How to Fix a Roof Drip Edge

Felt over roof drip edge or drip edge over felt? Get the correct answers here.

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Introduction

The correct installation sequence for drip edge, roofing felt and ice and water shield can be confusing, since it changes from eaves to gable ends. Here's how to keep it straight.

Tools Required

  • Hammer
  • Stapler
  • Tin snips

Materials Required

  • Drip edge
  • Ice and water shield
  • Roofing felt
  • Roofing nails
  • Staples

Project step-by-step (3)

Step 1

Installing roof drip edge flashing properly

Roof drip edge flashing corner detail

family handyman

Install roof drip edge along the eaves, add underlayment, then place drip edge along the gable end. The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.

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Step 2

Place the metal roof drip edge flashing along the gable ends

rain/CHOKCHAI POOMICHAIYA/shutterstock

Once all the underlayment is applied, go back and place the roof drip edge flashing along the gable ends of the roof. Covering the ends of the ice-and-water barrier or felt paper with drip edge ensures that windblown rain that gets under the shingles will run over the underlayment, not on the sheathing. The drip edge also helps hold down the felt paper to keep it from blowing off before you install the shingles.

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Step 3

Save yourself some aggravation

man Dean Drobot/shutterstock

But save yourself some aggravation and get the corners cut on the gable and eave pieces so they mate properly before installing them. That’s the only way you’ll get clean locking corners.

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