What is the difference between a drip edge extension and a standard drip edge?

When you hire someone to work on your roof or gutters, they might talk about a "drip edge" and a "drip edge extension." At first, they sound the same, but they have different uses. Knowing the difference helps you pick the best one for your home.

A standard drip edge is a piece of metal flashing that goes under the roofing material at the edges. Its job is to keep water from getting under shingles by directing it away from the fascia and into the gutters. This part is necessary for all new roofs.

On the other hand, a drip edge extension is an improvement. It's a strip that goes on top of an existing drip edge to make it longer. If your gutters are too far from the roofline, your fascia has warped, or you've put in gutter guards that change the way they line up, you might need this. In short, it connects your roof and gutter so that water can flow properly into the drainage system.

People who own homes often add drip edge extensions when they replace or update their roofs. Some older homes don't have the right drip edges, which lets water get behind the gutters and cause rot. An extension is a quick and easy fix that doesn't involve taking off the whole roof.

There is also a difference in how well they work. Standard drip edges keep water from getting on the roof, but extensions make gutters work better, especially when it rains hard. You can also put them in to fix the angles of the drainage or to match the profiles of new gutters.

Choosing the right material is important for both. Depending on where you live and what you like, most are made of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper. Aluminum is still the most popular choice because it is strong, light, and doesn't rust.

A drip edge extension might be just what you need if your gutters are overflowing, your fascia is showing signs of water damage, or you see stains under your eaves. It's easy to put in and makes your gutter system work better right away.

Both types work together to keep your roofline safe. Start with a good drip edge for new roofs. Add an extension to an existing roof to make it work better. No matter what, your goal is the same: to keep water where it belongs.

Guttahs.com has Drip Edge Extensions that fit every type of roofing system and are easy to install.