Discover how much it costs to install a drip edge, exploring how factors like your roof’s size, height, and layout affect your final costs.
What Is a Roof Drip Edge and Why Does Your Home Need It?
A faulty drip edge may be the culprit of your home's water damage
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Roof drip edge flashing sits at your roof's edges and directs water away from fascia, soffit, and foundation to prevent damage and pest entry.
Expect to pay $1 to $3 per linear foot for drip edge installation, with total costs ranging from $150 to $1,000 for most homes.
You can add drip edges to your existing roof using an f-style design, which works best when installing over current shingles without full replacement.
Hiring a local roofing professional keeps installation precise and code-compliant, protecting your home from water damage and preventing costly repairs down the line.
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You may be wondering—what is a drip edge? A drip edge is an important part of your roof’s flashing system, a strategically placed set of metal tiles on your roof that directs water away from the most vulnerable spots of your house.
An effective roof flashing system will protect your entire home from potentially dangerous and expensive situations, including water damage, mold, rotting, and even insect infestation. These issues can cause minor to major damage and lead to hefty roof replacement costs or repairs. Keep reading as we take you through all the need-to-know basics of roof drip edge flashing.
What Is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a type of angled roof flashing typically made with a metal like aluminum, copper, or steel. If installed properly, the drip edge is on the edges of a roof around the entire house.
There are three main types of drip edges—L, C, and T—all differentiated by their relative shapes. We’ll cover the different types further below.
Types of Roof Drip Edges
While all drip edges have the same end goal, they do come in different shapes depending on the type and style of the roof.
C-Style Drip Edge
A c-style drip edge is a “C” shaped metal used on the edges of roofs without fascia boards, moving water away from the roof.
L-Style Drip Edge
An l-style drip edge is an “L” shaped metal bent at a 90-degree angle. One side of the metal is placed underneath the roof while the other side protects the fascia. This style drip edge is recommended for houses with a low incline roof.
T-Style Drip Edge
A t-style drip edge is a popular choice for many homeowners, especially for those that live in cold, snowy regions. Compared to the other two styles, t-style drip edges are arguably the most effective at moving water flow off the roof and into the gutter.
F-Style Drip Edge
Also known as a “gutter apron,” an f-style drip edge is recommended when adding a drip edge to an existing roof. That’s due to the long top edge making it easier to install over shingles. It’s also a great option for new roofs.
Why Is a Drip Edge Important?
The most important purpose of a drip edge is to protect your roof and house from water damage by directing water away from your roof and fascia. A drip edge is now required in most states for a roof to meet code.
Some of the biggest benefits of having a properly installed drip edge include:
Preventing damage to the fascia and soffit
Closing gaps to keep water and pests out
Guarding against ice dams
Funnels water away from a home's foundation
Prevents water damage on ceilings and in basements
Keeps water from seeping under roof shingles
Can You Add Drip Edges to an Existing Roof?
Yes, you can add drip edges to an existing roof, including those consisting of alternative roofing materials.
In this scenario, an f-style drip edge will work best. Installing a roof drip edge will cost more on an existing roof instead of installing it while a roof is being built. This is because roof drip installation on an existing roof can be a difficult process that requires shingle removal and specific roofing knowledge to get the job done correctly.
Unless you have extensive experience with roofing, we do not suggest taking up this task on your own. Attempting to DIY a project like this could end up costing you big time in the long run if it is not done properly the first time. Instead, consider hiring a local roofing professional to install or repair a drip edge.
What Does It Cost to Add a Roof Drip Edge?
A roof drip edge costs $1 to $3 per linear foot on average, which comes out to about $150 to $1,000 for most homes. Pricing varies according to different factors, like the style of drip edge and materials. The standard c-style drip edge costs around $3 to $10 per linear foot while d-style drip edges cost $10 to $15 per linear foot.
For materials, you can go with aluminum or galvanized steel, which cost $3 to $10 per 10 linear feet. A more high-end option is a copper drip edge that comes out to about $35 to $75 per 10 linear feet.
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
The homeowners guide to roofing services
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While there are various styles, the right roof drip edge type for your home will depend on your roof type and the rainfall in your climate.
This step-by-step guide will teach you how to install a drip edge on a roof in just a few hours, helping to protect your home from water damage.
Before you go about installing a drip edge on an existing roof, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about this home repair project.
Deciding between a gutter apron and a drip edge can be a tough call, but one may work better than the other. Here’s what you need to know before you decide.
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