Do You Install Gutter Below Drip Edges?

The most common dilemma that we come across while installing residential rain gutters is to decide whether the gutter should go under, over, or behind a drip edge. But before getting into this, we need to know about a drip edge and its purpose. A Drip Edge is a non-eroding, stainless material that is placed on the edge of the roof. It allows the rainwater to drain out of the roofing system and into the gutter. A drip edge is intentionally installed in a tilted position so that it can direct the water away from the roof while protecting the foundation of the roof. Therefore, it is a no brainer to put the gutter over the drip edge because it will repudiate the whole purpose of the drip edge.

The correct placement of the drip edge is the top of the roof directly between the shingles and the fascia board. It should be a minimum extension of two-inch from the fascia board on the roof. The drip edge should be installed over a furring strip so that it tails off the fascia board. Please ensure that the drip edge is extended over the gutter.

This gutter installation requires expertise, as a lot hangs on it; therefore, always choose a good company for your roof revamps and maintenance. A flawed roof system and rain gutter can cause lots of damages to the house.

● Rain Gutters and How It Works

Protecting the house from water damage is very pivotal for the proper maintenance and longevity of your house. Rain Gutter aids in this process; its main purpose is that it filters the water off the roof and away from the house through troughs and downspouts. When excess water falls around the house, it can erode the soil around the house, compromising the foundation and causing permanent damages to the structure.

Additionally, a skimpy water clearance system on a rooftop will allow the water to potentially drip into your house, causing further damages and catastrophe if you have a basement. The rain gutter is a relatively inexpensive method of safeguarding your house from such disasters, and it ensures that the foundation of the house remains sound. Therefore, a proper Gutter installation is crucial for home maintenance and care.

The gutter is installed right under the drip edge, which is tilted purposely. So, the rainwater flows into the gutter and out of it through downspouts attached along the wall and away from the house. The Drip edge not only safeguards you from potential damages, but it also preserves the appearance of your roof. It protects the roofing shingles from potential water damages, which otherwise can cause corrosion. It also prolongs the life of the roof overall and shields the deck during harsh weather conditions

● Drip Edges and Its Importance

Drip edge is an essential part of the roof system. Its main purpose is to eliminate the water from going behind the gutter. When it rains, the water from the roof goes to the edge of the shingles, and when the water backflows, it hits the drip edge. The drip edge further diverts it into the gutter. During installation, the gutter is usually at the opposite end of the downspout, but it will go up behind the drip edge by the time you align the gutter and get to the other end where the downspout is situated. Hence, it is no longer behind the drip edge, but you should make sure that the drip edge is bent out far enough to divert the water into the gutter. The rain gutter is usually made of aluminum PVC and copper. Some are made of wood, but that’s a very rare possibility. The PVC rain gutters are the cheapest.

They come in a variety of colors to match your roof and house designs. Meanwhile, these rain gutters are not known for their longevity because they are short-lived. The aluminum gutters, on the other hand, are relatively expensive, but they offer great resistance in harsh conditions. They prove to be more superior and tougher than that of the PVC. Copper gutters are the most expensive of the three, but offers far better quality and could prove to be pivotal against severe heat. Properly installed rain gutter lowers the maintenance cost in the future and shields the foundation of your house. You should always choose a good company that can guide you in choosing the best gutter material that fills your home requirements.

Are you a homeowner, contractor, or even a roofer? We have useful tips for you. Here, you will know about the proper Gutter Installation because gutter installation, if not done properly, will cause you lots of issues in the long term

1. Make sure the drip edge coming from the shingle is bending against the fascia board because when it rains, it’s going to come down the roof and stick to the drip edge. This will force the water into the gutter. If you don’t bend the drip edge out, the water will stick to that drip edge and fall behind the gutter. Eventually, it’s going to ride out your wood, so that’s something to think about while installing the new gutter. If the drip edge is flat against the fascia board, quickly bend that out, and it will divert the rainwater into the gutter.
2. There are two reasons for water getting behind the gutter. One of the reasons is that your shingles may be too short. Also, it may occur because you don’t have the drip edge. But, before you even get into that, you should make sure that your gutters are 100% clean, well-aligned, and up against the fascia board. If the problem still persists, make sure the roofing shingles are long enough. If that’s all good, then you need the drip edge which will divert rainwater into the gutter, and prevent the water from getting behind the gutter
3. Rain gutter installation can be a tricky job, and a lot of of.complexities can ensue upon proper installation of the rain gutter.
4. A drip edge has to be resistant to possible erosion and should be 36 gauge or larger. It is best to install the drip on a warm day.