Shingle Roofing Drip Edge Installation: Why It’s Critical for Your Home

When it comes to protecting your home, every detail matters—including the drip edge. Yet, many homeowners in Columbus and surrounding areas like Dublin, Powell, and Hilliard don’t even know if they have one installed.

Let’s fix that.

What Is a Drip Edge, and Why Do You Need One?

A drip edge is a small metal flashing installed at the edges of your roof. Its main job? Direct water away from your fascia and into your gutters.

Without it, water can:

• Rot your fascia boards

• Damage your soffit

• Lead to costly mold and mildew issues

• Shorten the life of your roof decking

Columbus homes face heavy rain, snow, and ice. If your roof edge isn’t protected, you’re asking for trouble.

Common Drip Edge Installation Mistakes We See in Columbus

Travis Haessly, owner of The Roof Champion, sees these issues far too often:

• No drip edge installed at all

• Installed after shingles—completely wrong

• Wrong overhang distance (should extend at least ½ to ¾ inch beyond fascia)

• No kick-out at the bottom, causing water to run behind gutters

If your roofer skipped this or installed it wrong, it’s not a small oversight. It’s a big problem that can cost you thousands over time.

How We Install Drip Edge the Right Way

At The Roof Champion, we install drip edges before shingles, following both the International Residential Code and best practices from the National Roofing Contractors Association.

Here’s our process:

1. Use a corrosion-resistant metal drip edge, typically aluminum or galvanized steel.

2. Install along eaves first, then the rakes.

3. Ensure a minimum 2-inch vertical leg with a proper kick-out to channel water directly into gutters.

4. Overlap sections by at least 2 inches to prevent gaps.

5. Secure using roofing nails placed every 12 inches.

This isn’t overkill. It’s what keeps your roof system performing like it should for decades.

Does Your Roof Need a Drip Edge Check?

If your home was built before 2012, there’s a good chance your roof doesn’t meet current code requirements for drip edges.

Ask yourself:

• Are your fascia boards rotting or discolored?

• Do you see water stains under the eaves?

• Is ice damming a recurring issue each winter?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time for a professional inspection.

Call The Roof Champion of Columbus for a No-Hassle Roof Inspection

We don’t just inspect your roof. We fight to protect your investment. Whether it’s a minor repair or a full replacement, you’ll get honest answers and top-tier workmanship.

📞 Call us today at (614) 639-3422 or visit www.roofchampcolumbus.com to schedule your inspection.

FAQ

Do I really need a drip edge on my roof?
Yes. It’s required by modern building codes and is essential for protecting your roof structure from water intrusion.

Can a drip edge be added to an existing roof?
In some cases, yes. But if your shingles are installed flush to the edge, it may require lifting or replacing them.

What material is best for a drip edge?
Aluminum or galvanized steel. Avoid plastic or low-grade metals—they won’t hold up in Ohio’s weather.