Drip edge flashing is installed on the roof eaves and rakes to protect the fascia board, and to cover the “carpenter’s gap” between the roof deck and fascia to keep squirrels out of the attic. This project is continued from Hail Damaged Roof Replacement – Part 5.
Roof Drip Edge Flashing
5 x 2 inch drip edge flashing without a hem (i.e. no kickout) is installed along the roof eaves and nailed to the OSB roof deck. The drip edge hangs into to the gutter to protect the fascia board and roof deck from blowing rain and to better support the shingles.
Roof Carpenter’s Gap
Carpenter’s Gap is the gap between roof deck and fascia board along the roof eaves. The carpenter’s gap on my home ranges from 3/4 inch to 1 inch. I’ve seen carpenter’s gaps as wide as 2 inches on some homes.
The carpenter’s gap is a big problem for the following reasons:
- Squirrels and rodents will either wiggle through the gap to nest in the attic insulation or gnaw a hole large enough to get in, particularly when the weather gets cold in the Fall and Winter. Without a drip edge, homeowner’s often hire a critter removal or gutter company to install a heavy metal mesh over the carpenter’s gap.
- The starter course shingles must hang over the roof edge by several inches such they droop over the carpenter’s gap into the gutter to keep out rain. This looks bad and causes the shingles to crack.
By contrast, shingles are normally installed with a 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch overhang past the eave or drip edge. - Leaves and debris are blown into the soffit and attic when using a leaf blower to clean out the gutters.
Roof Eave Drip Edge Flashing
The GAF Shingle-Mate® roofing felt is laid over the drip edge flashing along the eaves. (The red chalk lines are for laying the shingles.)
A closeup of the roofing felt and how the drip edge flashing hangs into the gutter:
Roof Rake Drip Edge Flashing
Drip edge flashing with a hem (or kickout) to direct water away from the fascia board is installed over the roofing felt along the roof rakes. Also notice the roof brackets are always set under the roofing felt (and shingles) so there are no holes in the roof covering. BTW – the “rake” is the sloped edge of a roof that runs from the eaves to the roof ridge.
The drip edge flashing kickout (or hem) is clearly visible on the rakes of this roof gable. The kickout keeps water from dribbling down the fascia board.
Closeup of the roof rake drip edge flashing and the GAF Pro-Start™ starter strip shingles:
Shingles going up the gable roof with details of the rake drip edge flashing and starter strip shingles. Notice the line of adhesive on the starter strip shingles to seal the shingles to resist wind blow-off.
Eave and rake drip edge flashing details at the roof corner:
This hail damage roof replacement series is continued in Hail Damaged Roof Replacement – Part 7.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
