How Much Does It Cost to Install a Drip Edge? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $150 - $1,000

Installing drip edge costs about $575 for the average roof, or between $150 and $1,000, depending on the type or drip edge and whether you hire a pro.

How we get this data
A two-story gray brick house with a garage
Photo: Pavel Losevsky / Adobe Stock
A two-story gray brick house with a garage
Photo: Pavel Losevsky / Adobe Stock

Drip edge installation costs $1 to $3 per linear foot on average, with most homeowners spending a total of $150 to $1,000 on an installation project. But if you choose a unique style and high-end material like copper, a drip edge can cost as much as $15 per linear foot. A drip edge is a type of metal flashing that prevents water from getting inside your roof by directing it into your gutters. Sometimes referred to as just “flashing,” a drip edge is placed at a roof's edges to help guide water away from the fascia. Without it, water can get behind your gutters and rot the roof decking and fascia board. This guide will help you plan your budget.

Drip Edge Installation Cost Factors

Drip edge installation costs vary a bit based on factors like material, the length of your roof, the type of drip edge you choose, and more. Here’s how it breaks down.

New Roof Installation vs. Current Roof

When determining the price of installing drip edges, the biggest factor is whether or not it's part of a new roof installation. While you can install drip edges if your current roof does not have them, they won’t be as effective. In this case, you’ll pay for materials plus roofing labor. When folded into the price of a new roof, the cost of drip edges is nominal.

Size of Roof

The size of your roof will directly impact how much you pay to install drip edge. If you have an existing drip edge and only need to install it on part of your roof, you’ll pay less. You’ll pay between $1 and $3 per linear foot of drip edge. 

Linear FeetCost Range
150$150–$300
300$300–$600
600$600–$1,200
900$900–$1,800
1,200$1,200–$2,400

Height of Roof

It’s a lot simpler to install a drip edge on a roof you can easily reach with a ladder. Contractors will charge more for the job if your home has a higher roof that’s difficult to access. Sometimes, they’ll even need to use special equipment.

Layout of Roof

Particularly complex roofs may increase the cost of installing a drip edge because it requires more time and effort from your pro. A steep roof pitch or multi-story home will also increase the price.

Labor

Most roofing contractors charge $45 to $75 per hour. In other words, the longer they’re working on your roof, the more the job is going to cost. Expect to spend a larger chunk of change if your drip edge installation is complicated and your contractor needs to make other repairs.

Cost of Drip Edge by Material

Drip edges cost anywhere from $3 to $75 per 10 linear feet, excluding labor. Common metals—like aluminum or galvanized steel—are on the low end of that cost range. You’ll spend more for a specialty metal.

MaterialCost Per 10 Linear Feet
Aluminum$3 – $10
Galvanized Steel$5 – $12
Copper$35 – $75

Aluminum

Aluminum drip edge flashing runs approximately $3 to $10 per 10 linear feet, depending on what style you choose. Aluminum is a common material for drip edges. While it isn’t as strong as steel, it doesn’t corrode. It’s also popular because you can find it in many colors.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel drip edge runs approximately $5 to $12 per 10 linear feet, depending on the style you choose. Galvanized steel drip edges prevent rust and must be a minimum of 24-gauge steel to withstand strong winds. 

Copper

Copper drip edge runs approximately $35 to $75 per 10 linear feet, depending on what style you choose. Copper gives a roof a unique look. It must be a minimum of 0.69 millimeters or 20 ounces. 

Cost of Drip Edge by Type

Style plays a role in the cost of your drip edge installation. The standard drip edge is L-shaped, but you may need or want a different type of drip edge depending on your existing roof. Here’s how the prices vary.

Drip Edge StyleAverage Cost
Type C$3 – $10 per 10 linear feet
Type D$10 – $15 per 10 linear feet
Type F$3 – $10 per 10 linear feet

Type C

Type C costs approximately $3 to $10 per 10 linear feet, depending on what material you choose. Type C (sometimes called L style) is L-shaped. It’s bent at a 90-degree angle and has a flange at the bottom. 

Type D

Type D costs approximately $10 to $15 per 10 linear feet, depending on the material. This style drip edge is shaped like a T with a flange at the bottom. It is also called drip metal, D-metal, or T style. This style keeps the water farther away from the fascia.

Type F

Type F—also called F style or gutter apron—costs approximately $3 to $10 per 10 linear feet, again, depending on your material. It has an extended drip edge with a longer leading edge. This style is typical when installing new drip edges over existing shingles or on rake edges. 

Installing a Drip Edge Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Roof work can be dangerous and requires a lot of know-how—and a tall ladder. This is a job best left to a roofing professional near you. However, if you choose to install drip edge yourself, you will save about $45 to $75 per hour on labor, which could come to a few hundred dollars. This will leave you with a materials cost of $1 to $15 per linear feet of drip edge, depending on the type you choose. You will also need a tape measure, hammer, pencil, ladder, small roofing nails, and tin snips, which could add more than $100 to your cost if you need to buy those tools and materials. 

Pro Tip

It should be standard operating procedure for homeowners and professional crews to install a drip edge to ensure water is being directed into the gutters and moved away from the home. Routinely cleaning clogged gutters can also mitigate roof leaks.

Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling

Cost of Common Add-Ons

Drip edges are just a piece of what protects your home from water damage. It works in conjunction with your gutters, fascia boards, and soffit boards. Often, homeowners need to replace or repair these crucial parts of their roofs at the same time. You may need to add the following to your budget:

How to Save On Drip Edge Installation Costs

If you’re already building a new roof or replacing your roof, the best way to save on installation costs is to have your contractor add a drip edge at the same time. Adding a drip edge on an already existing roof can get complicated, and it will drive up labor costs. Other ways to save include:

  • Choosing aluminum or galvanized steel.

  • Choosing a standard Type C drip edge.

  • Choosing a roofer with affordable rates and excellent reviews.

Many contractors don’t automatically install drip edges during roof construction, so you’ll need to ask upfront. Before signing any contract, remember to get a quote from at least three different contractors. This can help you gauge the typical local cost so you get the best value at the highest quality.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, because it prevents water damage, deters pests from accessing the roof decking, protects the roof from wind damage, and lengthens the roof's life. Plus, building codes require it. 

A drip edge can last many decades (over 20 years typically) if properly installed. Drip edges are usually replaced at the same time as a fascia board since the roof fascia is what a drip edge adheres to. 

The recommended drip edge gauge is between 24 and 36 to ensure it's resistant to corrosion. This ensures water is redirected from the roof fascia and into the gutter properly.

Yes, but it won't be as effective as installing it as part of a new roof because it won't be as water-resistant. However, a drip edge installed after the fact is better than no drip edge at all.

Metal roofs do not technically require a drip edge if the roof overhangs at least one inch, because the roof's slant will cause water to flow away from the structure. But a drip edge would be an added level of protection for a metal roof to help keep moisture issues at bay.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to roofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Ceramic tiled roof on house
Jan 10, 2025
Jan 10, 2025
A new roof improves curb appeal, increases home and keeps your living space protected from the elements. Learn about average roof replacement costs to set your budget.
Detail of a roof with a garret house among trees
Jan 10, 2025
Jan 10, 2025
Sealing your roof can help preserve its life span—you just have to choose the right coating. This guide will help you budget for your total roof coating cost.
A Cape Cod style house with a steep roof
Jan 14, 2025
Jan 14, 2025
Raising the roof on a Cape Cod house adds valuable living space. Learn how much it costs to raise the roof on a Cape Cod house and what affects the price.
A worker installing new roof
Dec 13, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
If you want to attempt to DIY a roof replacement, follow these steps on how to replace a roof without a professional.
A beautiful house lit at twilight
Dec 11, 2024
Dec 11, 2024
Do roofers have to be licensed? This guide will run through roofing licenses by state, so you know exactly what to look for when hiring a roofing contractor.
A house with metal roof and solar panels
Dec 9, 2024
Dec 9, 2024
Installing solar panels on a metal roof can mean more energy efficiency, as well as earn you some tax credits.
Share project details to get started.