The choice between a gutter apron and a drip edge depends on your specific needs, the design of your roof, and local building codes. Both are crucial protective elements that prevent water damage to your roof and home. However, it's always advisable to consult a roofing professional before deciding.
The gap is fine, the gutters don't need to catch all of the water, just most. As long as your fascia board is plastic or covered in metal, some water between the fascia and gutter is fine, if it's not, it means you just need to paint and watch out for rot.
Without drip edge, water can seep under your shingles, which can lead to roof deck deterioration. If the water continues to sit, it can eventually lead to leaks and other expensive damage. Having drip edge on your roof can also help protect against uninvited critters from entering your home.
When installed correctly, and choosing the right material, gutter apron's and drip edge's work together to provide maximum protection against rainwater.
The answer is YES! These roofing components are highly recommended by most roofing contractors, and in multiple areas, they are a non-negotiable part of building codes. The International Building Code (IBC) states that a drip edge is essential at both the eaves and gables of shingle roofs.
While many municipalities only require drip edges at gutters and exposed sheathing, having drip edge installed on all edges can be a very cost-effective method for protecting the integrity of your roof. When installed correctly, drip edges can protect everything from your roofing materials to your underlayment.
According to Owen's Corning Roofer's Guide to Installation, “2012 International Residential Code (IRC) requires drip edge at the eaves and rake edge of the roof. The IRC has required drip edge since the 2009 edition”.
Incorrect placement can also cause erosion of the soil around your house, infestations of insects in the gutters, and damage to the siding or foundation. And all of these issues are often expensive to fix. It is recommended that gutters are placed under or 'behind' the drip edge of your roof.
Ideal Overhang Length
Once the drip edge is installed, the shingles should extend ½ inch to ¾ inch past the drip edge. If the shingles are allowed to extend too far, then they can be caught by the wind and damaged.
However, the drip edge can be installed at any time. The materials involved include: a ladder, a flat pry bar, a hammer, tin snips, eave stripping, and galvanized roofing nails. Something else to consider is the drip edge eave strip, which is often made of galvanized metal.
A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs. Adjacent segments of drip edge shall be overlapped not less than 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edges shall extend not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) below the roof sheathing and extend up back onto the roof deck not less than 2 inches (51 mm).
While rare, rake molding also serves as a drip edge on homes built before the roofing industry used aluminum fascia. If your home has either one, you don't need a drip edge. However, this is because there's already protection on the edges of your roof.
To prevent water from dripping between your gutters and fascia, ensure your gutters are properly fitted and aligned with the fascia board. You may also want to consider installing a gutter guard system to help keep debris out of your gutters and reduce the risk of clogging.
You can use a sealant designed specifically for this purpose or you can use roofing cement. Apply the sealant to the underside of the drip edge and press it down firmly against the gutter.
Once the gutter is in the correct position, do this to prevent water from seeping behind the gutter: Load the silicone caulk tube into a caulk gun. Apply a continuous bead of caulk along the joint between the top edge of the gutter and the fascia board.
How Far Should Gutters Be From Fascia Boards? Gutters that are too high can enable water runoff to drip down their backside, which can cause deteriorating fascia boards and staining of the siding. The back of the gutter should rest behind the drip edge to prevent water intrusion behind the gutter.
The drip edge shields the fascia and roof deck, while the gutter apron ensures that water is efficiently channeled into the gutter system. Rather than viewing them as interchangeable, it's more accurate to see them as complementary parts of a comprehensive water management strategy for your roofing system.
The correct placement of a roof drip edge is on top of the roof's exterior cover directly between the sheathing and the fascia board, which forms a drainage gap between the drip edge and the fascia board. As a result, the drainage improves water flow and protects the roof from potential water damage.
The golden rule for positioning your rain gutters is that they should always be placed about three inches below your roofline. The reason being: if they are placed too high, they can allow runoff water to spill out over their backside.
How to tell if gutters are installed correctly? Properly installed gutters should consistently handle rainwater without any leaks, pooling, or overflowing. You also shouldn't see any gaps between the gutters and fascia board, and the gutter should be level.
Dripping water can mean anything from minor clogs to major gutter leaks, and every one of them could turn into a bigger problem.
Drip Edge And Code Specifics
When I started working on homes in the 1970s, installing metal drip edge was entirely the installer's choice. The International Residential Code (IRC) did not require metal drip edges along eaves and rake edges until the 2012 edition (See Code Requirements for Drip Edge, above).
Drip edge overlap plays a vital role in safeguarding your roof and ensuring its longevity. By ensuring proper overlap, you can effectively direct water away from your roof's edge, preventing damage and maintaining the integrity of your home.