Heavy rain happens regularly in the Delaware Valley. To ensure that your roof is shedding water correctly, you need a drip edge. If your drip edge is damaged or missing, then you’ll want to install a new one. If your old roof drip edge is made of galvanized metal, you may want to replace it with a low-maintenance vinyl drip edge. Make sure that you follow the directions for how to install a roof drip edge closely. Proper installation is essential for preventing water from reaching the roof deck or the fascia boards.

Learn How to Install a Roof Drip Edge

1. If old drip edges are present, remove them by carefully lifting shingles just enough to expose the drip edge.
2. Locate the nails holding down the old drip edge and pry them out with the pry bar or hammer.
3. Pull old drip edge pieces.
4. Install the new drip edges on the eaves first.
5. Slip drip edges beneath the felt underlayment and shingles. Each piece should overlap the other by at least 1 inch.
6. Drip edges should extend beyond the roof decking by 3/4 of an inch.
7. Nail them in place with roofing nails.
8. Cut off ends flush with the roof.
9. Apply some roofing cement on top of drip edge and press the shingles and underlayment against the adhesive.
10. After completing the eave edges, begin work on the gable edges.
11. Drip edging on the gable edges goes over the felt underlayment but beneath the shingles.
12. Overlap the gable drip edge pieces by 1 inch or more. Make sure the overlapping edges are in the same direction as the water flow.
13. Nail the edges in place.
14. At the peak of the gable, cut one drip edge even with the roof. Cut the top piece on the other side 1 inch or more beyond the roof. Bend it over the other piece.
15. At the bottom of the gable, place the gable drip edges over the eave drip edges.