Drip Edge Directs Water And Prevents Roof Leaks

Posted on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 | 1,611 views

You don’t need drip edge flashing installed on your roof, but installing it does optimize the condition of your roof and keep it from leaking.

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments that you’ll ever make, but the investment doesn’t end on closing day.

To get the full benefits of homeownership, you’ll need to pay attention to the details that increase the value of your home and keep it safer. One such investment involves installing drip edge along your roof line.

Drip edge flashing is the trim that sits between the roof sheathing and fascia on your roof’s edge. It’s an accessory that novice roofers often miss, and it’s the first thing that’s overlooked when they need to cut corners.

What Does Drip Edge Do?

Drip edge is very important for diverting water away from the roof’s facia and efficiently into your eavestroughs.

The following are few benefits to installing drip edge on your home if your roof isn’t already equipped it.

Drip Edge Keeps Mold at Bay

Roof mold algae (Gloeocapsa Magma) is a form of fungus that can grow on the roof of a home with too much exposure to moisture. When its left unchecked it can grow spread to the inside of your home. Mold spores produce mycotoxins and other allergens that can irritate the healthiest of respiratory systems. It’s an absolute nightmare for people who have sensitive or compromised immune systems.

These mold spores must have the right conditions to flourish. It thrives in warm, moist areas that aren’t exposed to a lot of sunlight. An example of where mold flourishes is in your attic. Your attic is warm and dark, and it can harbour high levels of moisture that promote mold growth under the right conditions.

A roof that has drip edge installed will properly direct water away from your roofline, and cut down on the risk of mold growth in your attic. Without drip edge, moisture can seep into your attic through your roof line and create the ideal conditions for mold growth.

It Reduces the Chance of Wood Rot

Your roof is made to take a beating season after season, which is why most people don’t consider protecting its materials against water damage. While roof shingles are made to protect a roof, your roof also contains mostly wooden components that don’t resist water very well or indefinitely. Your roof rafters, struts, tie beam and more are all made of wood that’s vulnerable to moisture damage over time.

Even when eavestroughs are present and properly installed, water can leak back to the fascia boards. This problem is instantly solved with a drip edge. The edge diverts water into eavestroughs and away from wooden elements such as your roof’s fascia, decking, and underlayment.

Drip edge doesn’t only prevent exposure of wooden components to moisture and strong winds. It also prevents moisture damage to these areas all throughout the winter months.

Other products that are as effective as drip edge are StormGuard® or WeatherWatch® leak barriers.

It Provides a Barrier Against Intrusive Wildlife

The roof line is one of the often overlooked entry points for wildlife but it is one of the primary points. With drip edge installed, wildlife have a much harder time chewing into the roof line and creating a way into your attic. Drip edge covers these gaps and provides an extremely strong deterrent to animals trying to get in.

Prevents Wind Damage

We’ve all seen this effects after major storms where witness half of a home’s roof blown off, or pieces of it scattered across the yard. The potential for this type of damage can be mitigated by applying drip edge along the roofline.

Drip edge provides some extra protection and durability to a roof. It helps prevent strong winds from forcing through roof line gaps and causing damage or roof blowouts during storms. 

Extends the Life of Your Property

Less leaks and stronger structural integrity go a long way in extending the life and value of your home. You won’t be able to upsell your home because you installed drip edge, but you’ll be able to rest assured that an inspection won’t result with any serious concerns about your roof. 

The benefits of installing drip edges are widely recognized in the construction industry and most manufacturers’ recommendations include installing leak barriers and drip edge.

Overall Added Roof Protection

As we said in the outset of this article, drip edge flashing is not required but if you’re looking for an added layer of roof protection and strength, then it’s one of the best options out there. 

If you are interested in the benefits of drip edge flashing, simply contact your local roofing company. If you have any questions about drip edge, we an be reached during regular business hours at 905-319-0880.