Often improperly installed or simply forgotten altogether, a drip edge is a critical element of any roof.

This strip of metal that hides under the edge of the roofing is instrumental in its purpose, which is to keep water rolling off the roof from soaking the facia and underside of the roof’s edge.

To protect your roof, make sure the drip edge is installed correctly by roofers so it works as it should!

What Is the Correct Installation of A Drip Edge?

Though many drip edges get installed under the edge of the roof so they are attached directly to the fascia board, this installation is incorrect and could cause water to seep and wet the fascia.

A correctly installed drip edge done by qualified roofers is forward from the fascia, attached instead to a furring strip nailed to its top edge.

This little bit of distance between the fascia and the back of the drip edge is all that is needed to be certain that no water seeps behind the strip but drips off it instead, as it has been designed.

Positioned incorrectly on the roofing, there is a risk that the fascia could rot if it frequently gets wet.

Why Is A Correct Installation So Important?

When it’s been installed correctly by a knowledgeable roofer, the drip edge provides some important benefits in order to avoid costly damage to your roof:

• Prevents Water Getting Under the Shingles - The primary purpose for a drip edge is to prevent water from rolling over the edge of the shingle on the roof and then underneath where it will be sucked up by the uncoated side of the shingle and the underlayment. Over time, this will cause the decking under the edge of the shingles to rot.
• Prevents Damage to Fascia Boards - Correctly positioned, a drip edge properly installed by a roofer prevents water from seeping under the edge of the roofing material where it will reach the fascia and cause that unprotected wood to rot over time. The l-shaped design directs water rolling under the edge of the roof off the drip edge and into the gutter, keeping everything else dry.
• Prevents Ice Damming - By preventing water from rolling under the roof edge and being drawn under the shingles, drip edges also prevent ice damming that can happen if ice forms over the edge of the wet shingles.
• Strengthens the Edge of the Roof - Applied correctly to a furring strip right up under the underside of the shingles, drip guards add a little extra strength to that part of the roof so the shingles are less likely to be damaged by anything.
• Prevents Rodents from Getting In - One common way that rodents get into roofing is through gaps in the fascia or by chewing holes in it. A drip edge keeps them from reaching the fascia and finding a way in.

Make Sure Drip Edges Are Done Right

Though they may not seem that important, drip edges are definitely a part of roofing that you won’t want to skimp on.

Make sure your roofer puts drip edges on when doing a new roof and if you don’t have them now, consider having someone add them.

Most of all, make sure the roofer adds a drip edge correctly so it will protect the edge of your roof in all the ways it should.

Though they look minor, drip edges play an important role as part of the whole system that makes up your roofing!

Need Roofing Work Done in Huntsville Texas?

Roofers Huntsville Handles New Roofs and Roofing Repair!

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Finding a qualified local roofer can be a real challenge considering how many of them are out there.

To find one that will do a good job on a new roof or repairs, charge a fair price, and stand behind their work, start off by getting a few referrals from friends, family, or the internet.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential roofing candidates, inquire about all the following important details so you can compare and make the most informed decision.

1. References

Before getting too involved, ask any roof company to provide customer references that you can inquire with about their dealings with the company and get important feedback from them.

Past customers are usually happy to explain the experience they’ve had and any problems encountered to give you a good idea as to whether a roofer is reputable to work with.

Check the Better Business Bureau as well.

2. Qualifications and Insurance

Ask to see whether the roofer has any locally required licenses, training qualifications, and memberships in good standing in any local or national roofing associations.

Then ask for proof of business and workers compensation insurance to protect all persons and property during jobs.

3. Written Estimates

Every reputable roofer should be able to provide a detailed written estimate of any roof installation or repair work they might perform with all costs documented and explained so there are no fees hidden that could be a surprise later.

The estimate should also include any work that must be subcontracted out, any cleanup or disposal fees, and all other expenses that may come into effect during the job.

4. Explanation of Warranties Offered

There are multiple warranties offered with roofing work depending on what is being done, the materials used, how they are used, and the roofer performing the work.

Before agreeing to anything, it’s essential to inquire about which warranties are included in the job, who is responsible for each one, and what the specifications are to maintaining those warranties once the work has been performed.

Get the roofing company to tell you specifically what must be done to prevent manufacturer warranties from being voided, and what they plan to do to warranty their own work, as well.

5. Manufacturer Specifications on Materials

Many manufacturers of premium roof materials insist that the roofers installing them are trained to work with their material in order for the product warranty to be honored.

In that way, the manufacturer can ensure that the customer receives proper workmanship so that their product can perform as it should.

Find out if the roofer is certified by the manufacturer to install their products before signing an agreement.

6. Roofing Process

Whether looking for a whole new roof or just some repair work, talk about the process any roofer will use to and make sure you are agree with it.

Most importantly, be certain that the selected roofer will not take cost-saving shortcuts like not stripping off the old roof and that repairs are properly made, not just patched on the surface.

7. Ventilation

One of the most overlooked, yet critical components of every roof is proper ventilation, which starts in the attic.

If getting a new roof or addressing certain issues affecting the current one like shingle damage, dampness in the attic, improving energy efficiency, or other issues, talk to the roof company about ventilation and if they will ensure that your roof has enough before performing the work.

The longevity of your roofing depends on it.

Just Ask the Right Roofing Questions

Roofing work is costly, so it is important to find an experienced roofer who can provide the best work for your investment.

By asking the right questions, you can find a great roofer in your area to handle all your roofing needs!

Searching for A Roofer in Huntsville Texas?

Contact the Pros at Roofers Huntsville!

Call (936) 228-4697 To Learn More!