Drip edge is an important but often unnoticed part of a roofing system. Its job is to protect the vulnerable edges of your roof and ensure that water ends up in the gutters and not down the side of the house or on your soffit. Drip edge is replaced during a roof replacement, but you can also replace damaged pieces yourself.
In this article, I’ll detail these various types of drip edge and the materials used to make it to give you a better idea of what they are, what they’re for, and how to choose the best type for your roof.
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- Roof drip edge is a type of metal flashing that comes in three general types: type-C, type-D, and type-F.
- Aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl are common drip edge materials.
- All drip edge protects equally well, and costs are almost identical (except copper).
- The best choice for your home is the one you think looks best.
What Are The Different Types of Roof Drip Edges?
The terminology for drip edge is non-standardized and a bit all over the place, but most drip edge falls into a few loose categories. I can’t promise that all manufacturers and suppliers abide by these categories.
There are no real advantages or disadvantages to each specific type. I’ve heard manufacturers argue that certain profiles allow water to drip better, but I’ve not found this to be the case. In general, water doesn’t drip off a drip edge; it drips off the shingles that overhang it. So you should simply choose the type of roof drip edge that you think looks the best.
Common types and styles of drip edge are available at any big box store.
Type-F (sometimes called T-style) is the most popular drip edge for pitched residential roofs. One side fits over the edge of the roof sheathing, and the other has an extended flange so water can drip out and away from the fascia and into the gutter.
- Gives maximum protection from roof run-off.
- Directs run-off into gutters.
- Protects the edge of the sheathing.
- Acts as a true edge to align shingles.
Type-C is a simple drip edge profile. Despite the name, it looks more L-shaped but with a small kick-out on the bottom leg. It provides basic protection to the edge of the roof sheathing (and roof deck) and directs run-off away from the roof and over the fascia to the gutters. This type of roof drip edge:
- Protects the gutter line of the roof’s edge.
- Extends water run-off away from the fascia.
- Helps direct run-off into gutters.
- Covers and protects the wood sheathing edge.
- Affords a neat, even finish.
Type-D is the simplest type of drip edge. Like type-C, it’s shaped like an L, but unlike type-C, it doesn’t have the bottom kick-out. Rather, it has a straight leg extending downward over the fascia.
- Protects exposed wood sheathing edges and prevents water damage.
- Directs water down the fascia to the gutters.
- Suitable for new construction and reroofs.
Roof Drip Edge Material Types
Various materials are used to make drip edges. While each protects equally well, they have some strengths and weaknesses. I’ll tell you about them below:
Galvanized steel was a common choice for drip edge in the past but has gradually been replaced by aluminum drip edge. It’s cheap, functional, and will last the service life of the roof. Though its visual appeal lacks something to be desired, the drip edge is mostly hidden from view, so it’s still worth considering.
Aluminum is the most popular material for drip edges. It’s flexible, corrosion-resistant, and takes paint well, meaning matching the color of the house is no problem. You’ll find this type of drip edge in every big box store and material supplier across the U.S.
Because so much of the industry has turned to utilizing aluminum across the gamut of construction supplies, it’s also cheap and available in many different profiles (though you may have to go through the manufacturer to access some of the less common ones.)
Copper is a high-end drip-edge material. It’s a great-looking material that acquires a patina over time that many people find desirable. Despite being more expensive, the high material cost of copper is offset by the low material requirement and labor cost to outfit a house with a drip edge. A few dozen lengths of drip edge are sufficient to cover the average house, so it’s one of the smallest roofing expenses.
Vinyl is a form of plastic and makes a surprisingly good drip edge. While it hasn’t been historically used as a drip edge, it has enjoyed increased use – though it can still be hard to find. The advantage of vinyl is two-fold. First, it doesn’t rust or tarnish like metal. Most debris or dirt also has a tough time sticking to vinyl, so regular rain keeps it looking clean and nice. Second, because it’s plastic, it doesn’t deform like metal from strikes or impacts. It can, however, break or crack from sufficiently hard impacts, but that should be a rare (if ever) event.
Read also: Guide to Roof Moss Removal
How To Choose the Right Roof Drip Edge Type for Your Home
There’s no right or wrong drip edge for a house, so you can’t go wrong with anything you choose. Barring a unique type of roof, most pitched roofs with shingles require a drip edge as more of an assurance than anything else. In almost all cases, the shingle material overhangs the drip edge, such that water drips directly off the shingle to the ground or into the gutter. The drip edge is just there to protect against special cases like wind-driven rain being blown up underneath the shingle edge.
In most cases (at least, in my experience), homeowners rarely care to choose a drip edge. You certainly can and should inform roofers working on your house if you prefer a specific drip edge. For the most part, though, because it’s cheap and mostly hidden, homeowners tend to be more concerned about the bigger things, the more costly decisions, and things that have a bigger visual impact. If you don’t specify a preference, the roofers will choose the most economical option.
Read also: 3-tab vs architectural shingles overview
Contractors always replace drip edges during a roof replacement. Be wary of those who don’t or claim you don’t need it.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Roof Drip Edge?
Drip edge is mostly uniform in material and labor costs, unless you choose to go with copper. An average home doesn’t usually require a lot of drip edge. It’s used on the gutter edges of the roof and the rake. Installing drip edge is a simple process of aligning it and nailing it down. A few cuts and folds are required where two runs of drip edge intersect, but even those are straightforward and quick to do.
The type or profile of the drip edge is mostly a non-factor for cost. There might be a few cents difference per linear foot, but whatever the difference is, it’ll be inconsequential to most people. If you need a few lengths of drip edge to replace an old or damaged section, whatever profile you choose, you’re looking at tens of dollars. Again, not a big deal to most people.
For professional projects with a hired contractor (like replacing an existing roof), the cost of something like drip edge is minor enough to be approximated in the bid, such that the company may either lose a couple of dollars on it or gain a couple depending on how the work goes. Companies aren’t usually interested enough, and clients aren’t usually concerned enough for the exact price to be costed out.
Copper is the outlier here. Pure copper is much more expensive than something like aluminum or vinyl. Unless a roofing professional is replacing existing copper, they will never assume a client wants copper, so if you do want that, be sure to tell them directly.
I compiled a chart below to give you an idea of cost differences:
| Type of Roof Drip Edge Material | Average Cost Per Foot | Average Labor Cost |
| Galvanized Steel | $0.37 | $45 – $60 hourly |
| Aluminum | $0.79 | $45 – $60 hourly |
| Vinyl | $0.53 | $40 – $60 hourly |
| Copper | $5.89 | $40 – $60 hourly |
My Recommended Roofing Providers
Finding a roofing company can be a frustrating experience. Below are my three recommended roofing service providers. They’ve got great customer service and can get you on your way to a new roof. For more guidance on finding dependable roofers, please refer to our guide.
Erie Home
4.1
Erie Home is a unique roofing provider that specializes in metal shingles. Most metal roofing is standing seam metal roofing with its tell-tale long lengths of sheet metal. On the other hand, Erie Home look almost identical to a typical shingle roof but with the benefits of metal.
They’re most appealing to me for their in-house financing and robust warranties. Roofs are expensive, and financing can help to make the burden tolerable. Also, a good warranty on the shingles is a must for me.
DaBella
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Our Rating
DaBella is a fast-growing service provider with locations all over the U.S. Since 2011, they’ve expanded to a nationwide provider with a crowd of happy customers. Such a widely available service and installation provider is an asset when considering what roofing contractor to hire.
I like the web-based experience it offers. For most of us, shopping online has become the new way of life, and having a nice, seamless online experience can take the aggravation out of hiring services. You can get quotes, browse special offers, and read about its other services.
One Day
3.7
Our Rating
One Day provides a range of roofing services, including free estimates and online quotes. With locations across the southern and eastern parts of the U.S., One Day prides itself on being quick and professional.
One Day’s real strength is its selection of quality shingles. Having shingles with a strong warranty from a reputable manufacturer (and in a variety of styles and colors) is huge. Shingles are the most noticeable part of a house, so finding the right one to fit the color and style of your home is important to having a home you can feel proud of.
So, What’s the Best Type of Roof Drip Edge?
You can’t go wrong with any of the drip edge types. Drip edge is exposed on certain roofs, like along a rake edge, but for hipped roofs and the like, it’s almost entirely out of view. I recommend choosing something that matches the color of your fascia, either aluminum or vinyl. They’re cheap, effective, and will blend with the rest of the house in any area they can be seen.
In summary, regular roof inspections are crucial to identify areas in need of repairs. Explore our article to discover the costs of roof inspection, aiding you in budget planning.
FAQs About the Types of Roof Drip Edges
What is the gap between drip edge and fascia?
While it’s rare to see, this is called a drainage gap.
What is the difference between drip edge and rake edge flashing?
Drip edge goes along the edge of the roof that has gutters. Rake flashing goes up the rake edge of a roof where there isn’t gutters.
What type of drip edge is used near the ridge?
Drip edge isn’t used near a roof ridge. A drip edge is meant to protect the roof sheathing along the edges of the roof.
