Why Is Installing Drip Edge Pricey?

Why Is Installing Drip Edge Pricey?- [After Roof is Installed]

Many wonder “Why is installing drip edge pricey?” This is something we’re going to cover here plus a few more drip edge questions like: what’s the purpose, and what’s the alternative. Most times Realtors are the ones asking and getting quotes for this type of service, but also serves property owners, homeowners, investors and property managers.

Installing drip edge after a roof has been installed can many times be a pain in the butt. A roof that’s under 10 years old still has its structural integrity and tar beads are adhered pretty well.

To install the edging you have to bend the shingle to a 90 degree angle to have enough room to drive a hammer or nail gun, by doing so, you will damage, crease and break the shingle… No bueno.

To properly install edging, you have to remove the entire perimeter shingles while not damaging the upper shingles and repairs as needed. By removing, now you’ll have the space to install with ease. But now you have shingles to remove and replace AND you can’t reuse the shingles, you need new product.

No one like doing this project, it’s tedious and dangerous as its on the eave and most of the time, your working off ladders.

What’s Metal Drip Edge & Its Purpose?

Metal Drip edge typically comes in 10 foot long sticks by 1 1/12”. You can get them custom made, but not worth it unless you have a unique roofing project. Drip edge is now required by code in San Antonio and across the U.S. Without edging, water may end up behind shingles causing rotting and damage to the farming and decking. These repairs can get pricey over time.

The purpose for drip edge is to deflect and divert water away from the fascia as much as possible. Water tends to get absorbed and cling to wood, metal edging will minimise water contact to fascia and 1×2. Edging will also minimise how much wind driven rain is pushed up and under your eave shingles.

Where Does Dripege Get Installed?

Metal drip edge normally goes installed along the perimeter of a structure along eaves and gables. It’s installed with non-corrosive roofing nails about every 16 inches or so. For a stronger wind rating, we recommend every 12 inches, and for coast line properties, every 6 inches. This will insure you have a high rating and eliminate blown shingles.

Are All Metal Drip Edges The Same?

Metal Edging comes in a few different sizes, colors and material. The normal sizing is 10 feet long X 1”x1”, 1 ½” X 1 ½”, and 2” X 2” . (10’x2”x2”). Most common material is aluminum with pre baked color, typically comes in about 10 color selections. 24 gage galvanized metal is next, same sizing (10’x2”x2”) but with more color options. And last is copper, same sizing options, but used for higher end roofing projects and can get super pricey.

You can locate drip-edge from any major big-box store like the orange or blue stores, lumber yards and roofing supply stores. You should have more options at the roofing supply store.

San Antonio Roofing Contractor

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Hope you learned something today. If you’re in San Antonio and need a roofing estimate call us today or fill out the form. 210-900-0977

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