Overview

Drip edge metal is installed along the eaves and rakes of a roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter system. Without properly installed drip edge, water tracks under the roofing system and down the fascia, causing rot and gutter failure over time. In Florida, drip edge is required by building code on all new and re-roof installations. At Trust Roofing, drip edge is installed correctly every time — the right type, in the right order, with the right fastening pattern.

Our Field Standards

Drip edge installation follows Florida building code and Trust Roofing field standards.

Field standards include:
* Drip edge is installed at the eave before underlayment and at the rake after underlayment — this is Florida code
* Drip edge is cut cleanly and mitered neatly at corners
* Pieces overlap a minimum of 2 inches at all joints, with upper pieces lapping over lower
* Fastening is per manufacturer specifications — typically 10 to 12 inches on center
* Drip edge extends a minimum of 0.25 inches beyond the fascia into the gutter

Our Process

Understanding the Installation Order

The order of drip edge installation is critical and different for eave vs rake.

Eave (bottom edge of roof):
* Drip edge is installed FIRST — directly on the deck, before underlayment
* Underlayment is then installed OVER the eave drip edge
* This allows water to drain from the underlayment into the gutter

Rake (sloped sides of roof):
* Drip edge is installed LAST — after underlayment
* Underlayment is installed first, then drip edge goes over the top
* This prevents wind-driven rain from getting under the drip edge

Installing Drip Edge

1. Position the drip edge so the lower flange extends past the fascia into the gutter
2. Fasten through the top flange into the deck at the specified spacing
3. At overlaps, upper piece goes over lower piece — never under
4. Apply roofing cement at overlap joints where required
5. Miter outside corners neatly — no gaps or exposed wood at corners

Completing the Installation

* Confirm drip edge lies flat with no buckling
* Verify the lower flange directs water away from the fascia

Roofing Terms

Drip Edge

A metal flashing installed along the eave and rake edges of a roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter system, required by Florida building code on all new and re-roof shingle installations.

Eave Drip Edge

The drip edge installed along the bottom horizontal edge of the roof, installed directly on the deck before underlayment per Florida building code, allowing water to drain from the underlayment into the gutter.

Rake Drip Edge

The drip edge installed along the sloped side edges of the roof (gable ends), installed after underlayment per Florida building code, going over the top of the underlayment to prevent wind-driven rain entry.

Florida Building Code Drip Edge Requirement

FBC requires drip edge on all eaves and rakes of a shingle roof, the installation sequence (eave before underlayment, rake after underlayment) is specifically defined by code and must be followed on every Trust Roofing project.

Fascia Board

The vertical board along the roof edge where the gutter attaches, drip edge must extend past the fascia and into the gutter channel to properly direct water away from the wood structure.

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