Roofing (cont., pg. 6)

Other Roofing Considerations

A roof that does the job you’re looking for isn’t just about shingles or tiles.  There are other components you can add that give the roof extra protective qualities.

 

 

“Drip edge” (shown above) is L-shaped aluminum strips which fasten above the fascia board and under the lowest course of shingles.

It ensures that rain flows from shingles into gutter and not behind it, or underneath roof decking.

Drip edge is optional.  Many builders don’t use it, relying instead on shingles to overhang the gutter and direct the flow of water.

Your roofer will charge extra to install drip edge.  I haven’t used it myself, lately.  As long as the bottom course of shingles sufficiently overhangs the gutter, you should be ok. 

Drip edge is fairly cheap, however, and it does add some extra protection.  You may consider it low-cost insurance.

The v-shaped section of your roof is known as a “valley.” Valleys get the heaviest rainfall flow of any part of the roof.  If your roof ever leaks, it will most likely happen here. Valley metal is an 8-10” strip of aluminum flashing or galvanized steel which is fastened to the wood decking, over the felt and underneath the shingles.  If rain ever penetrates valley shingles, the metal will prevent it from penetrating the house. It costs more to install, but I always use it.  I consider it a form of insurance that has a one-time premium.

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