Common Mistakes With Roof Edge Treatments

The edge of the roof along the eaves can be a vulnerable spot on your home, and protecting it from hazards such as pests and water damage can require specific techniques and materials during the roofing process.

Here are some common mistakes that can occur with the roof edge during the roofing process.

1. No Drip Edge Flashing
The drip edge flashing is a vitally important part of roof edge treatment, but sometimes it's installed incorrectly or even left out altogether. Some homeowners are under the impression that drip edge is just to help drips fall into the center of the gutter, but it does so much more. If the roof has no drip edge flashing, the fascia board can be wide open to pests and water damage.

Because it's so close to the gutter, rain can splash up against the exposed fascia board, and the increased humidity from the nearby water can also help encourage rot and mold. But in addition, the dripping rain can wick up against the underside of the eaves, furthering the water damage even more.

Under the edge of the roof, the drip edge is supposed to cover a gap called a builder's gap. Without it, larger pests such as rodents can crawl in through this gap. Bats, mice, rats, and birds can easily enter if the drip edge isn't there.

2. Incorrect Layering
During the installation process, the underlayment, drip edge, and the asphalt shingles need correct layering. For example, at corners, the overlapping section of drip edge on gable edges should overlap the drip edge on the eaves. And while many people realize that shingles should be the top layer, overlapping the drip edge and underlayment isn't always as straightforward.

Incorrect layering can allow water to breach the structure more easily in the event of an ice dam incident. Sometimes a workaround may be necessary if building code and manufacturer instructions differ on how the installation requires its layering. An experienced roofing contractor can figure out how to comply with code and provide ice dam resistance at the same time.

3. No Ice and Water Shield
Your roof's underlayment should increase water resistance, help provide a buffer between the asphalt roofing and the roof decking, and improve fire resistance. But in addition to the typical tar paper underlayment under most of your roof, you need a special waterproof underlayment for the edges and roof valleys.

Without this waterproof underlayment, often called an ice and water shield, your roof will be more vulnerable to ice damming. Ice dams are created when ice freezes on the edge of the roof and melted snow builds up behind it. Making the edge of your roof extra waterproof reduces the chances that a small ice dam will cause a leak.

Typically, ice and water shield should be on the lower portion of the roof at the eaves. If no ice and water shield is present, ice damming can cause leaks that destroy attic insulation, cause flooding, destroy belongings, and cause mold and rot problems.

These are just some of the common mistakes that can occur when installing the roof edge at the eaves. Choosing a responsible, skilled roofing installation expert can help decrease the chances of problems with your roof edge treatments. You can also check the job proposal to make sure it includes all the drip edge flashing and waterproof underlayment that you need.

Cal Roofing Systems Inc. offers roofing replacements for a variety of roof types, including clay or concrete tile, asphalt, and flat roofs. Get in touch to learn more about what we can do for you and your roof.