When it comes to maintaining your roof and ensuring proper run-off, it is very easy to overlook the smaller things that end up making a big difference. Drip edges and gutter aprons help to manage water flow from the roof to the gutters. They help to reduce the risk of water damage and even though they may look very similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes. In this post, we are going to explore their features, drawbacks, and benefits, so you can understand the part that they play in your roofing system and its general performance.
What is a Drip Edge?
A drip edge is a T-shaped piece of metal flashing. It is installed on the edges of your roof, usually under the shingles. It extends over the fascia. The main focus of it is to try and guide rainwater into the gutters. By doing this, it helps to prevent water from seeping underneath the shingles, which could lead to potential damages, like wood rot, mold, and various other structural issues. Drip edges are usually made out of fiberglass plastic, vinyl, or aluminum. It’s also common to have them made out of copper. The design of them helps to ensure that the flashing is protective and aesthetic in terms of serving a purpose. The installation of the drip edge involves placing it alongside the edges of the roof, before securing it under the shingles. Water is channeled into the gutter system, with the flashing installed along the eaves.
Drip edges aren’t just good for directing water away from the roof though. They are also essential if you want to safeguard other components of your roofing system. Without a proper drip edge, you may find that water ends up running down the roof. From here, it’s easy for it to seep into the gaps between the shingles and fascia. This can lead to structural damage and leaks, and if you’re not careful, it can even cause erosion around the foundation.
In addition to protecting your home from water infiltration, a drip edge also helps to serve an aesthetic purpose. The T-shaped design helps to cover the gap between the shingles and fascia, helping to give you a clean look along the roofline. It also stops pests from being able to enter your home as easily, which is ideal if you live in an area where they are prone.
What is a Gutter Apron?
A gutter apron is an L-shaped piece of metal flashing. It is installed on the junction where the roof connects to the gutter. It functions in a very similar way to a drip edge as it guides any rainwater into the gutter. The design of the gutter apron allows it to provide even bigger protection in certain situations. The L-shaped design of a gutter apron gives it a bit of an advantage here. It stops overflow, and it also stops water from spilling over the edge, which can damage the foundation over time. Gutter aprons tend to be made out of materials that include galvanized steel or even aluminum. Both of these happen to be durable, and they are also resistant to rust. Unlike drip edges, you will find that gutter aprons can be matched so that they match your roof, resulting in a uniform look. The general installation of a gutter apron involves installing one side under the shingles and then securing the other over the edge of your gutter. This ensures that the water can flow more efficiently into your gutter, reducing the chances of it overflowing with time. Additional efficiency like this is very good for homes that have a bigger roof that overhangs, or where the gutter is positioned further away from the edge of the roof.
A Detailed Comparison of Gutter Apron vs Drip Edge
While both a drip edge and gutter apron are very important if you want to ensure proper water management, one thing to take note of is that there are a couple of key differences. The design can vary quite a lot too. If you want to choose the best one for your home then you need to make sure that you consider the benefits, and which one is most suited to your home.
Diversion and Flow Efficiency Explained
The main function of improvements like this is that they direct water away from your roof and guttering. While they both happen to serve this purpose, the shape of them changes how effective they are. A drip edge uses a T-shape, which allows water to run off and drop directly into the gutter. In some cases, the T-shape might not be as efficient. If you are living in an area that has heavy rainfall or if you have a home that has an inefficient roof design then this might not be the best choice. Water can sometimes spill over the edge of the gutter if you don’t have an appropriate channel.
If you opt for the gutter apron however then you will notice that this has an L-shape. This offers more efficient water diversion overall. The L-shape ensures that water is directed from the roof through the apron, before going into the gutter. Even if the gutter is positioned further away from the roofline, you will still have more control over the run-off. If you have a roof with a large overhang or if you experience heavy rainfall then this is the better option. A gutter apron captures water more efficiently and it also adds an extra layer of protection overall.
Protection Against Water-Related Damage
Both a drip edge and a gutter apron will offer you a lot of protection against water-related damage. With that said, the methods do differ quite a lot. If you have a drip edge then this will stop water from seeping out underneath the shingles and it will also stop it from causing rot or mold. In colder climates, having a good drip edge helps to reduce the risk of experiencing things like ice dams, which is when snow refreezes at the roof edge, causing water to pool. If you opt for a gutter apron then this serves the same protective purpose. With that said, it also ensures that water flows right into the gutter system.
Overflowing water from a clogged gutter can result in damage to the fascia, as well as the foundation of your property. If you ensure that you are channeling water properly and if you can make sure that you are investing in your roof then this will help you to reduce the need for gutter cleaning. It will also help to keep debris and water flow in check.
Durability and Materials
Drip edges and gutter aprons tend to be made from very durable materials. With that said, there are some differences in their overall longevity. A drip edge is made out of copper or aluminum which can be prone to things like rust. They can also wear down over time, especially in extreme weather conditions. Over time, a drip edge can become bent or even damaged, especially if you are in a region that is prone to high winds or storms. With that said, materials like this are still good at protecting your roof for years to come. If you opt for a gutter apron then this serves the same protective purpose, but it can be more durable, as they tend to be made out of galvanized steel. This offers additional protection against rust and corrosion. The durability means you won’t have to worry about repairs as often.
Installation and Cost
Drip edges and gutter aprons have to be installed according to strict regulations. A drip edge is easier to install, especially if you have a new roof. Drip edges are required by a lot of building codes too, making them a necessary component. Gutter aprons may require a more careful installation, especially if you are working with non-standard gutter placements or older homes. The gutter system may need to be changed or modified to accommodate this change too. As for cost, a drip edge tends to be cheaper to install than a gutter apron. Since it’s easier to install, it requires fewer materials, and this translates to lower costs.