How to Bend a Roof Drip Edge

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Things You'll Need

  • 7 inch wide aluminum flashing material

  • Tin snips

  • Hammer

  • Roofing nails

Two people can bend and install drip edge faster and easier.

A drip edge is a strip of flashing material which is nailed along the edge of the roof to prevent water from getting under the roofing material. Roofing professionals use special equipment to bend drip edge. Bending tools may be cost effective for professionals using a high quantity of drip edge but a homeowner may want to bend the drip edge by hand. Doing the job yourself could save a substantial amount of money on the cost of the tool. There is a simple way to bend your own drip edge using aluminum flashing material available at your local hardware store.

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Step 1

Roll the aluminum flashing out onto the surface edge of the roof. Leave 2 inches of flashing hanging over the edge.

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Step 2

Cut the aluminum flashing material to the required length with the tin snips.

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Step 3

Hold the aluminum in place with the help of an assistant. Bend the aluminum flashing over the edge of the roof. Press firmly with your fingers to bend the edge at a sharp right angle. Allow 5 inches of flashing on the surface of the roof.

Step 4

Hammer roofing nails along the center of the flashing. Do not nail along the edge of the flashing. Leave the edge clear for placement of the roofing material. Hammer one roofing nail every 12 inches.

Step 5

Install roofing material over the outside edge of the flashing along the surface of the roof.

Tip

Enlist the help of a friend to hold the drip edge in place while bending.

Warning

Use caution when working with sharp edges.

Take precautions against a fall when working on your roof.

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