Roof Drip Edge Types: What to Know About Each One

There are three main roof drip edge types, each with a unique use case. Type C drip edge is most common on eaves without gutters, Type D is most common where there is no roof overhang, and Type F, also called gutter aprons, are designed to drop water directly into gutters. The right type of roof drip edge for you will depend on your roof design and material, as well as the climate in your area.

What Is a Roof Drip Edge?

Roof drip edges are pieces of angled metal at the roof's edge extending over the fascia boards. They direct water running off the roof away from your home for safe disposal. 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 complement gutter systems or exist without them. In both cases, the drip edges help drain water away from the roof, preventing damage to the soffit and fascia.

1. Type C Drip Edges

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 fascia and soffits 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. 

Best for: Roofs with a low slope and metal roofs.

2. Type D Drip Edges

Type D drip edges are also known as Type T edges because their profile resembles a “T” shape. Because of their “T” shape style, Type D drip edges extend further away from the roof than a Type C edge. They’re most common on roof slopes that end at the exterior wall of the building, where directing water further from the roof is necessary for safe disposal.

Because of their more complicated structure, Type D edges have a higher price tag. On average, they cost between $10 and $15 per 10 linear feet.

Best for: Roof edges that end at the exterior wall with no overhang.

3. Type F Drip Edges

Type F drip edges resemble Type C drip edges, but they extend further down your fascia boards to lead water directly into your gutters. As such, they’re only an option if you have a gutter system installed.

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: Homes that also have gutter systems installed.

Drip Edge Materials

Drip edges are available in a few different materials, including aluminum, steel, and copper. Steel and copper are the most durable, but aluminum is the most affordable.

Aluminum

Pros

• Lightweight

• Inexpensive

• Available in multiple colors

• Corrosion resistant

Cons

• Not as strong as other metals

• Less resistant to strong winds

Galvanized Steel 

Pros

• Strong

• Resistant to high winds

• Rust resistant

• Ideal for high-moisture climates

Cons

• More expensive

• Heavier than aluminum

Copper 

Pros

• Durable

• Beautiful aesthetic

• Corrosion resistant

• Naturally avoids mold and algae growth

Cons

• Very expensive

Can I Install Roof Drip Edges Myself? 

It’s possible to install the materials yourself, and doing so lets you avoid the cost of Installing a drip edge, an average of around $575 for an average-sized roof. However, you need to install drip edges under your roofing material, so in most cases, replacing them involves replacing at least a portion of your roof. We recommend having a professional carry out any roof work, including drip edge installation, to avoid leaks and other issues.

Additionally, roof work of any type can be dangerous, so hiring a local roofing company to get the job done can help keep you and your home safe.