How to Install Roofing Drip Edges

Install a drip edge to your roof to avoid leakage and rotting.

Roofing drip edges protect the roof sheeting from moisture buildup that can cause the roof to rot. Edging allows rain and other moisture to roll off the drip edge's metal slant. Drip edges are made of galvanized metal or flexible aluminum. They are installed after the plywood decking has been secured to the roof rafters. After the drip edge is installed, the rest of the roof is put into place.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Roofing nails

Instructions

1. Place a piece of drip edge onto the edge of your roof. Start from a corner of the roof. The drip edge should hang over the side of the roof slightly so that water can fall off it.

2. Nail the drip edge piece into place with a hammer. The nail should go through the drip edge and the top side of the roof. Secure a nail to the drip edge every 18 inches.

3. Install the next sheet of drip edge. Overlap it to the first drip edge by 2 inches. Hammer in a nail where the two pieces of drip edge intersect. Secure the second drip edge with nails 18 inches apart.

4. Install the drip edge until it covers the whole perimeter of the roof.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait for a day with nice weather to install the drip edge.

• Don't install a drip edge that is too short or water can collect on the bottom of the roof sheeting and cause rotting or leaks.

References

• Hammer Zone: Re-Roofing Part 2: Covering the Roof With Felt