Why your roof might be rotting from the inside out without you knowing
In short: General contractor Tom Silva explains why a missing or poorly placed drip edge allows water to damage your home structure. Learn the precise spacing required to keep moisture away from your fascia and sheathing.
A drip edge is a critical component for roof longevity. Without one, surface tension pulls rainwater directly into the exposed ends of your roof sheathing. This process leads to decay in the fascia boards and the underlying structural framework. Even with a metal drip edge installed, problems persist if the metal sits flush against the fascia, as this contact point can still wick water into the wood.
To prevent this, Tom Silva recommends maintaining a small space between the metal edge and the fascia, roughly the width of a finger. Additionally, shingles should extend past the drip edge by three-eighths to one-half of an inch. These components are readily available at standard home improvement retailers.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Testing Drip Edge Installations on Roofing | Ask This Old House
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/society-testing-drip-edge-installations-on-roofing-ask-this-old-hous.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in DIY & home improvement · More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics
