How Much Drip Edge Do I Need? Pieces for Eaves and Rakes

How the count works

Pieces must overlap, so each one adds a little less than its full length. With 10 ft pieces and a 2 inch overlap each adds 9 ft 10 in, and the first piece has no overlap. The calculator divides the run, less one overlap, by that length, adds 5% for cuts and rounds up for the eaves and the rakes separately, because the two are cut and joined separately.

Pieces for common roofs

With 10 ft pieces, a 2 in overlap and a 6/12 pitch for the four gable rakes (two at each end):

Overlap and piece length

For 100 ft of eaves with 10 ft pieces, the overlap changes the count a little:

And for the same 100 ft with a 2 in overlap, the piece length:

What the code asks for

• Drip edge at the eaves and the rake edges of shingle roofs (IRC R905.2.8.5).
• Pieces overlapped at least 2 inches.
• The edge extends at least 1/4 inch below the sheathing and at least 2 inches back up the roof deck.
• Fastened at no more than 12 inches on center.
• Underlayment goes over the drip edge at the eaves and under it at the rakes.

Local codes and shingle makers can ask for more, so check them before you buy.

Fitting it well

• Fit the eaves first, then the rakes, so that the rake pieces overlap the eave pieces and shed water onto them.
• Overlap each joint in the direction of the water flow, with the upper piece over the lower.
• Use nails of the same metal as the edge, to avoid corrosion where two metals touch.
• Cut with snips and file the cut edge so that it does not cut the shingles or your hands.
• When you reroof, replace bent or rusted edge: it costs little compared with the shingles.

Count the shingles with the roofing calculator, and see the ridge cap calculator for the peaks and the gutter calculator for the water it sends away. These are typical lengths and code minimums: read your product's instructions.

Frequently asked questions