When you look at a professional roofing quote, you’ll likely see a line item for "Drip Edge." While it might sound like an optional accessory, this small strip of metal is actually a powerhouse of protection for your home’s structure.

What is a Drip Edge?

A drip edge is a L-shaped metal flashing that is installed along the very edges of your roof. It sits underneath the first layer of shingles and hangs slightly over your soffit and fascia .

Its job is simple but vital: it uses gravity to ensure that water "drips" off the roof and directly into your gutters, rather than "wicking" backward and soaking into your wooden roof deck or fascia board.

Why Does Your Home Need It?

Without a drip edge, water doesn't always behave. Due to surface tension, water can actually curl around the edge of your shingles and run down behind your gutters. Over time, this leads to:

  • Rotting Fascia Boards: The wood behind your gutters stays constantly damp and eventually turns soft.

  • Foundation Issues: Water that misses the gutter pours directly next to your foundation.

  • Ice Dams: In Illinois winters, a lack of drip edge makes it easier for ice to back up under your shingles.

  • Pest Entry: The metal strip also helps "close the gap" between the roof deck and the fascia, making it harder for small pests or squirrels to find a way into your attic.

The Stan's Standard

At Stan's Roofing & Siding, we consider a drip edge a non-negotiable part of a high-quality roofing system. While some contractors might skip it to lower their bid, we know that this "tiny shield" is what keeps your home's "skeleton" dry for decades.