The installation order for drip edge depends on its location on your roof. It's not a straightforward "yes" for all instances. Drip edge installation is a crucial step in preparing your roof for shingles, protecting the fascia, and directing water away from your home. The timing of its installation varies based on whether it's applied to the eaves or the rakes of the roof.
Drip Edge Installation Order
To ensure proper water shedding and protection, drip edge is installed at different stages depending on the specific edge of the roof:
At the Eaves (Horizontal Edges)
- Goes on First (before underlayment): For the eaves, which are the horizontal edges of the roof that overhang the walls, the drip edge is typically installed immediately after your roof deck has been properly prepared. This occurs before the underlayment (such as tar paper or synthetic felt) is laid down. This sequence ensures that the underlayment, when installed, overlaps the drip edge. This layering helps to funnel any water that gets under the shingles over the underlayment and onto the drip edge, effectively directing it away from the fascia board and into the gutters below.
At the Rakes (Sloped Edges)
- Goes on After Underlayment: For the rakes, which are the sloped edges of the roof running from the eaves to the ridge, the drip edge is installed after the underlayment has been put in place. In this scenario, the underlayment is installed first, extending to the edge of the roof deck. Then, the drip edge is fastened on top of the underlayment. This method provides an additional layer of protection, particularly against wind-driven rain, and helps to prevent water from getting underneath the shingles at the gable ends.
Summary of Drip Edge Placement
Here's a quick overview of the typical sequence for drip edge installation:
| Roof Location | Installation Sequence | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Eaves | Roof Deck Prepared → Drip Edge → Underlayment | Allows the underlayment to overlap the drip edge, ensuring water efficiently flows off the roof and into gutters, while protecting the fascia board from moisture damage. |
| Rakes | Roof Deck Prepared → Underlayment → Drip Edge | The drip edge goes over the underlayment, providing enhanced protection against wind-driven rain and offering a clean, finished edge along the sloped gable ends of the roof. |
Understanding this distinction is key to a long-lasting and effective roofing system, ensuring that water is properly managed at all edges of your roof.
