ve discussed the advantages of drip edges, you may be wondering if they’re necessary. Drip edges are strongly recommended by most roofing contractors and for good reason. They can prolong the life of your roof and your gutter system, two investments that are crucial to keeping your home safe from water damage and drainage issues.
While roofing contractors and all of us here at K-Guard strongly recommend that drip edges be installed on all shingle roofs, it’s a requirement in many cities across North America. While certain counties and cities have different building codes, International Building Code (IBC) states that “a drip edge shall be provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs.” Again, it’s important to note that certain jurisdictions have different requirements. Roofing contractors will know what is required and will stick to code so there’s no need for you to worry about regulations.
Do Drip Edges Benefit My Gutters?
A common question we get here at K-Guard is if drip edges benefit gutters. They do! When we install our K-Guard System, it goes directly under drip edges to ensure the water that drains from the roof is moving in the right direction.
Whether your home is older or a newer build, we recommend installing drip edges. If your home doesn’t already have them, you may want to contact a roofing contractor to get them installed. Think of drip edges as a wise investment that will prolong the life of your roof and gutters.
Asphalt roofs benefit from having drip edges installed, and, as a result, so does a gutter system. We recommend every home with an asphalt roof has them installed to protect the roof and gutter system.
In addition to installing drip edges, gutter cover installation can prolong the life of your existing roof. The K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System is a full system and is crafted from heavy-duty aluminum. It’s able to outperform any other system on the market. From our hood to our gutter and downspouts, the K-Guard System can keep water flowing through the system at a rapid pace all while blocking leaves and other debris, forcing them to fall off the gutter system rather than accumulate inside it over time. Visit our Facebook page (and give us a “like”!) to see past gutter installation projects and how beautifully seamless they are.
Making the switch to K-Guard also means you’ll never have to clean your gutter system again. Because leaves and other debris aren’t able to enter the gutter system, you’ll never have to complete the daunting task of cleaning them out ever again!
Contact our team today or call (913) 380-1616 to schedule your free estimate. We’ll examine your current gutter system and will offer an assessment as well as our recommendations for installing the K-Guard System in your home. We offer our gutter installation service to homeowners across both Missouri and Kansas including, but not limited to, the following locations: Kansas City, Overland Park, Topeka, Olathe, Shawnee, Independence, Lenexa, and Lee’s Summit.
