If you’re in the market for a new shingle roof, there is a lot more to consider than just what color you want. Drip edge flashing is one of the unsung heroes of shingle roofing systems, and in Florida, storm chaser roofers can use that to their advantage.
As your local roofing partner, PITCH Roofing is here to look out for you and your interests. That’s why we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about your drip edge, from what it does to your options during a roof replacement. Keep reading to be ready for your new shingle roof!
What Is Drip Edge Flashing?
In roofing, flashing refers to any thin sheet of metal that helps direct water away from vulnerable points on your roof. Drip edge flashing is the flashing that runs along the exterior of your roof and extends slightly past your shingles. When properly installed, your drip edge should have a flange that curves away from your fascia.
Like all pieces of flashing, your drip edge serves to direct water off your roof. Drip edge serves a more specific function, though. The edge of your roof is a potential spot for water to enter. By covering this edge, this essential piece of flashing greatly extends the length of your roof’s lifespan.
Drip edge flashing also helps protect your soffits and fascia. While soffits and fascia exist to prevent water from being driven by rain into the underside of your roof, drip edge exists to protect the soffits and fascia. By moving water away from these parts of your roof, a well-installed drip edge will keep your roof dry and protected.
So drip edge flashing serves to prevent water damage and keep your roof working longer. What else is it good for?
Benefits of Drip Edge Flashing
Keeping water out of your roof and protecting your fascia is already a tall order. But drip edge flashing can do even more. Let’s talk about the other benefits of installing an effective drip edge!
Keeps Out Pests
In Florida, we’ve got more than our fair share of natural pests. And in our experience, those pests are always looking for a way into local homes. Without a properly installed drip edge, there will be a small gap between your roof decking and fascia. This presents the perfect opportunity for pests to move in and start eating away at your roofing system from the inside out.
With drip edge flashing, however, this isn’t a problem. The flashing covers any potential gaps, preventing insects and birds from making homes in your roof. With how expensive extermination services can be, this is a huge advantage of drip edge flashing!
Increased Wind Resistance
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, then you’ll want all the help you can get keeping your shingles attached during hurricane season. While architectural shingles can resist winds better than old-school 3-tab shingles, even they will struggle to withstand a major hurricane near your home.
Drip edge flashing helps bolster their wind resistance, though. By anchoring your shingles, drip edge will help them withstand hurricane-force winds. Shingle roofs with drip edge flashing aren’t immune to high winds, but when a hurricane is in the neighborhood, every little bit of protection helps!
Enhances Gutter Efficacy
On a shingle roof, gutters do essential work moving water off your roof without wearing down your home’s foundation. And drip edge flashing makes them work even better. By guiding water directly to your gutters, drip edge will minimize the chance of water being stuck on your roof.
Without a drip edge, there’s a chance that water could fall straight down one of the gaps between your roof and gutters. This would both eat away at your foundation and increase the chance that water remains trapped on your roof. Trapped water is a recipe for rot and mold, so having effective gutters and drip edge is a must!
Cost of Drip Edge Flashing
Thus far, we’ve established that drip edge flashing offers a lot of advantages to Florida homeowners. With a roof replacement, though, we know that cost is always a concern. That’s why we’re going to review the average costs to install drip edge in Florida!
With the cost of drip edge flashing, it all comes back to the material. When choosing your drip edge, you’ll be able to pick from a variety of durable metals. In Florida, here’s how much you can expect each one to cost, including the labor for installation:
- Aluminum: $3 per square foot
- Steel: $5 per square foot
- Copper: $10 per square foot
Why Don’t All Roofers Install Drip Edge Flashing?
If drip edge flashing makes your roof last longer, prevents leaks, and is generally affordable, why isn’t it on every roof? Technically, it should be. Florida building codes require drip edges to be installed on all shingle roofs. However, not all roofers follow local regulations and ordinances.
We’re talking about storm chasers, specifically. These roofers will come to town after a major storm and do their best to sell you a dirt-cheap roofing system. In the face of a natural disaster, they use people’s fear and financial concerns to convince them to sign a contract for an extremely cheap shingle roof.
What they don’t tell you is that you are not getting a complete roofing system. If anyone shows up to replace your roof at all, which is not guaranteed, they will only tear off and replace your shingles without taking the time to replace damaged decking, install a new underlayment, or apply drip edge flashing. The result is an incomplete shingle roof made of cheap materials that can’t protect your property.
This is why it’s so important to stick with local roofers and ensure that you’re getting a detailed, itemized roofing quote. Don’t settle for just a flat price. The only way to be sure that you’re getting a complete roofing system, including drip edge, is to receive an itemized estimate that factors in the costs of all parts of your new roof, not just the shingles.
Get a Free Shingle Roofing Estimate
If you’re looking for a new shingle roof, we’ll install one that’s built to last. With over 60 years of combined focal roofing experience, you can count on us to install drip edge flashing that complements your roof’s aesthetic while keeping it prepared for the unpredictable Florida elements.
To see what PITCH Roofing can do for you, reach out for a free, no-obligation roofing quote today. You can call us at 727-677-4824 or use our online estimate scheduler to set up your appointment. Either way, one of our experienced roofers will come out, inspect your roof, and prepare a customized, itemized quote that leaves no room for guesswork or unpleasant surprises!
At PITCH, we pride ourselves on roofing done right. That means making sure each and every one of our customers gets a roofing system that’s built to last. As veteran Florida roofing contractors, we know what your roof needs. Give us the chance to earn your business, and we’ll blow you away with our quality workmanship and friendly customer service!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
