In Plain English
Quick Answer
A metal strip installed at the roof edge that directs rainwater into the gutter and prevents it from soaking behind the fascia.
Definition
Definition
A metal flashing installed along roof eaves and rakes to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter, preventing water from running back under the roofing material. Drip edge is required by most building codes and roofing manufacturer warranties. It is installed under the felt at the eave and over the felt at the rake, creating a continuous edge protection detail.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Drip edge is a small unit-cost item that carries outsized risk because it is code-required and tied to manufacturer warranty validity, so omitting it from a roofing bid can void coverage and trigger callbacks. Estimators measure it by the linear foot around eaves and rakes, and the installation sequence relative to underlayment is a real scope detail that affects labor and warranty compliance.
Example
Example
A roofing estimator measures 380 LF of eave and rake on a re-roof, adds aluminum drip edge by the linear foot, and notes in the proposal that it installs under the felt at the eave and over the felt at the rake to meet the shingle manufacturer's warranty.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Is drip edge included in a standard roofing bid?
It should be. Most codes and shingle warranties require drip edge at eaves and rakes, so a compliant bid measures it by linear foot and includes material plus install labor. If a competing bid omits it, that proposal is likely non-compliant and not an apples-to-apples comparison for the owner.
How is drip edge quantified for an estimate?
Estimators measure the total linear footage of eaves and rakes from the roof plan or field measurements, add a waste factor for overlaps and corners, and divide by stock length to get piece count. Fasteners and any color-matched finish are priced in, along with labor based on roof access and complexity.
Why does drip edge installation sequence matter for warranty?
At the eave, drip edge goes under the underlayment so water sheds onto it; at the rake, it goes over the underlayment. Installing it in the wrong order can let water wick behind the fascia and may void the manufacturer warranty, so estimators and crews follow the published detail exactly.
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