Roof Drip Edge Types: What to Know About Each One
Keep rain from drip dropping into your roof with the proper edge
There's more than meets the eye when it comes to your roof's structure. Beyond the shingles, a whole world of parts is essential to the roof’s drainage and maintenance, including the drip edge. Without a properly functioning drip edge, your roof will likely rot and leak.
Depending on the type of roof, the roof's material, and the roof's size, you’ll have a different drip edge profile. Here’s how the three roof drip edge types stack up and which is ideal for your roof.
What Is a Roof Drip Edge?
Roof drip edges are pieces of angled metal at the roof's edge extending over a house's fascia. They keep water off the roof and out of the home. In most areas, roof drip edges are required in the housing code for new builds, but they might not be present in all homes.
Roof drip edges can be installed in addition to a home’s gutter system or installed on their own. In both cases, the drip edges help drain water away from the roof, preventing damage to the soffit and fascia. You’ll find drip edges in areas that commonly have rain with wind. Wind can push water upward, causing damage to the roof’s underlayment. A good drip edge can prevent this damage.
| Type of Drip Edge | Cost per 10 Linear Feet |
|---|---|
| Type C (Type L) | $3–$10 |
| Type D (Type T) | $10–$15 |
| Type F | $3–$10 |
1. Type C Drip Edges
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Hard to install over an existing roof |
| Good fit for flat or metal roofs | Less effective for steep roofs |
Type C drip edges are sometimes called Type L because of their shape. They are the simplest type of drip edge. They’re metal bent at a right angle, with a small flare on the bottom edge. Though simple in design, Type C drip edges will keep water away from the roof with their curved edge.
Type C drip edges are simple in design and the most affordable, costing between $3 and $10 per 10 linear feet on average.
Type C drip edges can help channel water off the roof, but they’re not ideal for steep roofs or areas that experience rain with high winds.
Best for: Roofs with a low profile and metal roofs.
2. Type D Drip Edges
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works with most roofs | Expensive |
| Keeps water further from the fascia | Hard to install over an existing roof |
Type D drip edges are also known as Type T edges because their profile resembles a “T” shape. Like Type C edges, Type D edges channel water away from the roof's fascia. Because of their “T” shape style, Type D drip edges extend further past the gutter than a Type C edge. That extended shape can be helpful for higher-pitched roofs, but Type D drip edges are a good fit for any type of roof, as they’ll keep water far from the roof structure.
Because of their more complicated structure, Type D edges have a higher price tag: on average, $10 and $15 per 10 linear feet.
Best for: Homes with steep roofs and areas that experience more wind and rain.
3. Type F Drip Edges
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Added protection from wind/rain | Won’t work on all roofs |
| Can be installed over an existing roof | More visible leading edge |
Type F drip edges resemble Type D drip edges, but the leading edge is even longer. These extended drip edges are easier to install over existing roofs, making them ideal for homeowners who need to replace a drip edge but not the entire roof.
Its extended shape is also good for areas that experience high winds or lots of rain, as it provides added protection to the roof structure and keeps water from seeping behind the gutter.
Type F drip edges cost between $3 and $10 per 10 linear feet, on average.
Best for: Windy and rainy climates and replacing drip edges over an existing roof.
Drip Edge Materials
| Material | Cost Per 10 Linear Feet |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $3–$10 |
| Galvanized Steel | $5–$12 |
| Copper | $35–$75 |
Drip edges come in multiple profile shapes and various metals. While all the materials can withstand the elements, some are better suited for different climates, types of roofs, or certain aesthetics.
Aluminum Edges
Pros
Lightweight
Inexpensive
Can be coated in enamel for multiple finishes
Corrosion resistant
Cons
Not as strong as other metals
Less weather resistant than stronger metals, might not stand up to high winds
Price: $3–$10 per 10 linear feet
Galvanized Steel
Pros
Strong
Resistant to high winds
Coated in zinc to prevent rust
Ideal for high-moisture climates
Cons
More expensive
Steel must be flashed to prevent rust and corrosion
Price: $5–$12 per 10 linear feet
Copper
Pros
Durable
Develops a natural patina, which can add an element of charm to your roofline
Corrosion resistant
Holds up well in extreme weather and will last longer than other metals
Cons
Most expensive drip edge material
The look isn’t for everyone or every style of home
Price: $35–$75 per 10 linear feet
Can I Install Roof Drip Edges Myself?
Installing a drip edge costs around $575 for an average-sized roof, but it can vary depending on the materials and type of roof drip edge. If you’re on a tighter budget, it may be tempting to save by installing the drip edges yourself.
But roof work of any type can be dangerous. On average, roofing contractors charge between $45 and $75 an hour. DIYing the roof drip edge will only save you a few hundred dollars, which might not be worth it based on the risk. Additionally, incorrectly installing a drip edge could lead to bigger roofing issues, including a shortened lifespan for the roof or leaks inside your home.
Unless you’re an experienced DIYer in roofing projects, like replacing fascia on a home, it’s worth finding a roofing professional near you to tackle the project.
Additional Costs
When protecting your roof and home, drip edges are just one part of the ecosystem. They are closely tied to your home’s gutter as well as fascia and soffit board materials.
If you’re replacing the drip edges on your roof, there’s a chance you may have to replace other roofing parts at the same time. The cost to replace fascia and soffit on a roof costs between $600 to $6,000, while the cost to replace gutters is between $4 and $30 per linear foot, on average.
Alternatives to Drip Edges
You can also choose gutter aprons to protect your home from moisture—but there are differences between gutter aprons and roof drip edges.
The primary difference between gutter aprons and roof edges is that aprons are designed to work with gutter systems, while roof drip edges can be installed on their own or with gutters. Additionally, gutter aprons are ideally installed at the same time as a new roof, while some drip edges can be installed independently of a new roof.
Gutter aprons can be installed instead of drip edges, but only if your home has a gutter system.