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The drip edge fits under the roofing and roofing felt in any downward-facing areas of the roof. It can be adjusted to ensure that the water drips neatly into the gutters directly below it. Along gables, the edge goes under the roofing, but over the felt. In both cases, a zig zag pattern is used to attach it, and it is attached with care so that it lies flush with the flashing. This ensures that water cannot work its way into areas where it is not desired.
Sep 28, 2009 Next, the gutter goes outside the drip edge, do not slide any part of the gutter between the drip edge and the fascia. If the gutter gets full of water due to heavy rain or clogged downspouts, you want the water to go over the gutter and down the outside of the drip edge. The shingles should hang over the inside edge of the gutter.
Metal and plastic are both used to make drip edges. The edges are available from many hardware and home supply stores, and people can also order custom products as needed. Installing this trim is not terribly complicated, although people do need to feel comfortable working at heights and working with their roofing. A contractor can also be hired to do the job. While installation occurs, it is a good idea to check for signs of rot, missing roof tiles, and any other problems which could lead to complications in the future.
A drip edge is useless without properly maintained gutters. The gutters and downspouts should be kept clean, with caps on gutter ends where no downspout is available. People should also be careful about how their downspouts drain. Many older homes have downspouts which dump water very close to the foundation, which is not a good idea. The downspouts should carry water well away from the foundation, directing it downhill so that it will drain harmlessly into the street or to a lower grade on the property.