Drip edge is metal flashing installed along roof eaves and rakes to direct water away from the roof deck and fascia. Missing or poorly installed drip edge lets water curl under shingles, rot fascia, and miss the gutter.
Drip edge is a small piece with a big job
Drip edge is the L-shaped or T-shaped metal at the roof edge. It helps water leave the shingle surface cleanly instead of wicking back under the roof edge.
On Marietta homes, missing drip edge often shows up as rotted fascia, stained soffits, gutter overflow, or soft decking near the eave.
Where drip edge fits in roof anatomy
- Decking is the wood sheathing under the roofing system.
- Underlayment sits over the decking as secondary protection.
- Drip edge protects the roof edge where water leaves the roof.
- Starter strip and shingles sit above it at the eaves.
- Gutters catch the water after the drip edge directs it outward.
Signs drip edge may be missing or wrong
- Water runs behind the gutter instead of into it.
- Fascia paint peels or the board feels soft.
- Shingles are cut too short at the eave.
- The roof edge looks wavy, exposed, or unsupported.
- Gutters are clean but overflow or stain the fascia during rain.
When to fix drip edge
The cleanest time to install drip edge is during roof replacement, because the edge details are open. It can sometimes be retrofitted during fascia, gutter, or targeted roof-edge repair.
If fascia is already rotted, fixing the drip edge without replacing damaged wood may leave the same weak edge in place.