Learn why drip edge installation is critical for protecting your Columbus home from costly water damage. Get expert insights from The Roof Champion of Columbus.

Residential Roofing Drip Edge Installation: Why It Matters for Your Columbus Home

June 27, 20252 min read

Why Drip Edge Installation Should Never Be Skipped

When it comes to protecting your home’s roof, one small but critical detail often gets overlooked—the drip edge. You may not see it, but this simple metal flashing plays a huge role in keeping water out of places it shouldn’t be.

At The Roof Champion of Columbus, we never cut corners. And that includes properly installing drip edges on every residential roofing project.

What Is a Drip Edge?

A drip edge is a metal flashing installed along the edges of your roof. It directs water away from your fascia and into the gutters, preventing water from seeping behind the roofing materials.

Without a drip edge, rainwater can:

  • Soak and rot the fascia board.

  • Damage the roof decking over time.

  • Cause ice dam formation in winter.

  • Lead to costly repairs that insurance may not cover.

Why Is This So Important in Columbus and Central Ohio?

We all know how unpredictable Ohio’s weather can be. From heavy spring rains to freezing winter storms, your roof takes a beating. If water isn’t directed properly, it will find its way into your home—plain and simple.

We’ve seen it firsthand. Homeowners in Powell and Dublin have called us after noticing stained ceilings and sagging gutters, only to find their previous contractor skipped the drip edge altogether. That’s unacceptable.

How Should a Drip Edge Be Installed?

According to the 2021 IRC Building Code (and enforced in Ohio), drip edges are required on all shingle roofs. Proper installation includes:

  • Placing the drip edge under the underlayment at the eaves and over the underlayment at the rakes to prevent wind-driven rain from getting underneath.

  • Using corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum or galvanized steel.

  • Overlapping joints by at least 2 inches for complete coverage.

  • Fastening the drip edge securely every 12 inches.

This isn’t just “good practice.” It’s the right way to do the job, and it’s exactly how we do it at The Roof Champion of Columbus.

Can You Add a Drip Edge to an Existing Roof?

Yes, and if your home doesn’t have one, we strongly recommend it. While it’s easier during a full roof replacement, we can retrofit drip edges on existing roofs in many cases to protect your home before issues arise.

Don’t Let a Small Detail Cost You Thousands

Skipping a drip edge might save a contractor a few bucks, but it can cost you a whole lot more in water damage, mold remediation, and structural repairs.

If you’re unsure whether your home has a proper drip edge, give us a call. We’ll inspect it, explain what we find, and offer real solutions—without the sales pitch.


📍The Roof Champion of Columbus
177 Chasely Circle, Powell, Ohio 43065
📞 (614) 639-3422
🌐 www.roofchampcolumbus.com


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