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Should Metal Roof Overhang Drip Edge Gutter?

One question that seems to have no definitive answer is how long metal roof overhang drip edge gutters should be?

Experts in building construction agree that metal roofs should overhang drip edge gutter by as much as ½ to 2 inches. The eave’s roof sides’ panels will have to overhang into gutters by 1- 1 ½ inch. On the other hand, you may overhang a panel over the edge of the gutter by up to 3 inches if you install metal over a non-gutter application.

The Metal Roofers Chattanooga service providers define a drip edge as an “L” shaped metal sheet installed on the roof’s edge to redirect water away from the fascia and into the gutter. Drip edges become essential in several cases because they protect a property’s architectural components from the effect of wind-driven rainfall.

 How Metal Roofing Panels Are Installed As Overhang On Drip Edge Gutter?

The metal roofing panel installation begins at the gable end of the building’s roof, directly opposite the rain-bearing wind. This design will prevent windy rain from being forced under the laps of the metal panels.

Measure a width on the panel from the edge of the roof and then mark with a chalk line from the ridge to the eave. Place the leading first panel’s edge along your chalk line. It is also important that the first panel is laid in a square position to the ridge and eave so that the remaining panels will also line up square on the frame of the roof.

You may want to have a person assist you at the eave and at the ridge to ensure the proper panel coverage across the roof. It is also important to ensure that panels are adequately side-lapped for a water-tight seal.

As recommended, you must overhang the panels located on the roof’s eaves side into the gutters by between 1 and 1 ½ inches. If you are installing the metal roof over a non-gutter application, the panels may overhang up to 3 inches.

In a situation where metal roofing panels are end-lapped, it is important to make the slope’s upper panel overlap the lower panel on the slope. The lower roof slope will always require a larger amount of panel overlap.   All the end-lapped panels will need two horizontal rows completed with butyl sealant tape to create a water-tight seal.

How Important Is Drip Edge For Metal Roof?

Most building codes now require drip edge for metal roofs. There are several reasons why a metal roof needs a drip edge. Most importantly, a home located in a region with lots of wind-driven rain will need a drip edge on its roof.

A drip edge will allow water to fall off from the fascia, and this will help keep eaves and rakes dry always. The rake, for instance, is more exposed; hence you may notice water damage on it quicker, especially when there is no drip edge. In addition to this, a drip edge will effectively seal any gap existing between the deck of the roof and the fascia board- This will help eliminate any movement between these two components.

It is easy for people to assume that a metal roof does not require gutters, especially when a drip edge is available. This may be true largely because the standard seam metal roofs are designed to diver water without the need for gutters.

However, it is incorrect to assume that all homes with metal roofs and drip edges don’t require gutters. Panel metal roofs, for instance, may require gutters depending on the local weather situation, placement of hips, valleys, and roof pitch.

The most important consideration for installing drip edges and gutters is that metal roofs must conduct and transport water away from the fascia and foundation of the home. Any other consideration should be secondary. Drip edge is therefore important in assisting gutters to divert water away from key structures, thus preventing costly repairs in water damages.

Fortunately, many roofing installers offer roofing systems that include drip edge; hence you don’t have to order for them separately.  In addition to the pre-installed drip edge, the roofing system may not require any modification at the installation point.

On the steeper roofs, for instance, some modifications may be necessary. The drip edge may be bent inside a siding brake, for instance, to make installation easier and provide a tighter fit. Another importance of the drip edge is that it complements the appearance and functionality of metal roofing systems.

The drip edge is designed to hold down the bottom of the first row of the metal panels. When installing the item yourself, you must ensure that the drip edge remains straight and square to the plane of the roof. It must not have any wave to the fascia – any wave to the fascia can lead to the fascia’s flooding.

You will have to cut and bend the drip edge trim on the external area to conform to the rake’s edge and the roof’s inner and outer areas. When you are adjoining the drip edge sections, simply cut the front nose at an angle to create a tighter overlap and outright fit.

Sometimes you may have to cut the bottom hem also to create a tight fit. Once the drip edge installation on the eaves is completed, you may need to install a synthetic shingle (water-proof option is preferred), over the drip edge as an underlay. Many roofing codes do recommend this step.

Other Things You Should Know About Drip Edge

Many people often ask if there are different kinds of drip edges sold out there. The issue is, most roof drip edges are sold in 10 ½” lengths, and sometimes you may see them in smaller lengths too. The length of the overhang varies between 2 and 5″.

Drip edges comes in different materials, the commonest ones are; Plastic, fiberglass, vinyl, and of course the corrosion-free metals. The corrosion-free or corrosion-resistant options are simply the best and most durable. Fiberglass and plastic are also durable and strong, and these are cheaper than metal drip edges.

Metal drip edges could come in the form of Aluminum, Galvanized steel, and copper, with Aluminum drip edges being the most preferable option. Aluminum metal drip edge is pliable, more corrosion resistant, and can be found in different fascinating colors.

Steel drip edges are stronger than aluminum drip edges but must be galvanized to prevent corrosion. Drip edges are designed to come in contact with water often, hence the need to protect them from water damages.

There are three primary types of drip edges, these are; The “L” shape, which are considered the classic and most traditional. The L-shape is also referred to as the “C” Type. Other types are the “T-shaped), which are also known as the “D-metal”, and the “F-style” which is also referred to as the “Gutter Apron”.

The T-shape type of drip edges are perhaps the most desirable option, and they keep water away from the fascia efficiently. The T-shape drip edges are mostly utilized for the eaves. The F-shape or gutter apron drip edges are mostly used when new edges installation take place over existing rake edges or shingles.

During installation, drip edges, valleys, rakes, sidewall flashing and end-wall are installed before meal panels are fixed down. Though, this arrangement may be counter-intuitive for installers installing asphalt but it remains a necessary procedure when meal roofs are being installed.

If you are installing a metal roof yourself, experts recommend you cut panels from the top and cut down towards the pre-formed bend located at the bottom.  This option of cutting will provide a clean shear and the rolled edge will remain intact for efficient locking.

Experts also suggest that you always install panels from right to left and then from bottom to top. Begin the installation from the bottom right corner of the deck of the roof.

Always Handle metal panels efficiently by carrying them on their edge instead of resting them flat to prevent them from bending. The use of non-marking, soft sole shoes are also recommended, especially when walking on installed roof panels.

Handling metal roofing can be more complex that the steps highlighted above and only a consultancy with professional installers can help you achieve the best possible results.

Conclusion

It is easy to make a number of errors when installing metal rood and this is the reason why professional installers are very essential. Many homeowners don’t even have the basic tools for installation, including cordless driver, to drill down components talk-less of tools like; hand -seamer and tinsnips for cutting and manipulating metals.

Security also matters when it comes to handling and ensuring accuracy. It is important metal gloves with foam pad for extra safety. Also, items like power shear, circular saw, sheet metal brake, and table saw can also make installation a lot easier.

To avoid any form of risks and have a guaranteed metal roof installation, it pays to consult with professional installers.

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